Kevin Stefanski send massage to Dorian Thompson-Robinson ahead of of Steelers game

Kevin Stefanski stresses Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s need to “play it easy and don’t worry.”

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson made the shocking announcement this morning that he will need season-ending shoulder surgery.
Later, more surprising news came from Cleveland.
Coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start Sunday at quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers, replacing PJ Walker, who has played in two and five games for the Browns this season.

When Thompson-Robinson, a rookie at UCLA, started against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, he went just 19 of 36 for 121 yards and three interceptions in a 28-3 loss.
Pittsburgh has a 10-plus turnover percentage this year, but Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stressed the importance of Thompson-Robinson not being too focused on the football and feeling confident enough to play without worry.

“I think there is a safe way to play this game without worrying.
But not careless.
You have to take care of the ball.
We know that success rate is the key to winning or losing.
I know Pittsburgh leads the league with a +10 turnover margin.
They took care of the ball.
They didn’t give much of it and it was a lot to pack. So we understand that.
We understand that this is part of the game.
We take care of the ball as each play progresses,” Stefanski said, according to a transcript provided by the Browns.
The Steelers were able to avoid turning the ball over as QB Kenny Pickett hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 4. Their defense has been opportunistic, and that was the case against Cleveland in Week 2. The Steelers had two defensive touchdowns.
One was a fumble and the other was an interception on the first play from scrimmage.
If Pittsburgh can apply pressure and force Thompson-Robinson to take some plays that underperform and confuse the young signal-caller, he should be in good shape.
Thompson-Robinson struggled in his first start and had plenty of turnovers, but he didn’t know he would play until the morning before the game.
He was thrown into the proverbial fire, but was named the starter on Wednesday morning, so he will be training all week to prepare to be a starter.
Stefanski says this is important for him to be prepared from the moment of discovery.

“I think it’s important for him to prepare all week this week knowing he’s going to start.
All of our backups tell us that, and it’s true,” Stefanski said.
“He should be ready to go after the first game.
If you need to tie up your starting pitcher after the second game, you’re good to go.
So he prepared all season and felt it was the right thing to do for the team.”

There can be no adjustment period for Thompson-Robinson against the Steelers defense.
With the offensive line capable of disrupting the play of both starters, the Browns and Thompson-Robinson need to get into a rhythm and T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith had an impact on the game.
A week of preparation for Pittsburgh will be beneficial for the starting quarterback.
News of Watson’s death tips the scales in Pittsburgh’s favor, but it looks like it will be a typical AFC North slugfest on Sunday. Both the Steelers and Browns rely on the running game and both have defenses that can make plays and change the flow of the game.
Even with the unproven Thompson-Robinson center, they can’t beat the Browns in a game in Cleveland.