Browns GM defends Joshua Dobbs decision after rookie debacle

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry trading journeyman quarterback Joshua Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals in late August ultimately left rookie fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson as Cleveland's starter for what became a 28-3 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday. 

"In terms of trading Josh, obviously we had a high opinion of Josh," Berry told reporters on Wednesday, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "He had been here for two seasons. I’ve often talked up here about the general manager’s role having a foot in the present and a foot in the future. That consideration, in that transaction, has elements of that. Thought it was the best decision. We’re really excited to work with Dorian and see him progress and develop. But thought it was the right move for the organization, both short and long term." 

Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson seemed on track to play through a bruised throwing shoulder against Baltimore but became inactive for the contest after he struggled through his pregame warmup. Thompson-Robinson then completed 19-of-36 pass attempts for just 121 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in the defeat that dropped Cleveland to 2-2. 

Dobbs, meanwhile, emerged as one of the NFL's more positive stories across the season's first four weeks. While the Cardinals are 1-3, ESPN stats show the 28-year-old began Week 5 ranked eighth in the league among qualified players with a 67.6 adjusted QBR and 10th with a 99.4 passer rating. Dobbs has tossed four touchdown passes and no interceptions across his first four starts with Arizona. 

P.J. Walker made five starts for the Carolina Panthers last season and served as Cleveland's primary backup versus Baltimore. Berry insisted Wednesday that the team felt "good" going with Thompson-Robinson over Walker for the divisional clash that ended poorly for the Browns. 

As shared by Nick Shook of the NFL's website, Berry added on Wednesday that the Browns are optimistic Watson's shoulder will "heal in the short and he'll be ready to go" after the team's bye. Cleveland hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 15 after the 4-0 49ers welcome the 3-1 Dallas Cowboys to Levi's Stadium this Sunday night.