On Thursday night, the New York Jets suffered their 10th defeat of the season against the Cleveland Browns, who secured a playoff spot for only the second time since 2002. The Jets have faced a challenging year, losing Aaron Rodgers after just four snaps and cycling through four different quarterbacks.
During the game, the Jets accumulated 12 penalties for a total of 74 yards, solidifying their position as the most penalized team in the NFL. Despite another loss, head coach Robert Saleh appeared unfazed when a reporter commented on his demeanor, prompting Saleh to suggest throwing the podium on the floor humorously.
Since Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, the Jets have struggled offensively, while the Browns have found success following the season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson. Joe Flacco, who joined the Browns last month, boasts a 4-1 record as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. In the Thursday night game, Flacco threw for an impressive 294 yards in the first half, concluding the match with 309 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and an interception.
Reflecting on his performance, Flacco expressed gratitude for the moment, stating, “You don’t know how many of these moments you’re going to get. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.” Flacco, who spent the last three years of his career with the Jets and went 1-8 as a starter, has revitalized his game in Cleveland, consistently surpassing 300 passing yards in four of his five starts.
Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley acknowledged Flacco’s resurgence, commenting, “Everybody always joked, even in Baltimore, was he elite? He’s showing it.” Mosley expressed happiness for Flacco’s success despite the Jets’ desire for a win. With one game left in their schedule, the Browns remain in contention for the top spot in the AFC.
