Just one month ago, Joe Flacco questioned whether he’d have another opportunity to step onto the NFL field. Fast forward to today, and the 38-year-old is now the designated starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for the remainder of the season.
In a triumphant Sunday performance, Flacco guided the Browns to a 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, prompting Browns coach Kevin Stefanski to affirm Flacco as the team’s starting quarterback. Stefanski expressed confidence in Flacco’s experience in high-stakes games, stating, “Joe’s been in big games. So feel comfortable with him leading the football team.”
During his second consecutive start with the Browns, Flacco showcased his prowess by completing 26 of 45 passes for 311 yards. He achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Cleveland quarterback since 1980 to throw three touchdown passes of 30 yards or more in a single game, as per ESPN Stats & Information.
The game’s pivotal moment occurred in the fourth quarter when facing a fourth-and-three from the Jacksonville 41-yard line, Flacco skillfully evaded a relentless Jaguars blitz. He then connected with David Bell, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score, securing a 28-14 lead for the Browns.
Reflecting on the game-changing play, Flacco expressed his excitement, stating, “My gosh, that was exciting. One of those plays where they’re bringing pressure, and you have to kind of buy a little time, and [Bell] did a great job feeling a little soft spot and then making it happen from there.”
The Browns’ victory against the Jaguars marked a historic achievement, making them the eighth team in NFL history—and the first since the 2015 Houston Texans—to have four starting quarterbacks each win a game in a single season.
Flacco assumed the starting role last weekend against the Los Angeles Rams after rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a concussion in the previous week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite Thompson-Robinson’s return from concussion protocol and practice on Friday, Stefanski waited until pregame warmups to announce Flacco as the starting quarterback against the Jaguars.
Following Flacco’s exceptional performance, including being only the fifth NFL quarterback since the 1970 merger to throw five touchdowns in his first two games with a new team, Stefanski declared Flacco the permanent starter for the rest of the season.
Flacco, who joined the Browns on Nov. 20 after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending right shoulder injury, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. The Super Bowl MVP from the 2012 season with the Baltimore Ravens acknowledged that the lack of contract offers during the offseason had led him to doubt whether he would play again.
The Browns’ victory propelled them to an 8-5 record, securing the 5 seed in the AFC wildcard picture. While still trailing the Ravens by two games in the AFC North division race, the Browns remain in contention. Their last playoff appearance was in 2020, and Flacco’s impactful performances are a notable contributor to their current position.
Looking ahead, Flacco is optimistic about the team’s offensive potential, stating, “Our offense—we have the ability to really start to get over the hump. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re going to work hard, and we’re going to continue to get better.”
