Browns supporters have cause for optimism thanks to Joe Flacco – See Why

admin | December 4, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

How much I wanted the Browns and Joe Flacco to prevail in this game.

I couldn’t stop thinking, “This is a great story,” as I watched it.

I was thinking, “This is so cool,” as Flacco was mimicking the Joe Flacco who used to terrorize the Browns while he was with Baltimore. I am eager to write.

Twelve days ago, Joe Flacco—who, of all people, has an 18-3 career record against the Cleveland Browns—shows in to save the Browns.

Writing something like, “It’s about time Flacco helped the Browns,” would have been so much fun!

Alright, Sunday’s 36-19 loss to the Rams hurt the Browns.

With 8:49 remaining in the game, the Rams were ahead 20-19, a result that seems difficult to comprehend.

But let me go back to what I originally thought: Joe Flacco came through for the Browns.

Even if Flacco’s interception led to a Rams touchdown in the fourth quarter, which gave Los Angeles the lead, it’s still a compelling tale.

It also instills some optimism in Browns supporters for the final five games. The 7-5 Browns can still make the playoffs if Flacco can maintain his strong performance as quarterback.

However, the defense—hey, guys—get in shape! The Rams hammered the Browns with running plays, allowing 399 yards. In the last two games, Cleveland’s defense has appeared disconnected.

AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

I suspect that most of us are aware of the difficulty that Joe Flacco faces.

The man arrived less than two weeks ago with the Browns. There was no training camp for him.

When he was at home, he worked out with his brother, a former college quarterback, and a few buddies in the hopes of receiving a team membership offer. In a half-joking tone, he said he was passing the ball to his five children.

This is no way to be ready for NFL action in a high-stakes road game in December.

On November 20, the Browns added him to the practice squad. It wasn’t until this past week that he started receiving regular practice work. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is sidelined with a concussion, was replaced by him.

Because Flacco looked so poised playing QB on this day, it’s easy to assume most any veteran quarterback could do it. Browns fans know better.

Flacco gave Cleveland a chance to win if the defense had done its job.

TIME FOR A HISTORY LESSON

Since the Browns’ resurgence in 1999, Flacco is the 37th quarterback to start for the team—eight more than any other team during that time.

In his ten-year career, veteran Browns guard Joel Bitonio has blocked for 19 quarterbacks, including Flacco.

Flacco became the oldest quarterback to throw a touchdown pass in Browns history. Flacco’s age is 38 years, 321 days. Don Strock (1989), who was called into emergency duty at the age of 38 years and 21 days, was passed over by him.

Flacco took the Browns 75 yards in nine plays for a touchdown the first time he touched the ball during a game.

Flacco connected with Amari Cooper on a 22-yard pass for a first down on a slant. It was a third-and-14 play. He threw a 24-yard TD pass to Jerome Ford, who was wide open on a busted coverage.

Ford was wide open after Flacco faked to him in the backfield. That was Flacco’s first touchdown pass since September 18, 2022, when he was a member of the Jets against, you guessed it, the Browns.

That day, the Jets won 31–30 and Flacco passed for four touchdowns. Following that 2022 victory over the Browns, Flacco played in three more games, finishing 47 of 88 passing with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. He also made two more starts for the Jets but failed to score a touchdown in any of those games.

The NFL knew at that point that Flacco was done. This explains why he was unable to obtain an invitation to the 2023 training camp. When other teams lost quarterbacks, his agent undoubtedly contacted them, but nobody showed interest until the Browns during the week of Thanksgiving.

Additionally, the Browns missed multiple opportunities to sign Flacco early in the season due to quarterback injuries.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Flacco should remain with the Browns. With two touchdown passes, 254 yards, and one interception, he completed 23 of 44 passes.

As the games get tougher and the weather gets colder, his poise and arm strength should instill confidence in the squad.

After playing for Baltimore for eleven years, Flacco is a seasoned quarterback in the AFC North.

Still, his arm is a howitzer. He has a keen eye for reading opposing defenses. At the line of scrimmage, he exudes confidence. He knows enough to toss the ball away to stay clear of sacks. He is a favorite target for offensive linemen to block for because they are aware of his pocket location.