Joe Flacco’s comeback has the Browns on the verge of…
The Browns are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot thanks to Joe Flacco’s return.
The Browns grabbed Joe Flacco in near desperation last month, hoping the veteran quarterback would keep them in the playoff hunt. They needed someone to mediate the situation as injuries and uncertainty mounted.
When Flacco arrived, expectations were lowered.
They’re free after four games.
Not only does Flacco have Cleveland on the cusp of its second postseason berth in 21 years, but the 38-year-old quarterback has many in this football-crazed city feeling that anything is possible with these Browns – and their top-ranked defense.
In four games, he’s passed for 1,307 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying him with Matthew Stafford of the Rams and Brock Purdy of the 49ers for the most in that time.
Not bad for a guy who spent months at home in New Jersey watching games on TV, wondering whether he had thrown his final pass.
Flacco clearly has something left in the tank.
“He’s played really well,” said All-Star left guard Joel Bitonio. “I had no idea what to anticipate. I saw him toss in some practice. I’m thinking, he seems like he can still throw, but going out there and playing isn’t the same as practicing.
“He’s been fantastic for us. He’s always been a leader. He’s really helped to steady the ship, and we’re grateful to have him.”
Deshaun Watson visited the Browns’ facilities for the first time since suffering season-ending shoulder surgery on Tuesday. In most years, the presence of Cleveland’s starting quarterback would provoke a far stronger reaction.
No, not just now. These are Flacco’s Browns.
As fate would have it, he can help the Browns secure a postseason place with a win over the New York Jets on Thursday night – the team Flacco played for last season. New York declined to re-sign him in the summer or after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the season opener.
Flacco believes he has no ill will toward the Jets.
“There’s all kinds of things that happen throughout the course of the season and offseason,” the coach remarked. “I had a good time while I was there, and that’s all that matters.” I’m certainly content with where I am.”
It’s interesting to speculate about what may have been, but Flacco maintains he’s not doing so.
“Listen, there’s 32 teams in the NFL,” he went on to say. “They’re just another one of those teams.” I’ve got a lot of guys in that locker room I truly admire and had a great few years with, so I have a lot of regard for those guys.”
The Jets moved on from Flacco.
The Browns can’t imagine where they’d be without him.
WHAT’S WORKING
This is the passing offense coach Kevin Stefanski always envisioned, and it’s the one he knows best from his time with Minnesota. Flacco’s pocket poise, size, experience and underrated mobility allow plays to develop, enabling receivers to get deeper into their routes.
And Flacco’s big arm lets Stefanski occasionally call for some downfield shots.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
The running game was almost nonexistent at Houston, but that wasn’t necessarily a problem. It could become one, however.
The Browns picked up 54 yards on 30 carries, a measly 1.8 yards per crack against the Texans. Stefanski tried the wildcat formation (direct snaps to running backs), but that yielded minimal success.
Cleveland’s offensive line got a little healthier with two starters returning, and that helps. But with the weather likely to be an issue this week and potentially in the playoffs, the Browns have to be able to run the ball effectively.
STOCK UP
Amari Cooper wasn’t satisfied with just one record.
The wide receiver caught 11 passes for a franchise-best 265 yards at Houston. Cooper also became the first player in Browns history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Cooper, who has 1,250 yards, also joined Terrell Owens as the only players to have a 200-yard game with three teams.
STOCK DOWN
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was called for three penalties against the Texans. Otherwise, the 23-year-old has had a strong second season.
INJURIES
K Dustin Hopkins is “week to week” after straining his left hamstring (plant leg) while trying to prevent a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Hopkins’ injury led to the Browns signing Riley Patterson, recently released by Detroit. … P Corey Bojorquez is also dealing with a leg injury and could miss time. He holds on field goals as well, further complicating Cleveland’s situation. … S Juan Thornhill (calf) was back at practice after missing three games.
KEY NUMBERS
14 – Points scored by the Jets in the final 1:22 last season as Flacco led a rally for a 31-30 win over the Browns.
NEXT STEPS
The Browns can lock up at least a wild-card berth with a win at home over the Jets, who will start quarterback Trevor Siemian for the second straight game. Cleveland would win its first division title since 1999 with two wins and two losses by AFC North-leading Baltimore.
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