Following their victory over the Jaguars, the Browns sent a one-word message on Joe Flacco’s future.
Joe Flacco will be a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Browns going forward.
The Cleveland Browns have seen quite a bit of Joe Flacco and will likely stick with him as their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Flacco had his second perfect performance as the Browns’ starting quarterback on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the game with 311 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Cleveland won 31-27 to improve to 8-5.
Asked if Flacco will be a starter going forward, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski simply said, “Yes.”
The Browns managed just 82 yards on the ground, putting a lot of pressure on Flacco. It was connected through eight different receivers. David Njoku drew plenty of attention from the veteran QB, recording six catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. “He played well. I think we expect him to improve as he gets more familiar with the system with our players.” Stefanski talked about Flacco after the game. “He and our staff are all doing their jobs and giving us everything they can.”
Flacco’s numbers in both games are pretty good. He threw for more than 250 yards both times, becoming the only Browns quarterback to do so twice since 2021. That includes Deshaun Watson, who signed a $230 million contract with Cleveland guaranteed through 2022.
According to ESPN Statistics and Info, he is one of five quarterbacks to throw a total of five touchdowns in the first two games with a new team. The Browns became the eighth team since 1950 to have four starting quarterbacks win a game in a season.
Browns offense stutters with Joe Flacco
The Browns didn’t name Flacco the starter until hours before the game. After Sunday’s game, the 38-year-old Flacco will take comfort in the knowledge that he will be Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
“It feels good when people trust you,” Flacco says. “I’ve been in a lot of locker rooms, but every time I walk into a locker room, I want everyone’s respect. You won’t know if you have it until you go out there and win and do it every day. Try to behave and do the right thing. But that doesn’t guarantee anything when it comes to pitching on Sunday. So it’s good to go there and win.
Flacco wasn’t great in the first half with a rough catch and a fumble. But he’s starting to get a feel for the Browns’ offense. “I think you can see and feel a little bit,” Flacco said. “We have a chance to go over the hill. “We’re not there yet, but we’re working hard and will continue to improve.”
This was Joe Flacco’s 100th career win and one he will remember. One play that stood out was a fourth-and-3 call. Flacco faced pressure, but threw a 41-yard touchdown to David Bell for his first career touchdown.
The Browns Defense will perform at home.
Martin Emerson Jr. of the Cleveland Browns had a pair of interceptions. Flacco got some help from the defense. The unit has performed well at home and was back in action against the Jaguars. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. recorded a pair and Greg Newsome II added another pair.
The hurdles were especially significant for the second baseman, who was without Pro Bowler Denzel Ward, who missed his third straight game with a shoulder injury. The Browns are still two games behind the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North race. Baltimore won in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. However, Cleveland is firmly aiming for a wild card spot.
