The Cleveland Browns find themselves in yet another quarterback shuffle, as veteran passer Joe Flacco takes the starting reins against the Los Angeles Rams. The 38-year-old will replace rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is currently in the concussion protocol following last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. With Thompson-Robinson officially ruled out, Flacco steps in as the fourth different quarterback to start for the Browns this season.
To add to Cleveland’s quarterback predicament, Deshaun Watson had already undergone season-ending shoulder surgery last month. Cleveland will also be without Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward for the second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury. However, defensive standout Myles Garrett will be on the field.
Joe Flacco, the Super Bowl MVP of the 2012 season with the Baltimore Ravens, signed with Cleveland on November 20. Despite being kept on the sidelines during the first half of the season, Flacco remained focused and now has his chance to shine. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski speaks highly of the veteran, praising his professionalism and intelligence.
Flacco expressed his excitement about starting once again, especially after spending the earlier part of the season as an unsigned free agent. The opportunity to showcase his skills again is a major motivation for Flacco, but he also recognizes the importance of family perspective. Having young children who are excited about his return to the field has given Flacco a sense of perspective and appreciation.
Having started four games for the New York Jets in 2022, Flacco certainly has recent playing experience. Interestingly, his last four touchdown passes came against the Browns in Week 2 of last season. In a stunning comeback victory for the Jets, Flacco tossed the game-winning touchdown to Garrett Wilson with just 22 seconds left on the clock. His success against Cleveland gives the team some confidence in his abilities.
Browns players and coaches have been impressed with Flacco’s performance in practice, especially as he took snaps with the first-team offense for the first time. Wide receiver Amari Cooper describes Flacco’s throwing motion as “poetry in motion” and praises his accuracy. This positive feedback from teammates suggests that Flacco is fitting into the team well and that there is excitement surrounding his debut.
The Browns’ quarterback carousel is not entirely unprecedented. Since 1950, Cleveland has had seasons where they started four different quarterbacks. In 2008, it was Brady Quinn, Bruce Gradkowski, Derek Anderson, and Ken Dorsey. Similarly, in 1988, Bernie Kosar, Don Strock, Gary Danielson, and Mike Pagel took turns under center. However, the Browns have never had four different starting quarterbacks each win a game in the same season.
While the Browns’ quarterback situation has been tumultuous, they are not alone in their struggles. The 2015 Houston Texans were the last NFL team to start four different quarterbacks who all won games in a single season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Other teams such as the Buffalo Bills (1961), New England Patriots (1987, 1988, and 1989), New Orleans Saints (1998), and Carolina Panthers (2007) have all experienced similar quarterback rotations.
Off-Field Consequences
Adding to Cleveland’s challenges, wide receiver Michael Woods II has been suspended for the final six games of the season due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Woods, a sixth-round pick from last year, has been away from the team all season after tearing his Achilles during the offseason. This loss further depletes an already struggling receiving corps.
As the Cleveland Browns embark on yet another quarterback change, the team remains hopeful that Joe Flacco can bring stability and success to the offense. Flacco’s experience, skills, and positive showing in practice instill confidence in his teammates and coaching staff. Whether this latest move pays off remains to be seen, but the Browns are no strangers to quarterback challenges and will continue to adapt as needed.
Leave a Reply