Joe Flacco has been a settling presence for a good Cleveland Browns team. The Browns boast one of the NFL‘s best defenses and have the pieces in place to be a real playoff threat. They’ve just struggled to find consistent quarterback play to complement the talented unit.
With Flacco in the fold, that has since calmed down, and the Browns look poised to prosper heading into the playoffs. In fact, with the way the long-time veteran QB is playing, it’s surprising that no one had thought to call him earlier.
One team many had thought made a lot of sense is the Browns’ Week 17 opponent, the New York Jets. Despite the obvious fit, the Jets never came calling, but Flacco is okay with that heading into their matchup.
Joe Flacco Gives Thoughts on Jets’ QB Room
Flacco has been the Browns’ QB for the last four weeks. Before that, he was just on the couch enjoying the game as a spectator.
Twelve full weeks of NFL action, injuries, and poor play unfolded in front of his eyes, and he did not receive a single call from the Jets through it all. As he and his new team get ready for a Thursday night matchup against those very Jets, Flacco reflects on the no-call and how it laid the foundation for where he is today.
“Is what it is. Happy to be where I am for sure. Lots of guys in that locker room I respect. The only reason it crossed my mind is because people asked me, ‘Hey, are the Jets gonna call you?’”
While many around the league felt that his former team should have picked up the phone, New York didn’t, and Flacco is relatively unbothered by it. He seems to be happy where he’s at, and probably wouldn’t be too upset to go out on prime time and stick it to his old team.
Flacco Has the Browns Rolling
The Browns have won three straight games and have pushed their season record to 10-5 as a result. With two games ahead, and currently in the first Wild Card spot, Cleveland will look to lock down a playoff spot with a win on Thursday night.
It’s a long way from where the Browns were just a month and a half ago when they were playing musical chairs at the QB spot. With several quarterbacks unsuccessfully trying to steady the ship, it’s been Flacco, the elder statesman who has been able to come in and be just what the team has been looking for.
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Flacco has shown the ability to make the right decision and get the football in the hands of their weapons while bringing invaluable experience. His ability to protect the football has also made him the perfect addition to the 2023 Browns.
A lot has transpired for Cleveland this season, but the call to add Flacco to the roster may be one of the best moves the franchise has made in quite some time.
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