No flack for Flacco as he elevates the Browns to the next level

Photo via Sue Ogrocki/AP

Cleveland- The Browns played their first home game with Joe Flacco under center Sunday afternoon. The veteran quarterback led the team to a 31-27 win over the Jaguars.

Four different starting quarterbacks have revolved through the doors of Cleveland this season. It appears the revolving door can stop as Coach Stefanski has named Flacco the starter for the remainder of the season. Stefanski didn’t need to use many words to answer the question from reporters on Flacco’s role going forward. He kept it straightforward with a simple “Yes” when asked if Flacco would be starting for the rest of the season.

If we’re being honest, how could we have foreseen Joe Flacco being the piece to the puzzle that the Browns desperately needed? Cleveland’s defense has been stellar but the uncertainty of having a reliable quarterback was a looming issue.

Enter Flacco. On November 20, the Browns signed the 38-year old quarterback after Deshaun Watson was lost for the season due to injury. The Browns hold the AFC Wildcard spot with three weeks left to play in the regular season. So far Cleveland has been able to turn each injury and defeat around in a sign of resilience.

Flacco brings to the team incredible leadership ability. He’s also a Super Bowl MVP. At this stage of his career he’s shown humility in having the chance to play for the Browns saying, “It’s really a unique experience. To have children that are of the age where they understand what’s going on, and I’m going to remember these things forever. I’m just trying to stay in the moment and be as grateful as possible and keep getting better.”

In Sunday’s win over Jacksonville Flacco proved he still has it. He passed for over 300 hundred yards along with three touchdowns. He spoke in the locker room after the game telling his teammates “I appreciate you guys having me, man. I feel like a 10-year-old kid out there.”

Joe Flacco was cooking yesterday 👨🏻‍🍳 pic.twitter.com/hrZpSevIh5

— SN Ohio (@SN_Ohio) December 11, 2023

As a Browns fan, Flacco wasn’t well-received over the years as the quarterback for the Ravens. My how that has quickly changed. Cleveland fans are embracing Flacco along with the skill and leadership he brings to the team. It wouldn’t be Cleveland sports if something unexpected didn’t happen. If Flacco continues to play and lead as he has been – the man who was once a division foe may end up being the hero.