Many NFL fans and observers thought Joe Flacco would come back to Earth Thursday night.
They could not have been more wrong.
Flacco threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Cleveland Browns to a 37-20 win over the New York Jets, clinching a playoff spot in the process.
Flacco has been one of the best stories in the league this season. The 38-year-old veteran had been out of the NFL when the Browns signed him to their practice squad in late November. Thrust into a starting role in Week 12, Flacco led the Browns to three wins in his first four starts, averaging 327 passing yards a game.
But those performances had come against some suspect defenses. The Jets stout pass defense was supposed to provide a stiff test for Flacco, and show his weaknesses.
Instead, the former Super Bowl MVP quarterback aced that test, lighting up the Jets secondary, and playing like someone who had not just returned to action a few weeks ago.
Joe Flacco showing off his mobility (no that's not a typo) to connect with Jerome Ford, who somehow finds his way into the end zone for a sensational touchdown.pic.twitter.com/XmyBViSRAW
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 29, 2023
Fans at Cleveland Browns Stadium chanted Flacco’s name early and often.
“He’s come a long way from driving the kids around just six weeks ago,” Thursday Night Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit said late in the game.
A playoff spot for the Browns appeared in serious doubt earlier in the season when the team was losing quarterbacks to injury every few weeks.
Now, with the Browns’ shutdown defense, and Flacco appearing in vintage shape, long-suffering Cleveland fans have Super Bowl thoughts on their mind.
Jets fans are living a NIGHTMARE. Watching the QB they could have signed after Aaron Rodger’s injury BALL OUT and lead the Browns to the playoffs. And Joe Flacco wanted to sign with the Jets before the Browns ever came calling. Dang. pic.twitter.com/hndiSp2SKA
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 29, 2023
I’m becoming very OK with Joe Flacco making a Super Bowl.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) December 29, 2023
Joe Flacco Chants in Cleveland Browns Stadium clinching a playoff berth.
This year is Bananas.
This team is a fairytale.
This journey is a movie. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/wLbDCUcB7D— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) December 29, 2023
The Cleveland #Browns reserved their spot in the 2023 postseason and have officially clinched playoff birth for the second time since 2002.
With all the injuries that the Browns have faced this season and now Joe Flacco at the helm, in an unprecedented season, Cleveland has… pic.twitter.com/tdQ1tyDyXJ
— Noah Weiskopf (@BrownsWithNoah) December 29, 2023
Joe Flacco used to be in bed by this time pic.twitter.com/xsMj0BvTCa
— SN Ohio (@SN_Ohio) December 29, 2023
Joe Flacco is the first player in NFL history to record at least 250 passing yards and two touchdown passes in each of his first five games with a team.
— Dan Murphy (@DMurph_BrownsPR) December 29, 2023
Congrats, Browns fans. Joe Flacco put up some of the greatest playoff numbers ever. Now he's your quarterback. Now you have a chance.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 29, 2023
Joe Flacco might actually lead this team to the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/MPpaE6WmlH
— JM Football (@JomboyMediaFB) December 29, 2023
