The Cleveland Browns waited until the last minute this week to name a starting quarterback in their Week 14 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After the game, there is no debate as to who the starting quarterback will be moving forward.
There are just two quarterbacks on the Browns’ active roster, and they couldn’t be any more opposite when it comes to their playstyle.
One is a mobile rookie quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was cleared from concussion protocol ahead of the game. The other is a grizzled veteran who largely remains in the pocket, in former Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Flacco.
The Browns ultimately decided to lean on Flacco’s experience and give him the start on Sunday. And Flacco did not disappoint, turning back the clock with a vintage performance against Jacksonville.
Flacco was able to move the ball quite well, throwing for 311 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 31-27 victory for the Browns.
Joe Flacco today vs. the Jaguars:
• 26/45
• 311 yards
• 3 TDs
• 1 INTThe #Browns have now won a game with four different starting QBs this season. pic.twitter.com/Qne4hqL2ro
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 10, 2023
The Browns have continued to win this season despite some extreme turnover at the quarterback position. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski decided to end the weekly speculation at quarterback after Sunday’s game, revealing that Flacco will be the team’s starter for the rest of the season barring any sort of injury.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski says Joe Flacco will be the starter for the rest of the season. Solid call.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2023
It shouldn’t be all that much of a surprise that this decision was made. Flacco has been extremely solid since joining the team, and his experience certainly helps make the Browns offense steady.
The win for the Browns was a big one for their postseason chances. Several other AFC teams in the postseason hunt fell on Sunday, including the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans. Gaining this game on them could be crucial down the stretch of this season.
If Flacco can continue to play like this, this Browns team could be a sneaky AFC contender given how impressive their defense is each and every game.
