The Browns faced the Chicago Bears in Week 15 after Joe Flacco struggled for most of the third quarter, but the veteran QB bounced back and led Cleveland to a memorable victory.
Cleveland BrownsCleveland Brownsso muchJoe FlaccoI think the good stories died out in week 15.
Through three quarters, Flacco completed just 54 percent of his passes, going 17 of 31 for 162 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
To make matters worse, the Browns trailed the Bears by 10 points and were in danger of falling to 8-6, dealing a significant blow to their playoff hopes for the final three games of the regular season.
With the Bears down 17-7, things looked bleak, but there was still time and Flacco took full advantage.
Flacco said of his performance: “Believe me, some of you want to go into a hole somewhere and hide from everybody, but you can’t do that, especially from somebody like me.”
“I’ve been in this league a long time and you’ve seen a lot. You just have to watch out for what’s next.
You have to look ahead and trust your teammates to get into the right position to pass the ball to them.
“Maybe that won’t happen. He gave us a good result today.”In the fourth quarter, Flacco was nearly 11 of 13 for 212 yards.
He threw his second touchdown and had a 144.4 passer rating, but most importantly, he led the Browns offense to 13 unanswered points and a potential 20-17 victory.
“If you think about it, we only had a few plays and I think the guys ran the ball really well,” explained the 16-year veteran.
“I thought they did a really good job of keeping us under them all day.
We tried to take it one at a time, but they were aggressive. It is a long and difficult road.
At the end of the game, we started running certain plays. “If we can do that, we’re going to be a good offense.
“Flacco’s 212 yards were the most by a Browns QB in a single quarter in 45 seasons.
Additionally, his 939 yards over the last three weeks are tied for the most by a Browns QB in three starts in franchise history and surpasses Baker Mayfield’s 875 yards.
He has David Njoku and Amari Cooper to thank on Sunday. The two each recorded 100 yards receiving, marking the first time since 2013 that two Cleveland passers combined for more than 100 yards in a game.
While the first three quarters were objectively ugly, the fourth quarter was a microcosm of this extraordinary season plagued with some of the worst injuries in NFL history.
Twelve players have gone missing this season.
Safety Grant Delpit finished 13th as the regular season ended at least.
DE Ogbo Okoronko, who is dealing with a chest injury, is expected to be 14.
Most teams other than the 2023 Browns would be in the same situation.
“Listen, I think it says a lot about the type of players that this organization chooses to put on their roster and in their locker room,” Flacco said.
“I think it’s one of those things that can’t be quantified.
But if you’re a hard worker, you’re also a tough guy, and like I said, when you’re in a situation that requires that toughness, things don’t work out.
“You might get lucky on something like today, but I think it depends on the personalities of the people in the room.
I think we should give credit to the organization for doing this on purpose.
December 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; David Njoku (85) is tackled by Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
There is much merit in this. Flacco definitely deserves his share.
From the bench to the field, he became the heartbeat of this team in a matter of weeks. A lot of things went wrong starting Flacco under center.
The 38-year-old was an outstanding quarterback in an immature season. Spencer Herman
