Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) returns for a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns’ Joe Flacco (15)… See more >Flacco had a standout performance in the fourth quarter, throwing for 212 yards himself, including a 51-yard pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper through three Bears defensive backs.
The comeback was part of a string of individual comebacks that led to speculation about whether Flacco should receive the NFL’s All-Season award.
“Who knows what a comeback is?” Flacco turned down the idea of being the Player of the Year. “
I only played three games. It’s a little weird. Back from boot camp and driving with your kids?Bottom line, Flacco, a former Super Bowl winner and 15-year veteran, has been a godsend for the Browns (9-5), who head into Sunday’s AFC playoff series against the Houston Texans. 8-6).
Not only did he save Cleveland’s injury-plagued season, but Flacco made the Browns and their fans believe there could be more to come.
“He’s a great leader for us and a big veteran presence at quarterback,” junior Anthony Walker said.
“We are delighted that it will provide us with the stable support we need. “
He’s doing a great job for us.”From the moment he arrived, Flacco was confident he could continue to play at a high level.
But first he had to convince others. It only took a few throws in practice last month to show the Browns that his arm strength hasn’t diminished.
And after more tracks in December. In his debut in Los Angeles, it was clear that Flacco can still analyze defenses, read the field and finish at a high level.
While his footwork is still precise and doesn’t quite match Deshaun Watson in terms of mobility, Flacco has developed a sharp presence in the pocket over 186 games.
It still exists.That doesn’t mean it was perfect. Flacco threw three picks last week, but two of them were off rookie Cedric Tillman and likely included fumbled passes.
After the game, Flacco admitted that part of him wanted to go into the dugout and hide after his mistake.
Instead, he made up for it by going 11-of-13 in the final quarter and connecting with Cooper for a seemingly impossible TD a few days later.
With the Browns trailing 17-10 with three minutes left, Flacco turned to his right and saw Cooper running a deep pass pattern.
Flacco handled it perfectly and Cooper took over from there and made his way down the field and down the sideline.
Even on Monday, Bears coach Matt Ebeflus complained about one of his players sitting out.
Flacco laughed when asked if he saw all three bears or if he just got a little lucky.
“I’m not worried about the safety,” Flacco said. “You know there are corners on the side, but at the same time there’s always going to be some kind of flat player there.
If he makes that choice, you’re in trouble. “It’s funny how the ball ended up. Three men are visible in the last photo.
It was a perfect storm for us. You’ve always had strong throws, but this is what happened in the end.Copyright © 2023 Washington Times, LLC.
