Joe Flacco has made an impact since becoming the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.
David J. Philip/APCNN —Fans know to always expect the unexpected in the NFL, but not even football’s most knowledgeable followers could have predicted the impact Joe Flacco would have in the 2023 season.
The veteran quarterback has been playing with the Cleveland Browns for the past few weeks and is now looking forward to their Thursday Night Football game against Flacco’s former team, the New York Jets.
“I had a good time out there and that’s it,” Flacco said of what could be called his “revenge game” against the Jets, per ESPN . “I’m happy where I am, that’s for sure.”Flacco had three disappointing years in New York from 2020 to 2022, and the Jets didn’t re-sign him earlier this offseason.
That means the 38-year-old started this NFL season without a team, and it looked like he would stay that way for a while.
In the offseason, Jets big man Aaron Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon in his New York debut for the fourth time, and Flacco has yet to play.
Instead, the Jets franchise went with Zach Wilson, who has built up a lot of confidence since being selected second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
New York Jets quarterback Jack Wilson (2) scrambles for the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 12. Miami Gardens, Florida November 17, 2023 With Aaron Rodgers out of the lineup, the Jets turned to Zach Wilson.
Rebecca Blackwell/APHowever, Flacco added that he sees Thursday’s game as a different game.“There are 32 teams in the NFL.
They’re different people,” Flacco added. “There are a lot of guys that I really respect and have been in the locker room for years.
So I respect these people.”In an offseason where rookies often suffer injuries, Flacco didn’t have to wait long before being called up to an NFL team after being passed over by the Jets.
The Browns opened the season with Deshaun Watson, who has battled injuries throughout the campaign. In mid-November, Watson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
In his absence, Cleveland relied on Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker, who suffered a head injury.
Flacco was signed to the Browns’ practice squad on Nov. 20 to add depth to the quarterback core.He didn’t stay there long, starting with Cleveland’s Dec. 3 road game against the Los Angeles Rams.
New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco no. 19 during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 8, 2023.
Flacco spent three seasons with the New York Jets from 2020 to 2023. Cliff Hawkins.
Flacco has now appeared in four games for the Browns, leading the team to a 3-1 record.
Through those four games, Flacco has thrown for more yards than any other quarterback (1,307) and has four total touchdowns in that span.
Cleveland currently holds an impressive 10-5 record and sits in second place in the AFC North and fifth in the American Football Conference.
According to the NFL playoff picture, the Browns are ready to make the playoffs, and Flacco’s experience and skills have proven to be vital for them in the latter part of the season.
The Browns can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Jets on Thursday Night Football, and coach Kevin Stefanski said he can’t wait for his team to clinch a spot.
