Flacco, 38 years old and newly signed as Browns quarterback to save their season last month from New Jersey couch sitting, has now gone 4-1 for Cleveland since returning home. He has proven effective against opposing defenses while creating instant rapport with wide receiver Amari Cooper while changing our perceptions about tight end David Njoku.
If Cleveland beats Miami and Baltimore loses to Buffalo, at least a wild-card spot would be secured for them.
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On Thursday night, the Cleveland Browns shocked many by winning an unthinkable victory against an underdog team – thanks to a veteran quarterback who wasn’t even on an NFL roster when this season started! Now 9-5 and still alive in AFC North race.
With a revitalized defense and Flacco seemingly back in vintage form, long-suffering Browns fans are beginning to dream about Super Bowls again.
Thoughts such as these were on display during a game that saw the stadium fill almost to capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic but nearly full for this contest. Fans chanted Flacco’s name all game long while he led his Browns team past New York Jets 16-9 with two touchdown passes and only one interception thrown, improving to 4-1 as starter for Cleveland and becoming first player ever with at least 250 passing yards and two touchdown passes in each of their first five starts – an accomplishment no other player has accomplished before now.
Flacco throws two touchdown passes in the first half
The Browns entered this matchup against the Jets without their starting kicker, punter and many other starters, such as first-team offensive tackles and star running back Nick Chubb (currently sidelined due to knee pain). Therefore, injuries plagued their season long run-up.
But Flacco made clear he can shoulder the load. At 38 years old and with 12 touchdowns under his belt already this season, Flacco provided Cleveland an early lead by throwing two touchdown passes in the opening quarter to open up an early lead. On his second TD pass – faked handoff and left tight end David Njoku wide open down seam for 34-yard score!
He became only the third quarterback ever to throw multiple touchdowns during the opening half of an NFL game, joining Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. It took only 14 minutes and 14 seconds, which ranks as third shortest time span ever in NFL history (previous record set by Daryle Lamonica in 1969).
The Browns build a big lead
Cleveland’s offense got off to a strong start on its opening drive as Flacco connected twice with tight end David Njoku for 64 yards before finding Ford wide open on an 8-yard pass and scoring.
Kareem Hunt scored shortly thereafter on a 7-yard run to extend their lead 14-0 at the beginning of the second quarter. Greg Zuerlein lined up a 42-yard field goal attempt, but Browns defensive lineman Shelby Harris blocked it before it could even reach its intended destination.
Flacco continued his dominance of the Jets early, throwing for 296 yards – his highest first-half total ever! All passes to Ford were completed successfully while Njoku received one touchdown pass thrown by Flacco himself. His performance kept Cleveland’s playoff hopes alive while assuring them of at least fifth place finish in AFC North.
The Browns hold off the Jets
The Browns earned their way into the postseason Thursday with a 37-20 win against the Jets. Although this wasn’t exactly an exciting match-up, Cleveland managed to secure its first postseason appearance since 2020.
Flacco’s passing performance proved instrumental to their victory, providing some of the biggest plays of the second half. He amassed 303 yards through four throws – three touchdowns and an interception – and an average completion percentage.
Flacco made one of his best passes of the night when he connected with Jerome Ford for an impressive touchdown strike, who managed to avoid multiple Jets defenders before powering through to reach the end zone.
The Browns have shown their resilience all season by adapting a “next man up” mentality and finding ways to win games even with star players out due to injuries. And with Flacco at their helm, they may even make an early run at postseason glory this January.
