Assessing The Joe Flacco Potential
Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) on the sidelines during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
As it has been all season, uncertainty is currently in the air in Cleveland.
As the Browns gear up to play the Rams Sunday, quarterback questions once again loom over the team. Will starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson be sidelined due to a concussion? And if so does that make it Joe Flacco time?
Kevin Stefanski, addressing the media, has acknowledged Flacco’s readiness but refrained from confirming his starting role highlighting the ongoing assessment of Thompson-Robinson’s health.
“No reason to make any decisions just yet,” Stefanski said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Flacco, a seasoned quarterback and former Super Bowl MVP, joined the Browns recently, adding depth to the team’s quarterback roster. Despite his late arrival and limited practice time, Stefanski expressed confidence in Flacco’s abilities, praising his experience and arm strength.
The potential switch to the former Raven both underscores the Browns’ resilience amid adversity and highlights their desperation. Facing a must-win scenario to bolster their playoff aspirations, the team can’t afford to lack stability at the league’s most important position. Especially given the skill and ability of the rest of the roster. Not many teams would even be in a position to be placing such important emphasis on a decision to start their fourth string quarterback, but this team is seemingly built like a cockroach.
But is there any reason to believe Flacco can provide the aforementioned stability? Not only may the answer to that question be yes, but the veteran may actually raise the ceiling on this team’s potential.
In the immediate term as a one week replacement starter it’s something new, and something new is always a challenge to prepare for. Joe Flacco’s potential start brings a mix of experience and unpredictability to the Browns’ offensive approach.
Additionally Flacco’s veteran presence offers a seasoned perspective and a deep understanding of the intricacies of high-stakes games. He is a Super Bowl MVP after all…
In the longer run, and I’m sure no Cleveland fan is interested in hearing this, but he could be the solution for the rest of the season.
The good news for Cleveland is their unending rotation of quarterbacks this year has set a very low bar. This isn’t Jake Browning walking in to replace Joe Burrow or Blaine Gabbert coming in for Patrick Mahomes. Deshaun Watson barely put 10 good quarters of play on the field all season and DTR and PJ Walker have been at best inaccurate game managers.
Perhaps Flacco’s lack of flashy ability at age 38 and his short time to prepare leads to the best chance of sustained success. An old school veteran who can play simple and smart. There are enough playmakers on this defense and Kevin Stefanski is a skilled enough run game coordinator that if the quarterback can be simply efficient, this team can have a chance. No one is saying that this is the Ravens defense that helped Trent Dilfer or the Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers defense that supported Brad Johnson. But when they were firing on all cylinders and not constantly in the hole because of horrific offense this is a top of the league in the defense.
However, the abrupt nature of Flacco’s arrival and limited practice time with the team raise questions about chemistry and cohesion within the offense. Adapting to a new system and establishing rapport with receivers and the offensive line becomes pivotal for Flacco’s seamless integration into the Browns’ game plan. Is it even possible? And does Flacco’s long time away from the game impact his chances?
Stefanski and the coaching staff’s ability to leverage Flacco’s strengths and tailor the offensive strategy accordingly will be instrumental in maximizing the veteran quarterback’s potential impact. But if they can do it there is a potential reward waiting for them.
None of us thought we would be sitting here entering week 13 debating if Joe Flacco gives this team its best chance, but here we are. In the NFL, you eat the dish served to you as best as you can.
It’s just the latest moment this resilient team is doing their best to respond to. The quest to overcome injuries and countless setbacks to secure victories while navigating quarterback injuries reflects the team’s determination to defy odds and achieve postseason success.
The Browns’ clash against the Los Angeles Rams serves as yet another litmus test to see if they can figure it out again with a different quarterback. The team’s response to the quarterback carousel they’ve been riding this year has been impressive, but the question is whether or not they can sustain what they’ve been able to do, or whether or not the dark shadow of reality comes creeping around to corner.
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