Joe Burrow’s message to Joe Flacco from Week 1 takes on a whole new meaning nobody could’ve expected
Burrow was right, just not in the way anyone could’ve expected.
Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco were enemies on opposing sides of the field in Week 1 when the Cincinnati Bengals won a 17-16 game over the Cleveland Browns.
They are now teammates. A lot can happen in just five weeks.
Burrow is out for at least two more months, and Flacco is expected to take his place as the starter following the Bengals’ trading for him on Tuesday afternoon.
Burrow, like all of Cincinnati, will be closely watching Flacco, but that was already what he wanted to do a month ago.
Joe Burrow’s message to Joe Flacco comes true, very true
Burrow and Flacco didn’t meet on the field in Week 1 until the game was over, and Burrow’s defense ensured a close victory. After the traditional QB postgame encounter, Burrow delivered a simple message to Flacco.
“Looking forward to watching you this year,” Burrow told Flacco.
Damn right he will.
Burrow was healthy and looking to build off his first 1-0 start in four years. Flacco was settled in as Cleveland’s starter ahead of inexperienced backups. Neither one imagined they’d be in the position they’re in now.
Flacco will be running Burrow’s offense as Burrow watches while rehabbing his toe.
The injury aside, Burrow and everyone else in Cincinnati have the right to be surprised at this development. The Bengals rarely traded during the season prior to Zac Taylor becoming the head coach. Bringing in Flacco for emergency purposes is the third midseason exchange they’ve conducted since 2020, when Carlos Dunlap was sent out of town following his descent from the defense. Khalil Herbert was acquired last year after Zack Moss’ injury depleted the depth at running back.
While Cincy did get a sixth-round pick in return, the fifth-round pick given up is the highest piece of draft capital the club has forfeited in a midseason trade. Considering it was for the most important position on the team, the Bengals’ desperation is understandable.
There will be plenty of eyes watching to see if trading for Flacco pays off, including two eyes from the injured star he’s helping replace.
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