Browns: Joe Flacco to start for the rest of the seasons, Stefanski says

After using four different quarterbacks, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski finally made the simple but correct move.  After the game, Stefanski said Flacco, who has proven the only quarterback with the ability to push the ball downfield, will be the starter for the rest of the season.  Flacco made it impossible to make any […]

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Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws a pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

After using four different quarterbacks, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski finally made the simple but correct move. 

After the game, Stefanski said Flacco, who has proven the only quarterback with the ability to push the ball downfield, will be the starter for the rest of the season. 

Flacco made it impossible to make any other move in the Browns' 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. 

How good was Joe Flacco? 

Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) congratulates tight end David Njoku (85) on his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) congratulates tight end David Njoku (85) on his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium.Image via Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Flacco managed to amass 311 yards while netting three touchdowns in a much-needed get-right win at home for the Browns. 

On two of his three touchdowns, Flacco connected with previously struggling tight end David Njoku, who had a resurgent performance. 

The first touchdown throw came on a drive where Flacco went four-for-four on passes. On the first touchdown grab, Njoku created over 10 yards of space when Flacco found him with a pass over the top. He then scampered into the endzone for what was a 34-yard reception. 

The second touchdown to Njoku came on second-and-5, where Flacco hit the tight end in stride on a route over the middle. 

Njoku did the rest on what was a 30-yard touchdown. 

Flacco's third touchdown was a 40-yard pitch and catch to David Bell on fourth down. 

In the end, the decision to go to Flacco was merely a matter of time. In a year where Watson isn't walking through the doors to save Cleveland, the 38-year-old veteran gives the Browns the best shot at winning week-to-week. 

Flacco has totaled 565 passing yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in those two starts. The Browns have a 1-1 record during that stretch.