The Browns signed Flacco in late November following the loss of starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to a shoulder injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski already declared Flacco was QB2 over veteran backup P.J. Walker earlier in the week. Walker had struggled over his limited snaps this season, throwing five interceptions and netting a mere 4.79 net yards per passing attempt over six appearances.#Browns officially rule out QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) for Sunday, meaning 38-year-old Joe Flacco will get the start vs. the Rams
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 1, 2023
Flacco was last seen in 2022 on the New York Jets. He won one of his four starts and posted 1051 passing yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He is best remembered for his 163 starts with the Baltimore Ravens and his triumphant run to Super Bowl XLVII MVP. Flacco delivered a postseason for the ages following the 2012 season, throwing for 1140 yards, 11 touchdowns, and zero interceptions across four starts.
That was a long time ago. Turning to Flacco now at 38 years old speaks to how dire the quarterback situation has become for the Browns. Since 2018, Flacco has stumbled to a 7-19 record as a sometimes starter.
Still, the 7-4 Browns have won without elite quarterback play so far this season; Flacco's 225.5 passing yards per game and 1.7 interception percentage since 2018 would actually be significant improvements on the production Browns passers have averaged (201.6 PYPG, 3.3 INT%). As unlikely as it may seem, the Browns may not be that much worse off with Flacco. That's more of an indictment of the Browns than it is a compliment to Flacco.
Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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