Joe Flacco's Impact on the Browns
In an unexpected turn of events, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco stepped into the spotlight for the Cleveland Browns following Deshaun Watson's injury. His performance was nothing short of impressive, leading the team to a 4-1 record as a starter. Despite the Browns being eliminated from playoff contention, the conversation has swiftly shifted to Flacco's future with the franchise.
Berry's Stance on Flacco
General Manager Andrew Berry has expressed a clear interest in retaining Flacco's services for the upcoming season. "We'd absolutely love to have Joe back," Berry stated, emphasizing the quarterback's contribution to the team's late-season surge. "He played winning football for us. He did a great job of coming in and really playing at a high level that allowed us to go on a run at the end of the year," Berry added, acknowledging Flacco's pivotal role in the Browns' offensive success.
Berry also commended Flacco's presence within the team dynamic, saying, "Really pleased with what Joe did on the field, pleased with who he was as a teammate." This sentiment suggests that Flacco's influence extended beyond his statistical achievements, contributing positively to the locker room atmosphere.
Flacco's Performance and Records
Flacco's tenure as the Browns' interim signal-caller was marked by remarkable consistency and productivity. He averaged over 30 points per game in three out of his five starts, showcasing his ability to lead a high-scoring offense. Moreover, Flacco threw for over 300 yards in each of his last four games—a feat that set a new team record and solidified his place as the second-oldest quarterback to achieve such a streak after the legendary Tom Brady.
The team's performance under Flacco's guidance, even in a playoff loss, was commendable and highlighted his potential value to the roster moving forward. With the Browns aiming to construct a championship-contending team for 2024, Flacco's leadership and experience could be integral components of their strategy.
Flacco's Perspective on Returning
Joe Flacco himself has expressed a fondness for his time in Cleveland, coupled with an openness to a return. "Man, Cleveland was unbelievable. I am definitely open to being back in Cleveland," Flacco remarked, reflecting on his stint with the Browns. However, he also conveyed a desire to deliberate on his future, stating, "I don't want to rush any decisions."
Uncertainty surrounds the market for quarterbacks, which Flacco acknowledged: "I didn't know what the market for QBs was gonna look like last spring, and I don't know what it's gonna look like this spring. So I don't know if I'm gonna have options, or if I'm gonna have zero options." Despite this uncertainty, Flacco's praise for the Browns' management and organization was unequivocal. "I loved Cleveland, though. I loved the building, the people, everything about it ... I can't say enough good things about how that organization is being run right now," he said.
Financial Considerations and Watson's Return
While the desire to keep Flacco in Cleveland is evident, financial considerations will play a significant role in whether he returns next season. The Browns are expected to reinstate Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback once he recovers from his injury. This decision will likely impact the available salary cap and the resources the Browns can allocate to retain Flacco as a backup or potentially in a different capacity.
Nick Chubb's Injury and Future
The Browns faced additional adversity with the loss of star running back Nick Chubb to a season-ending injury. Berry remains optimistic about Chubb's recovery and his return to form in 2024, which could bolster the Browns' offensive capabilities and complement the quarterback play, whether it's Watson or Flacco at the helm.
Conclusion
As the Browns have not made the playoffs since 2020, the pressure is mounting to build a successful roster that can compete at the highest level. Joe Flacco's unexpected resurgence has provided the team with a glimmer of hope and a potential asset as they look toward the future. With free agency and the draft approaching, the Browns' decisions in the coming months will be critical in shaping their path to contention.