The Cleveland Browns finally decided on which of their five quarterbacks will take the lead on Week 1 of the regular season. While many wanted Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, other preferred veterans like Kenny Pickett. However, it will be former Super Bowl champion, Joe Flacco, the one in charge.
The team made it public via their website. This will mark the first time since 2022 where he makes a starting appearance in Week 1 of a season. That year, he was repping a New York Jets shirt and played his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, it was a bad outing for Flacco as they lost 9-24.
Flacco was a starter for many years during his tenured career. Then, Lamar Jackson got drafted to the Ravens and he started aging. He saw how his name went from a household entity to a backup yet very reliable quarterback.
What is Flacco’s record in Week 1?
According to statistical website Statmuse, Flacco has an 8-5 record in Week 1 during his career. It’s been a streaky M.O for the veteran, who went 5-0 from 2008 to 2012. Then, from 2013 to 2015, he was 0-3. All this to bounce back with another 3-0 streak from 2016 to 2018. Now, he will want to stop the 0-2 mark he’s got since then.
Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns attempts a pass against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
He might stop that bad streak, as the Browns face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Since Zac Taylor was named head coach of the Bengals, the team has a 1-11 record in first two weeks of the season. They are notoriously slow starters.
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NFL News: Dillon Gabriel takes a very controversial shot at Shedeur Sanders amid Browns quarterback competition
Flacco has a good record with the Browns
While Flacco isn’t the wild gun-slinger he used to be in his prime, he still has a very strong arm. More importantly, he is one of three quarterbacks to have a winning record with Cleveland, joined only by Brian Hoyer (10-6) and Case Keenum (2-0). Flacco’s record is 4-1 with the Browns.
Not only that, but Flacco was a menace when he played for the Browns. He won NFL Comeback Player of the Year and averaged 323.2 yards per game while passing for 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
