T
he Cincinnati Bengals are doing everything that they can to save their season. Seeing starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffer a toe injury in a week two win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals have been without their star quarterback since. Relying on backup Jake Browning to get them through the season in Burrow’s absence, the Bengals have struggled to compete in games, dropping three straight– with their offense coming to a screeching halt in each loss.
But on Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Bengals pulled off a big trade with the Cleveland Browns, landing quarterback Joe Flacco in exchange for a fifth and sixth round draft pick. Immediately named the starter, Flacco will line up under center for the Bengals when they take on the Green Bay Packers in week six. And with Flacco the new interim starter in Cincinnati, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor commented on Flacco’s fit with the team.
Flacco Brings A Seasoned Veteran
Browning has been in the NFL since 2019, but has limited experience in NFL games. Including this season, Browning has only played in 14 career games and has struggled to provide a spark and keep the standards of the Bengals’ offense the same. With Flacco, despite being 40 years old, the Bengals get a guy whose style they are comfortable with, having a lot of experience playing against Flacco over the years and getting to know him.
“I’ve played him, I don’t know how many times, a lot of times,” Taylor said. “And so very comfortable with his style. Concepts, he’s been good at things that fit us, that we do. A lot of the terminology, there’s a bunch of carryover, more so than I would have anticipated. So feel like we can get him up to speed quickly.”
Taylor also confirmed that Flacco would get all the first team reps in practice this week. During his drive from Cleveland to Cincinnati, Taylor and Flacco spoke on the phone going over the game plan, giving Flacco the chance to get up to speed quickly.
How Much Will Flacco Help?
Flacco has a very strong reputation as an NFL quarterback, winning a Super Bowl and game MVP honors during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens back in 2012. And even though he has struggled in recent seasons as he has gotten older– particularly so far in 2025 with his two touchdowns and six interceptions– Flacco still does a lot of good things that Taylor feels will really help the team while Burrow recovers.
“He’s a great passer,” Taylor said. “He’s a great passer. And again, we’ve got to expand all areas of our offense to be better, to be able to be efficiency, and run the football, protect all that kind of stuff. But the number one trait you’re looking for is a guy that can operate your system and throw the football. And Joe’s always been a tremendous passer in this league. I’ve seen it. And so now we got tremendous weapons that he can he can play around. And so I’m excited to watch him do it.”
Flacco getting the start this week may seem fast considering he just joined the team, but playing the Packers helped make the decision easier. Facing the Packers already this season while with the Browns in week three– the only game the Browns have won so far this season– Flacco’s familiarity with their play style makes game planning much easier than it otherwise would be.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bengals’ Zac Taylor Explains Joe Flacco’s Fit with the Team appeared first on Heavy Sports.