Joe Flacco’s future with the Cleveland Browns is again a prominent conversation following a 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Outside of a successful first drive, Flacco had a miserable outing against the Lions. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the fourth quarter. Cleveland’s first drive went 88 yards and ended with Quinshon Judkins rumbling into the end zone from 1-yard out. The Browns finished the game with 249 total yards.
Flacco was replaced by Dillon Gabriel late in the fourth quarter with the Browns down 34-10. Gabriel attempted just one pass, which fell incomplete.
It’s the second time Flacco has been pulled this season. He also hit the pine during a 41-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
After the lopsided loss, Flacco addressed mounting questions about his job security.
“You can’t think about it when you’re a player. I know what I signed up for. I signed up to compete for a job and lead this team to victories,” Flacco said from the podium. “You know everyone is being evaluated in this league. That’s no different for any position. It’s disappointing to go out there and play the way we played today. Other than that, not worried about all that stuff.”
Browns Not ‘Focused’ on Making Quarterback Change
The Browns need a spark on offense. Cleveland is averaging just 13.3 points per game and lack the ability to make momentum-swinging plays downfield. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski did not want to discuss the quarterback situation moving forward following the loss to the Lions.
“When we struggle like we did on offense, I understand the question. But it’s not our focus,” Stefanski said. “It’s never going to be about one person. We’re not doing a good enough job. I put myself in there as well. We have to be better.”
Stefanski isn’t wrong that the Browns’ offense needs improvement across the board. But Flacco has been a major part of the problem. He’s already thrown six interceptions and lost two fumbles. While not every turnover falls squarely on him, his first pick against the Lions on Sunday is one Browns fans won’t forget.
The 40-year-old veteran floated a pass down the sideline with no Cleveland receiver in sight, leaving Detroit’s Kerby Joseph waiting to make the easy interception. Flacco took the blame for the play.
“The first pick was on me,” Flacco said. “When you turn the ball over like that, give them good field position and don’t allow the defense to pin their ears back and do their thing, you’re going to struggle as a whole.”
Browns Face Pressure to Play Rookie QBs After Flacco Flops
There’s mounting pressure on the Browns to see what their rookie quarterbacks — Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders — can bring to the table. With Cleveland sitting at 1-3 and the offense ranking among the league’s worst, sticking with Flacco as the starter offers little upside.
The Browns hold two first-round picks in next year’s draft, which they could potentially use to select a quarterback.
Gabriel will be the first rookie to get a look. The Browns selected the former Oregon standout in the third round and have consistently praised his quick football IQ. While he’s not a prototypical dual-threat quarterback, Gabriel has enough mobility to extend plays and add a different dimension to an offense that’s been hampered by injuries at offensive tackle.
Sanders is also lurking and told reporters this week that he’s ready to start now.
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