Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco finished Sunday’s game on the bench for the second time this season during a 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions.
After a strong first drive, Flacco had a rough go. He accounted for three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble lost. Flacco has turned the ball over eight times through four games for the Browns, who fell to 1-4 this season.
Pressed on whether the Browns were considering a quarterback switch, head coach Kevin Stefanski gave a firm yet noncommittal answer.
“When we struggle like we did on offense, I understand the question. But it’s not our focus,” Stefanski said.
Stefanski also sidestepped a question about whether he still believes in Flacco, instead stressing that the responsibility falls on everyone in the offense.
“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.”
Turnovers Piling Up for Browns QB Joe Flacco
Stefanski was a little more direct when discussing the Browns’ turnovers, which led to 17 points for the high-powered Lions — a team that does not need extra help scoring.
“It’s frustrating because we know you can’t do those things and expect to win on the road,” Stefanski said. “We have to get it fixed.”
Flacco’s first interception was ugly. He lobbed a ball up along the sideline but no receiver was running a route to the area. Browns receiver Cedric Tillman was not on the same page and Lions defender Kerby Joseph registered an easy interception.
“I’m not going to get into specifics, but obviously a miscommunication,” Stefanski said.
Flacco took the blame for the play, saying he thought Tillman was running a different route.
“We made mistakes. The first pick was on me,” Flacco said. “I thought he was going. … 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.”
Flacco’s second interception came when Jerry Jeudy fell on his route. D.J. Reed picked it off and ran it back inside the Browns’ 10-yard line.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Gets Late Look Against Lions
The Browns pulled Flacco with around five minutes remaining and the game out of hand. Cleveland inserted Browns rookie Dillon Gabriel, who threw just one pass in a 3-and-out possession. Gabriel’s lone throw fell incomplete.
Gabriel also entered the Browns’ Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. He had a little more success in that appearance, completing all three of his throws for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Time is running out for Flacco to prove he can be the answer at quarterback for the Browns. So far, he hasn’t made a convincing case to remain the starter. The turnovers are only part of the problem. The entire operation has lacked sharpness. Penalties, miscommunications, and a shortage of big plays have all contributed to the offense’s struggles.
The Browns will head to London next week to take on the Minnesota Vikings.
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