The Cleveland Browns had their momentum halted against the Detroit Lions due to an embarrassing mistake by Joe Flacco.
The Browns came out firing on offense, finding the end zone on their first possession. Flacco was perfect, going 5-for-5, connecting with Jerry Jeudy multiple times. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins polished off the drive with a 1-yard plune at the goal line.
Then came the Browns’ second drive. On third down, Flacco stepped back and launched a lofty pass along the sideline. But no receiver was waiting on the other end. Lions defensive back Kirby Joseph easily snagged the interception and Detroit flipped the play into a field goal.
The play was likely not all Flacco’s fault. Browns receiver Cedric Tillman did not appear to be on the same page with his 40-year-old quarterback on the play. But the internet did not hold back on Flacco for what was one of the worst interceptions you’ll see.
“Flacco threw a punt again,” ESPN’s Pat McAfee said.
“Joe Flacco, it’s time to call it a career. It’s been a good one,” a fan said.
“I’m serious I’d rather watch Jerry Jeudy and Quinshon Judkins draw up trick plays than watch Joe Flacco continue to do this predictable (expletive),” another fan added. “At least it would be fun.”
Flacco tossed a second interception of the game with five minutes left in the second quarter after Jerry Jeudy fell on his route. Lions defensive back D.J. Reed returned it inside the 10-yard line. Detroit turned it into a touchdown and a 17-7 lead.
Browns Need Joe Flacco to Cut Down on Turnovers
The interception was Flacco’s fifth in four games. He also fumbled in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, which was returned for a touchdown. The directive from the Browns to Flacco was to cut down turnovers, which has put their stellar defense in precarious situations.
“Joe knows there’s plays that he can be better, and it obviously starts with protecting the ball in this game, and he understands that, and that’s our focus moving forward,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after Week 2.
Part of the issue is that Flacco hasn’t been able to provide spark plays and has looked his age when trying to avoid pressure.
“It’s hard. It’s hard to go out there and play games like today and, you know, keep it together, but that’s what football is sometimes,” Flacco said after beating the Green Bay Packers 13-10. “There were times where there probably were guys down the field that were open, and it’s just, I didn’t make it happen. And you feel for the group as a whole. I mean, everybody wants to go out there and perform and put up numbers, points, yards, all that stuff. And part of your job as a quarterback is to get that done. But also, your job is to win a football game and just play your role in whatever that may be.”
Browns Taking Time With Rookie QBs Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
If the Browns were to bench Flacco, the first alternative would be rookie Dillon Gabriel. Cleveland has been patient but Flacco’s leash is getting shorter with every turnover.
“I think that is what they’re missing. They’re missing right now, really good quarterback play. And I don’t know if they’re going to get that from Dillon Gabriel when it’s his time. I just don’t know,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said. “And that time could come sooner than later if Joe isn’t able to get anything done.”
The Browns also have Shedeur Sanders on the roster as their No. 3 quarterback. Sanders has been functioning as the team’s emergency quarterback on game days. He can suit up but is officially inactive, only able to enter the game if both Flacco and Gabriel are injured.
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