By Lydia Jane Allison
Joe Flacco Browns QB Postgame Press Conference 1 14 2024 Wild Card Playoff loss to Texans.mp3
FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
On November 20, 2023, Flacco was signed to the Browns practice squad, following a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Flacco was named the starter for Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams after Dorian Thompson-Robinson was ruled out with a concussion. He was again named the starter against the Jaguars in Week 14. In the game, Flacco completed 26 of 45 passes for 311 yards, three touchdowns and one interception as the Browns won 31–27. Following the win, the Browns announced that Flacco would remain the starter moving forward. After reverting to the practice squad, he officially joined the active roster after signing a one-year deal with Cleveland on December 14.
In Week 16 against the Texans, Flacco completed 27-of-42 passes for 368 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 36–22 victory. It was the first time in Flacco’s career that he had three consecutive games with over 300 yards passing and he was named the FedEx Air Player of the Week for his performance. In Week 17 against the Jets, Flacco threw three touchdowns and passed for 296 yards in the first half alone, marking the most yards in any half in his career as the Browns won 37–20, clinching their first playoff berth in three years. Flacco became the first player in NFL history to have 250 passing yards and multiple passing touchdowns in each of his first five games with a franchise.
On January 13, 2024, Flacco made his first playoff start since 2015 against the Texans in the Wild Card round. The nine-year gap between playoff starts is the second longest gap in NFL postseason history, behind Doug Flutie‘s 12-year gap from 1987 to 1999. In the game, Flacco had a strong first half, completing 15 of 19 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. However, two interceptions returned for touchdowns in the third quarter put Cleveland in a deep hole as they lost 45–14. This marked Flacco’s first loss in a Wild Card game, having previous gone 5–0.
REGULAR SEASON STATS
PLAYOFFS STATS
Joe Flacco has said he is willing to come back next year to play for the Browns.
COURTESY CLEVELAND BROWNS COMMUNICATIONS & WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
