The Cleveland Browns caught lightning in a bottle last year when the team coaxed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco back into the NFL late in the season.
Flacco – who turned 39 years old in January – came in and led the Browns to a 4-1 record, throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in five games last season.
His efforts led the team to the playoffs, earning him the 2023 AP Comeback Player of the Year honors along with the support of Browns fans.
That was the problem surrounding re-signing the quarterback this season.
Having a quarterback who could instantly come into a game and provide a spark – something he’s done yet again in Indianapolis – would amplify any quarterback’s miscues, especially Cleveland signal caller Deshaun Watson this season.
Analyst Ryan Tyler made clear the reason the Browns could not re-sign Flacco this season on “The Return With Josh & Maria Cribbs” podcast this week, revealing his thoughts on why the Browns passed over the veteran for Jameis Winston.
“Joe Flacco being there would have been a distraction,” Tyler said, adding, “Deshaun Watson probably couldn’t handle it being in his shadow, and the fans certainly couldn’t. All hell would break loose at Cleveland Browns stadium if Deshaun was playing this bad, and you knew you had a guy at backup in Flacco.”
.@Ryantyler33 clears the airs for all those still wondering why the Browns got rid of Joe Flacco
"All hell would break loose at Cleveland Browns stadium if Deshaun was playing this bad and you had Flacco at backup."
Presented by:@AffinityWH https://t.co/ghY4iO5Lk7 pic.twitter.com/sQjRqB76ge
— The Return With Josh & Maria Cribbs (@TheCribbsShow) October 11, 2024
Flacco’s shadow will loom large in Indianapolis once Anthony Richardson – the team’s quarterback on a rookie deal – returns to action, specifically the point that Tyler made on the show.
In two games this season for the Colts, Flacco has completed 70 percent of his passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.
NEXT: Myles Garrett Reveals How Browns Can Help Deshaun Watson
