For the time being, Joe Flacco will remain the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated following Sunday’s lopsided 41-17 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens that he has no plans to make any quarterback adjustments.
The Browns briefly employed rookie Dillon Gabriel on Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium towards the end of the game, and he performed admirably given the circumstances. Gabriel completed all three of his passes and connected with Dylan Sampson for an 8-yard touchdown during the closing minutes.
Flacco, on the other hand, had a difficult time during the game. The 40-year-old veteran completed 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the defeat, however, it should have been two interceptions. His touchdown pass was almost intercepted by Marlon Humphrey, but it unexpectedly landed in Cedric Tillman’s arms in the end zone. The other interception was also poorly thrown and returned 60 yards, leading to a Ravens touchdown.
Flacco secured the starting role after a lengthy competition during training camp. Shedeur Sanders, who the Browns also selected in the NFL Draft earlier this spring, earned the third-string job behind Gabriel. Given Flacco’s 18th season in the league this fall and nearing retirement, Gabriel or even Sanders are likely to become the Browns’ starting quarterback in the future. Deshaun Watson is also recovering from an Achilles injury, and might eventually return to the field.
However, at least for the time being, Flacco is the guy in Cleveland, and he’s making an effort to ignore any critics.
“I really can’t be concerned with any of that,” Flacco stated when questioned about Stefanski’s decision not to replace the quarterback, according to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “It’s honestly not something I’m thinking about. I have to get out there and play my game, play the way I know how to lead this team as well as I can.”
Flacco and the Browns, who are currently 0-2 for the season, will play the Green Bay Packers at home the following weekend. Even if he is not yet prepared to make a change, Stefanski will undoubtedly continue to receive these questions as the season progresses, especially if the Browns continue to struggle.
