Browns’ Joe Flacco gets brutally honest on backbreaking drops-to-INTs
Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns suffered a close 17-16 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on opening weekend.
Flacco started in his first Browns game since he helped lead the team to the playoffs in the 2023 campaign. He won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year for his remarkable efforts after signing as a free agent midseason.
In his first game back with Cleveland after spending 2024 with the Indianapolis Colts, he ended the day with 31 completions out of 45 attempts for 290 yards and a touchdown.
However, he threw two interceptions and saw some of his passes end in drops from his receivers. He reflected on the loss after the game, per reporter Zac Jackson. The veteran quarterback knew that his mistakes hurt the team's chances of winning but understood that comes with the game of football.
“That’s football. I’m wishing I threw it a little bit better…we’re all going home tonight and trying to sleep with that on our chest,” Flacco said.
How Joe Flacco, Browns played against Bengals
Joe Flacco made the effort to keep the Browns competitive against a tough Bengals squad, but they fell short in the end.
It didn't help matters that their kicker Andre Szmyt missed a crucial field goal that could have given Cleveland the lead in the final minutes. The win was within their grasp, something they will think about for the next few days.
Due to Flacco's active passing, the receiving corps benefitted from the quarterback's distribution. Four players obtained five or more catches for over 50 yards each. Jerry Jeudy led the way with five receptions for 66 yards, Dylan Sampson had eight catches for 64 yards, while Harold Fannin Jr. made seven receptions for 63 yards. Meanwhile, Cedric Tillman recorded five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining on the road. They face the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. ET.
Giants’ Star Kayvon Thibodeaux Sheds Light on Relationship with Abdul Carter
The New York Giants did not open the 2025 campaign the way they were hoping to, as they suffered an ugly 21-6 loss at the hands of the Washington Commanders. There are reasons for optimism, though, with perhaps the biggest of the bunch being the team’s three-headed monster of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter on their defensive line.
Burns and Thibodeaux were already a feared pass-rushing duo, and they were joined by Carter, who was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Having so many stars along the defensive line may seem to complicate things, but it’s clear that Thibodeaux doesn’t see it that way when he was asked about his relationship with Carter.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Opens Up on Abdul Carter
In a lot of ways, Thibodeaux knows what Carter is going through as he makes the jump from college to the pros. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux entered the league with lofty expectations, and he quickly proved himself to be a disruptor on defense. In his second year in the league, Thibodeaux racked up 11.5 sacks, seemingly putting him on pace to become one of the top pass rushers in the league.
Thibodeaux only racked up 5.5 sacks last season, and while missing five games didn’t help, it seemed like he struggled to find his fit alongside Burns. Adding another star in Carter who can get the quarterback and blow up plays on a consistent basis may not seem like a great idea, but the team felt the former Penn State Nittany Lions star was too good a player to pass up.
In his NFL debut, Carter racked up three tackles and 0.5 sacks, showing that he can contribute right out of the gate for the Giants. That development isn’t a surprise to Thibodeaux, as he fully believes Carter is capable of reaching his sky-high potential, while also revealing he’s been working with him behind the scenes to help him round out his game.
“I think he’s going to be great,” Thibodeaux said of Carter. “He’s a great athlete and a great talent. I think he’s super smart. He brings a different set of skills to the team. I think he’s going to contribute in a tremendous way. I’ve been giving him whatever tips I can from a technique or scheme standpoint. He’s been great. He’s going to do well.”
Giants Looking to Pick Up First Win of the Season in Week 2
GettyNew York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter.
Even with Thibodeaux, Carter, and Burns combining for three sacks in Week 1, it wasn’t enough to get New York a season-opening victory over Washington. Sure, these guys can get to the quarterback at will, but it won’t mean much if their offense is consistently unable to put points on the board.
No team should be expected to be perfect in Week 1, and the Giants are certainly no exception. They already have a strong pass rush in place, though, so if they can figure things out elsewhere, they could have a shot to overcome this tough loss. New York will attempt to earn its first win of the season when it squares off against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2.
