Flacco’s Bengals Heroics Spark Mixed Feelings in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was not watching as his former quarterback, Joe Flacco, lit up the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.
Flacco turned back the clock and carved up the Steelers for 327 yards and three touchdowns. It included a clutch game-winning drive that gave the Bengals a 33-31 victory.
Flacco was the Browns’ opening day starter but was traded to the Bengals a week after being benched in favor of Dillon Gabriel. Stefanski didn’t catch the AFC North clash between Flacco’s Bengals and the Steelers, who beat the Browns 23-9 last week
“I did not, no. I’m definitely asleep on Thursday nights,” Stefanski said. “You’re always rooting for all of your friends around the league, and that really happens on a lot of teams. But, really mostly focused on our team and what we got in front of us.”
One member of the Browns who did tune in was star defensive end Myles Garrett.
“I think Joe looked like Joe. I mean, I’m happy that he went out there and got a win,” Garrett said. “He played how we know he can, and so he made plays when they needed him to. Got the ball out quick, put on the money down the field, looked great.”
Browns Myles Garrett Questions Offense Amid Skid
Garrett didn’t question Flacco’s success in Cincinnati, citing that it comes down to the personnel.
“I mean, all offenses are a little bit different, whether it’s the players that they have or the schemes that they run,” Garrett said. “So, you know, you got to make it work for with the guys that you have and figure it out from there.”
What Garrett questioned was the Browns’ recent game plan against the Steelers. Gabriel threw the ball 52 times and the Quinshon Judkins-led run game never got a chance to get going with the Browns chasing.
“I would have liked to see us stick to the run a little bit, especially with a dynamic playmaker like Quinshon, hell, even Dylan (Sampson),” Garrett said. “Both of them getting the ball, both of them have different styles, but effective runners in their own right. So, would like to see it, but they saw differently.”
Browns Offense Looking to Get on Track
The Browns’ offensive struggles have been well documented. Cleveland is averaging an NFL-worst 13.7 points per game and has been unable to produce explosive plays, particularly in the passing game.
Getting the offense on track Sunday might be tough with some inclement weather inbound. Rain and strong winds are expected, which could hamper Cleveland’s ability to pass the ball.
“I mean, you gotta spin it in the wind. Dillon does that pretty well,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “Throws a pretty tight ball. Obviously, you got to play on time, you know, some balls that maybe get away with late, but if you’re playing on time, playing on rhythm, hopefully you’re pretty efficient still.”
Cleveland is a slight favorite for the first time this season as they host the 1-5 Miami Dolphins.
Larry Fitzgerald Declares Justin Jefferson the NFL’s Best Receiver
Who's the best wide receiver in the NFL? The ongoing debate never takes a day off, and legendary Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald chimed in on The Rich Eisen Show on Thursday.
Fitzgerald broke onto the scene for the Academy of Holy Angels as a high school star, and he clearly still has some love for Minnesota. He thinks Justin Jefferson still has the top spot.
"That's such a tough question. I think Justin Jefferson, to me, what he has been able to do, and I think Ja'Marr Chase and Jefferson are like neck and neck," Fitzgerald said. "Ja'Marr has had the luxury of having, you know, somebody who is in the conversation of MVP, quality player at quarterback, in Joe Burrow, his entire career."
Chase has the best case for the second spot, but he certainly has had better quarterback play when Joe Burrow is healthy. That hasn't been the case this season, but Jefferson has had more up-and-down play from the QB position.
"Justin has done it with Sam Darnold, he has done it with J.J. McCarthy, he has done it with Kirk Cousins. He has done it with a lot of different players, and his numbers never change," Fitzgerald continued. "That's really, truly a testament to being the best player on the field. Everybody is aware of where you are, and you're still able to go out there and make play after play.
"He just stands for all the right things. He's in the long line of great Minnesota Vikings receivers. I'm a homer, I don't know if you can tell. Born and raised in Minnesota, I still got a little Vikings love for him.
There are one million stats to support Jefferson's argument as the top receiver in football. Landing some recognition from a player of Fitzgerald's caliber shouldn't come as a surprise.
