Joe Flacco Embraces Bengals Opportunity Despite “Crazy” Trade Situation
The Cincinnati Bengals were rocked to their core when they learned that superstar quarterback Joe Burrow would miss a considerable amount of time after suffering a toe injury that would require three months to recover from.
The team has been forced to turn to backup Jake Browning, which hasn’t produced results, as he has struggled ever since taking over for Burrow. Browning’s struggles have led the Bengals’ brass to trade for veteran journeyman quarterback Joe Flacco in a deal with the division rival Cleveland Browns.
The Bengals aren’t wasting any time with Flacco, who once led the division rival Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl title, as they will give him his first start with the team in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers on the road at Lambeau Field.
Joe Flacco Reveals Reaction to Trade to Bengals
Flacco’s career in the NFL has been a rollercoaster ride since he left the Ravens, as he has had no real stability in the league, having played for five different teams before landing in Cincinnati. He has had stints with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Browns before being traded to the Bengals.
Needless to say, Flacco is accustomed to being on the move during his playing career, following a successful stint in Baltimore. He was asked about his reaction to the trade to Cincinnati ahead of Week 6’s matchup with the Packers.
“Crazy business,” Flacco said during a team press conference. “You have to be ready for anything. That’s kind of what it was. Definitely didn’t have this on my list of things that were gonna happen. But hey, that’s this league. And I’m a player. I think most players would say the same thing. I like to play football. If that’s in Cincinnati right now, then I’m all for it.”
Although it is yet another change of scenery, Flacco remains in the AFC North division, where he has played the majority of his career. However, he still admits that it has been a bit crazy since the trade was made.
“My head’s spinning a little bit,” Flacco said. “But just trying to come in here and have an open mind and figure out what we’ve got going on.”
Flacco will get a chance at another fresh start in the NFL, with no concrete return date for Burrow, as the Bengals try to salvage their season.
Bengals Superstar Ja’Marr Chase Reacts to Joe Flacco
The one player who has seemingly been more impacted than anyone else since the Burrow injury has been superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The two-time All-Pro hasn’t been able to get going with Browning under center, which has led to frustration and many believing the 2025 NFL season is likely a lost cause for the Bengals.
With the Bengals making the move to bring in Flacco, Chase was asked his thoughts about the unexpected trade ahead of Week 6.
“I appreciate the organization trying to make this work. So we’ve got to make it work,” Chase said, via the Bengals’ website. “They just see that we’ve got a chance. Defense is doing a good enough job to help us out. Ultimately, we’ve got to have plays in space. That’s what they’ve seen. That’s what they wanted to keep going. They’ve just given us an opportunity to make more of those plays happen.”
Clearly, Chase is on board with the move, and that shouldn’t be all that surprising, considering the team needs a boost offensively. It’ll be interesting to see if he and Flacco can get on the same page quickly in hopes of salvaging this stretch until Burrow can get back on the field.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Makes Vow Amid Depth Chart Shake-Up
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders says he’s done feeding into the drama.
Sanders is arguably the most high-profile fifth-round pick in NFL history, with every move scrutinized under a national spotlight. He recently made waves for miming his responses to a reporter’s questions in the locker room. It was a not-so-subtle clapback at former NFL coach Rex Ryan, who had criticized him on national television, saying Sanders was “embarrassing himself” by “running his mouth.”
Sanders was asked about his actions on Thursday but cut off the question.
“You just trying to start something, you feel me?” Sanders said. “We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that. I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with. Anything negative, we’re not talking about it. We’re not speaking on it.”
“We not on no negativity from now on,” – Browns QB Shedeur Sanders on Rex Ryan’s comments.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Focused on Supporting Dillon Gabriel
After some speculation that practice squad passer Bailey Zappe could jump him on the depth chart, Sanders was officially named the backup quarterback on Friday.
Prior to the decision, Sanders said that his focus is on supporting starter Dillon Gabriel and remaining ready in case his number is called.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said. “So each and every day, even when Joe (Flacco) was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
It’s been an adjustment for Sanders stepping into a backup role after being the star everywhere he’s played. Still, he says he’s embracing his role in Cleveland — at least for now.
“I’m in a great mental space overall, so I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure,” Sanders said. “So my job at first was to prepare the defense, and I think I did a pretty good job. Nah, but they got Myles Garrett and everybody over there, so, you know.
“But anyways, I think I did a pretty good job, and whatever my role is here, I’m thankful and I’m happy just to do that.”
Browns Praise Shedeur Sanders for Improvement
Many experts had Sanders going in the first round. But he tumbled to pick No. 144, where the Browns scooped him up. Cleveland views Sanders as a developmental quarterback, but praised the former Colorado star for the strides he has made.
“For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “You see the growth, and the familiarity of the offense and what we’re asking of those guys. The level of preparation it takes week-to-week, when you’re putting a new game plan together, that’s a learning curve for all rookies.”
Gabriel gets his second chance as the Browns’ starter on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland is a 6.5-point road underdog for the matchup. The Browns have not won a regular-season game on the road in Pittsburgh since 2003.
