Sports
Applause rang out at Huntington Bank Field as the Cleveland Browns‘ starting offense jogged onto the field during the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Much of that ovation was aimed at one man: Joe Flacco.
The 40-year-old quarterback, who became an unlikely hero in Cleveland with a magical five-game run late in 2023 that pushed the team into the playoffs, was once again under center.
His return marks a second chance with the Browns after the front office initially moved on from him in the offseason. But circumstances changed.
Cleveland needed a steady veteran presence in a crowded but uncertain quarterback room, and fate led them back to Flacco, who has now been confirmed as the Week 1 starter.
Saturday’s contest was more than just another preseason game. For fans, it was an opportunity to welcome Flacco back to the stadium where his legend grew last winter.
For the coaching staff, it was a dress rehearsal to fine-tune the first-team offense before the regular season opener.
A smooth second drive revives 2023 memories
The Browns‘ first offensive series wasn’t memorable. After a short Dylan Sampson run, Flacco hit Jerry Jeudy on an out route, but the receiver couldn’t secure the catch.
A short completion to tight end David Njoku followed, yet it wasn’t enough to move the chains.
On the second drive, however, the offense looked like the unit that energized the city last December. Flacco led a seven-play, 44-yard march capped by a touchdown.
Running back Jerome Ford jumpstarted the possession with a series of positive gains, first catching a short pass for four yards, then rushing for 11 and three yards.
Sampson followed with a highlight of his own, turning a simple out-route catch into a 14-yard gain after slipping past two defenders. Moments later, Flacco connected with Michael Fannin Jr. for a crisp 15-yard strike to put Cleveland on the board, 7-0.
Flacco finished his evening nearly flawless, completing 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards and a score. The offense executed with tempo and confidence, showing glimpses of cohesion that head coach Kevin Stefanski had hoped for.
One setback came in the form of a knee injury to center Ethan Pocic, whose availability will be monitored closely. Despite that concern, Stefanski sent the starters out for another series, which produced a 35-yard drive before stalling with a punt.
Setting the tone for September
Preseason football is never an exact measure, especially considering the Rams played without many of their starters, leaving Cleveland‘s first team against Los Angeles‘ third-string defenders.
Still, the Browns walked away with valuable reps and, most importantly, optimism.
A year ago, Deshaun Watson‘s shoulder issues left the offense in disarray heading into Week 1, and the unit never truly found its footing.
This summer feels different. With Flacco leading a promising group of young skill players, Cleveland appears far better positioned to start fast.
The veteran quarterback’s precision and calm presence gave fans a preview of what could be ahead when the Browns open their season on September 7.
If Saturday was any indication, Flacco‘s encore in Cleveland may provide more than nostalgia, it could deliver stability in a year when the Browns need it most.
This news was originally published on this post .
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