The Cleveland Browns got their first big blow of the season after losing star running back Nick Chubb due to a season-ending injury. Their misfortune compounded as their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, too, went down with a season-ending injury. The seemingly hopeless Browns squad decided to give veteran quarterback Joe Flacco a chance to see if he could change their dynamics amid these adversities.
Flacco fit the role incredibly well, as he had been securing consecutive victories for the Browns lately. The team’s playoff run was hanging in the air following the loss of Watson, but hope is now resurging under the signal-caller. Flacco has secured a win against the Houston Texans as well to continue their winning streak. Witnessing the dual-threat’s phenomenal form, NBA icon LeBron James gave him a shout-out on social media.
LeBron James captivated by Browns’ QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco and his wide receiver Amari Cooper’s sensational collaboration in the match against the Houston Texans marked a watershed moment for the Browns’ quarterback-receiver dynamics. LeBron James, being a huge Browns fan, couldn’t help plugging into the incredible performance as well and expressed his enthusiasm through a series of spirited tweets.
When Flacco connected with Cooper for a touchdown, James joined the Dawg Pound club virtually by voicing his support for the QB writing, “#DawgPound LET’S GO!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️. Flacco to Coooooooooooop for 6!”
Another touchdown pass from the QB triggered another burst of praise from the NBA star, as he posted another X post writing, “FLACCO!!!!!!! #DawgPound”
Joe Flacco moonlighted as hero on Sunday by completing 27 of 42 passes for an incredible 368 yards along with three touchdowns. However, the veteran’s impact extended beyond personal statistics as his exceptional play was the driving force behind pushing Cooper to break the Browns’ franchise record for the most receiving yards in a single game.
The receiver also earned the glory to be the first Browns receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. His record-setting day started with a stunning 53-yard reception from Flacco. The WR recorded 11 catches for 265 yards along with two touchdowns, and a 2-point conversion before eventually setting the stage for an extraordinary afternoon that etched his name into Browns history.
Jets Robert Saleh hails Flacco’s performance with Browns
The Browns, vying for their tenth win of the season, find themselves on the cusp of securing a coveted playoff spot. Conversely, the New York Jets, under the leadership of Coach Robert Saleh, have fallen out of contention for postseason play. Despite this, Saleh did not hold back in commending Joe Flacco’s recent performances as he prepares to face Flacco’s squad on Thursday Night Football.
Reflecting on the QB’s role in the Browns, Saleh hilariously likened him to a dependable Ford pickup truck, saying, “You might not like it in the summer, but in the winter months, that son of a gun starts humming”, via Sports Yahoo.
Joe Flacco was thrust into action during Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams, which resulted in a 19-36 loss. However, the vet’s perseverance shone through as he continued to lead the team in following matches, and his impactful presence during Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars initiated a turnaround for the Browns.
The signal-caller’s winning streak didn’t just end with a win against the Jaguars. He went on to engineer victories against the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans as well. His record of three straight 300-yard games for the first time in his career speaks volume about his dedication on the field.