The Cleveland Browns have found themselves in another quarterback shuffle as they prepare to start their fourth different quarterback this season. Veteran passer Joe Flacco will be leading the team on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. This change in quarterback comes as rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains in the concussion protocol after last weekend’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Without Thompson-Robinson, the Browns turned to Flacco who joined the team last month after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder surgery. PJ Walker, who has started two games this season, will serve as the backup to Flacco.
In addition to the quarterback change, the Browns will also be without Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, who will miss his second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury. However, star defensive end Myles Garrett is expected to play despite a shoulder injury of his own. These absences further complicate the team’s challenges as they face a tough Rams squad.
Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2012 season, expressed excitement for the opportunity to start once again. This opportunity comes after Flacco spent the first half of the season as an unsigned free agent. He now sees the potential to contribute to the team and is motivated by the support of his young children. Flacco’s experience, with over 42,000 passing yards and 232 touchdowns in his career, brings a veteran presence to the Browns’ offense.
Flacco’s performance in practice has garnered positive feedback from his teammates and coaches. Wide receiver Amari Cooper particularly praised Flacco’s throwing ability, describing it as a thing of beauty. The Browns hope that this strong performance in practice translates into success on the field.
The constant change in quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns is not a new phenomenon. The team has started four quarterbacks in a single season only twice before, in 2008 and 1988. The Browns have never had four different quarterbacks win as starters in the same season, highlighting the instability the franchise has faced at this position over the years. The last NFL team to achieve this feat was the 2015 Houston Texans. Other teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers, have also experienced similar challenges in the past.
The off-field challenges continue to plague the Browns as well. On the same day as the quarterback announcement, wide receiver Michael Woods II was suspended for the final six games of the season for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Already dealing with injuries and personnel changes, the Browns now face the additional challenge of finding stability within the team as they navigate the remainder of the season.
As the Cleveland Browns embark on yet another quarterback change and face multiple challenges, the quest for stability remains elusive. With a history of inconsistent quarterback play and a constant flux of key players due to injuries and suspensions, the team struggles to establish a solid foundation. The success of the Browns hinges on their ability to find stability at the quarterback position and maintain personnel stability overall. Only then can they hope to overcome the obstacles they face and achieve their potential.
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