The Browns will probably look to former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco to lead the offense as early as Sunday against the Rams, with the playoffs still very much in sight.
Over his career, Flacco has completed 3,881 passes for 42,320 yards and 232 touchdowns. His poise, huddle management, and expertise would be invaluable to the Browns’ offensive unit, which is currently floundering. In addition, he offers a football championship background that Cleveland sorely needs if it is to contend in December and January. Even if he might not be the same Joe Flacco from ten years ago, a reliable Flacco who never makes mistakes would be sufficient.
1. Pocket passing
Flacco’s ability to throw from the pocket is very important for the offensive line. A non-mobile quarterback like Flacco will usually not improvise, Instead, he will throw the football away when his progressions are covered. This lack of movement means Flacco will be where he is designed to be and will get rid of the football on time. Pass protection is always better if the offensive line knows where the quarterback will set.
2. Progression reads and accuracy
Much has been said about what is left in the tank for Flacco and if he has the arm strength needed to compete in the NFL. However, Flacco’s last two stops in Denver and New York required a much different quarterback than what the Browns require.
Last season with the Jets, Flacco threw deep outs, verticals, deep over routes, and all other required routes from that scheme. With the Browns, Flacco needs to be efficient and solid, but does not need to carry the offense. He needs to make a few key throws, run the huddle, play with poise and leadership, and always protect the football.
Anticipate a higher usage of 13 players (1 running back, 3 tight ends, and 1 receiver) by the Browns and Kevin Stefanski than they have for the majority of the season. They can choose which defensive players to attack with their 13 man roster. Tight ends David Njoku, Harrison Bryant, and Jordan Akins can get into empty sets or spread formations and use their speed to take advantage of slower, bulkier linebackers if a defense plays base. The same tight ends can enter power run formations and run the ball at the smaller defensive backs if a team chooses to play nickel.
Here’s a preview of what Flacco will contribute to the Browns offense—it’s not that spectacular.
Flacco will drop his pass protection to the left before the play begins in response to the Bengals’ six-man blitz. The running back should be safe because he is moving to the right, but Flacco receives a big hit when the left tackle is beaten inside.
Despite knowing there would be a hit, Flacco was able to send the ball to Elijah Moore on a hitch route for a simple 5-yard gain because he could read blitz. Although Flacco selected Moore’s high percentage hot read, Garrett Wilson was also open on the seam route. The Browns require exactly this. Make it a second-and-five by getting the offense into a strong play with a fast read.
