Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski declined to name a starting quarterback ahead of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stefanski said the decision would be made 90 minutes before kickoff. “Both guys practiced this week,” Stefanski told reporters. “Both guys practiced well, and I have faith in both guys… but I’m not going to name a starter.
Even as he makes that statement, signs point to Joe Flacco starting his second game in a row.
Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was able to get back on the practice field this week as he worked through the concussion protocol. He was limited both Wednesday and Thursday as he went through the final checks, but he was cleared on Friday and is available to play in the game. Nevertheless, Flacco took the lion’s share of the reps.
Against the Los Angeles Rams, Flacco came out firing. He went three of four passing on the first drive of the game and the Browns scored a touchdown on their first drive of the game. That was the first time they’ve been able to do that since against the Indianapolis Colts in week 7. Flacco’s 254 yards passing were the second-highest total in a game for the Browns this season.
It was a promising debut for a quarterback who had been with the team for two weeks. The Browns would like to see how much better he can get with a third. On plays Flacco had practiced like the opening script, he was crisp and the offense was effective. With increased exposure to the offense and time to adjust to the speed of the game, the hope is that Flacco can at least maintain what he showed in LA, finding more consistency. After the Browns scored a touchdown on their opening drive, the next five drives ended in punts with only two first downs.
Flacco rallied, leading the team to two more field goals and a touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter. The effort provides the Browns something they can build upon, hoping for a better ending than in LA. Flacco’s poor decision to force a pass that resulted in an interception was the game’s tipping point and allowed the Rams to take a one-point advantage and put the game out of reach.
The forecast for Sunday may also favor Flacco, even as Stefanski told the media he wasn’t paying attention to the weather. Flacco has extensive experience playing in AFC North climates and ugly weather, and there’s a chance of both rain and high wind. He’s got big, strong hands, and his arm strength could enable him to pass despite the weather, potentially giving the Browns an advantage in the game. At 7-5 with a chance to get a critical victory, the team is looking for every edge they can get.
This decision comes on the heels of Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson saying Trevor Lawrence is “probably” a game-time decision. Lawrence practiced on Friday, though he is still limited.
The Browns are coming off back-to-back losses. A win against the Jaguars would not only mean both teams are 8-5, but give the Browns an edge over another AFC competitor in the mix for a potential playoff berth.
