CINCINNATI — Ten days ago Joe Flacco didn't know if he could experience again what he felt on Thursday night.
Last week, Flacco was a quarterback who was benched in his 18th NFL season. On Thursday night, he celebrated another comeback victory in the AFC North.
Nine days after his exchange for Cincinnati Bengalshe led his new club to victory with a score of 33-31 over Pittsburgh Steelers at Pacore Stadium. Needing points on the final drive to win, Flacco led the hitters down the field with a kicker. Ewan McPhersonA 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left sealed the victory.
Flacco acknowledged the uncertainty he felt about returning to the position he was in Thursday night.
“Honestly, I didn’t think it was,” Flacco said. “It's pretty special.”
In the second game after his exchange with Cleveland BrownsThe 40-year-old helped Cincinnati snap a four-game losing streak. He was 31 of 47 passing for 342 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the first win for the Bengals (3-4) since starting the quarterback. Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury on the turf in week two.
Burrow watched from the sidelines, boot on his left foot, as Flacco played in the final minutes to prevent Cincinnati's crushing collapse. The Bengals trailed by one point after leading most of the contest when Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers 2:21 left.
But in his 23rd regular-season game against the Steelers (4-2), Flacco excelled. When Cincinnati was on the verge of a field goal, it hit the receiver. Tee Higgins for a 28-yard completion down the left sideline, making McPherson's hit relatively easy.
McPherson is among those who enjoy having a veteran quarterback on their team.
“I like his attitude and what he brings to the team,” said McPherson, who now has eight hits in the final two minutes of the regular season. “He did a really good job of connecting with guys in a very short time.”
Flacco spent most of his time communicating with Higgins and the receiver. Ja'Marr Chase against the Steelers. Chase set a franchise record with 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown. It was his ninth game with more than 150 receiving yards, passing Jerry Rice for second place in the first five seasons of an NFL career.
Chase again praised the franchise's decision to acquire Flacco as their starting quarterback.
“Honestly, it’s good to have him here for us,” Chase said. “The organization came down hard on him. We believed in him. We caught him. He came, did his thing and showed off to us.”
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Flacco's experience was crucial in a game Cincinnati “needed to have.” And the veteran did it almost effortlessly.
“It’s easy for him,” Taylor said. “And it’s not like that because he’s doing his best. He is so experienced in this situation. You get a lot of confidence from that because he goes out there.” [and] It’s not too big.”
Last week, Flacco was driving down Interstate 75, talking to Taylor on the phone, and the coach began explaining much of the playbook as quickly as possible. Despite his experience, Flacco wanted to make sure he didn't miss out on the opportunity.
On Thursday night, Flacco spoke about the relief his family must have felt to see him complete another game. At the postgame press conference, Flacco said he wanted to hear how that relief turned into excitement.
“I can’t wait to talk to my wife tonight and just hear it in her voice and everything,” Flacco said. “Talking to [family] reminds you of how special it is.”
