Everyone suspected the Bengals were going to move at quarterback given the poor play of Joe Burrow's replacement, Jake Browning. What no one expected was that Joe Flacco would be the solution.
• Also read: The Patriots are back.
• Also read: Thanks to the Broncos, the Eagles are no longer invincible.
If this news had not broken on Tuesday at noon, October 7, we might easily have thought it was an April Fool's joke. But no, the Bengals truly believe their salvation comes from a 40-year-old veteran who has shown absolutely nothing good since his surprise return to the spotlight in 2023.
All this lasted for the duration of one song, and since then it was as if the veteran had been given 10 more lives.
So the Bengals dealt a fifth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for Flacco and a sixth-round pick. If Flacco can help keep the ship afloat until Burrow's likely return in December, it won't be such a steep price to pay.
But it's still very big if…
Inconclusive results
In Cleveland, Flacco truly seemed to be turning 40 years old since the start of the season. He's second among NFL quarterbacks in the unenviable category of interceptions with six.
Last week, the Browns said he was ready to retire with their rookie quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick.
Last year with the Colts, Flacco threw seven interceptions in six starts. Despite his surprise return in 2023, he also threw eight interceptions in five starts during his first stint with the Browns.
The biggest problem the Browns had with Jake Browning was his interception count, five. Thus, the acquisition of Flacco redefines the time-honored expression “four thirty cents per piastre.”
A quarterback, whether dominant or brutal, is never entirely responsible for his wins and losses, but his influence remains significant. The fact is, since 2018, he hasn't posted better than a 14-27 record against Baltimore, Denver, New York, Cleveland and Indianapolis.
His per-game average, not counting his brief resurrection in 2023, has been below 210 yards per game four times since 2018. And while Flacco has always been statuesque in his protective sleeve, he is more immobile than ever.
Knowing the extent to which the Bengals' offensive line is a revolving door, there is real reason to fear the worst for Peper Flacco's health.
Best location
The only thing that potentially works in Flacco's favor and the Bengals' favor is that he would come out of a situation where the Browns' wide receivers leave a lot to be desired in Cincinnati and could target Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This is definitely one of the best duos in the league. However, at this very advanced stage of his career, it is reasonable to wonder to what extent he will be able to benefit from it.
Some would say there were no good options for the Bengals. This is wrong.
Kirk Cousins became a luxury reserve on the Falcons, and he would have been the best defensive player available, but the Bengals would never have accepted his huge salary. The Falcons would have to find a creative solution to keep his mark on their books.
One of the rumors was Jameis Winston from the Giants. He also has the ability to throw a flurry of interceptions, but his aggressive style would fit well with the receivers waiting for Burrow.
The Bengals had dreams of returning to the playoffs, but Burrow's injury put a damper on their plans. At least they're not sitting idly by and sinking with Jake Browning as captain, but it's hard to imagine Flacco righting the Titanic with water pouring in from everywhere.
Thursday match
This Thursday night, the Eagles, fresh from being surprised by the Broncos, head to New York to face the Giants.
These same giants are 26 years old.es against the run, and it's a big awakening moment for Saquon Barkley. The Eagles' offense is limited to 53 yards per game so far, down from 97 during the same period last year. The Eagles need to reclaim their identity. In his only game against the Giants in 2024, Barkley crushed them with 176 yards.
MY FORECAST FOR THURSDAY:
Eagles 30 Giants 17
