Bengals Gamble on Veteran Flacco in Desperate Playoff Push
The Cincinnati Bengals are turning to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco after a season-ending injury to Joe Burrow, a move that many see as a high-risk, perhaps limited-reward gamble. While the Bengals aim to remain competitive, Flacco’s recent performance raises significant questions about their playoff aspirations.
Since 2018, Flacco has struggled to maintain a winning record, compiling a 14-27 dossier across stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts. His average passing yards per game have consistently fallen below 210 as 2018, with the exception of a brief resurgence during his initial return to Cleveland in 2023.
His interception numbers are a particular concern.This season with the Browns,Flacco threw six interceptions,second-most among NFL quarterbacks. Last year with the Colts, he was intercepted seven times in six starts. Even during his 2023 stint with the Browns, he threw eight interceptions in five starts. This tendency mirrors the issue that plagued Jake Browning, who threw five interceptions before Flacco’s arrival, leading some to suggest the Bengals are exchanging one problem for another – a situation described as “four thirty sous for a piastre.”
The Browns ultimately moved on from Flacco, opting to give playing time to rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick.
Despite these concerns, the Bengals’ situation was limited. kirk Cousins, now a backup with the Atlanta Falcons, would have been the best available option, but his salary demands were prohibitive. Jameis Winston, also rumored to be available, possesses a similar propensity for interceptions but might have complemented the Bengals’ receiving corps.
The Bengals are hoping Flacco can capitalize on the strengths of their receiving duo,Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins,considered one of the league’s best. However, questions remain about whether the 40-year-old quarterback can effectively utilize these weapons at this stage of his career. Furthermore, the Bengals’ offensive line has struggled, raising concerns about Flacco’s protection and overall health.
The Bengals are clearly unwilling to concede the season following Burrow’s injury,but the challenge of steering the team back to the playoffs with Flacco at the helm appears daunting,likened to attempting to repair the Titanic while it’s taking on water.
Thursday Night Football preview:
The Philadelphia eagles (coming off a surprising loss to the Denver Broncos) will travel to New York to face the Giants.The Giants currently rank 26th in rushing, prompting concerns about Saquon Barkley’s performance. The Eagles’ running game has also been limited, averaging 53 rushing yards per game compared to 97 at the same point last year. Barkley had a dominant performance against the Eagles in 2024, rushing for 176 yards.
Prediction:
Eagles 30 Giants 17
