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The magical feeling from Cleveland’s shocking takedown of the Packers? It lasted exactly one quarter. For Browns fans hoping that upset signaled a franchise turnaround, Sunday’s reality check against Detroit came swiftly and painfully. The Lions dropped 20 unanswered points on Cleveland for a commanding 20-7 halftime lead, quickly erasing any lingering optimism.
The defense struggled, but Joe Flacco did them no favors. The 40-year-old quarterback looked completely out of sync, throwing two interceptions while barely completing half his passes through three quarters. Though his arm strength remains serviceable, his lack of mobility is glaring. At this stage of his career, it’s become painfully obvious – Flacco’s a decent backup but not someone who’ll elevate this roster.
Might be time for Joe Flacco to go be a family man
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 28, 2025
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That’s precisely Cleveland’s problem right now. Let’s be honest – the Browns aren’t playoff contenders this year, let alone Super Bowl hopefuls. Everyone knew this entering the season. GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski simply need progress indicators – something they can point to as proof they’re steering this ship in the right direction. Riding out the season with Flacco just to avoid embarrassment helps nobody. That’s why we’re likely seeing Shedeur Sanders sooner rather than later.
Flacco’s Play Is Forcing Cleveland’s Hand
This isn’t saying Cleveland was wrong to bench Sanders in Week 1, or that he’ll immediately light up NFL defenses. His draft slide happened for legitimate reasons beyond just personality concerns or media attention. The rookie clearly needs development time to become a reliable NFL starter – his preseason performances highlighted that fact.
But what exactly is the plan here?
Even if you believe Sanders shouldn’t face immediate pressure behind this shaky offensive line with limited weapons, it’s difficult to imagine Stefanski risking his job security while Flacco delivers mediocre performance after mediocre performance. The coaching staff’s incentives all point toward making a change – hoping it buys them goodwill and patience for future development.
Dillon Gabriel remains an option, and Cleveland might try him first. However, Gabriel’s limitations are well-documented – a game manager with average physical tools who survives on timing and accuracy. He’ll distribute the ball effectively but won’t create much beyond the structure. Sanders lacks elite arm strength too, but he’s shown more improvisational ability and has significantly higher upside that Stefanski’s staff can develop.
Perhaps Cleveland’s leadership will stubbornly stick with Flacco in the name of “responsible QB development.” But NFL history and basic human nature suggest otherwise. The pressure to make a change grows with each Flacco interception, and Sanders just needs to stay ready. His opportunity is coming – it’s not a matter of if, but when.
