Browns announce major QB decision for rest of season

Aug 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet on the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have decided on their quarterback for the rest of the season, and it is not a surprising choice after how Sunday’s game went.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after Sunday’s game that Joe Flacco would serve as Cleveland’s starter for the rest of the season. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson had previously been the planned starter.

#Browns Stefanski said Joe Flacco is his starter the rest of the season

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 10, 2023

This decision was pretty much a no-brainer after Sunday’s game. The Browns outdueled the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-27, with Flacco going 26/45 for 311 yards and three touchdowns to go with one interception. Flacco also kept the Browns competitive with the Los Angeles Rams last week, though a late interception was fatal to the team’s chances.

Thompson-Robinson got the first shot at the job, but he never looked particularly impressive and landed in concussion protocol after Week 12. That, combined with Flacco’s on-field performance, essentially forced the Browns’ hand.

The Browns are now 8-5 after Sunday’s win, so Flacco could conceivably start a playoff game if the team remains on track.