Joe Flacco couldn’t write a storybook ending to his comeback.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback threw a pair of pick-sixes in Saturday’s 45-14 first-round playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Flacco won’t play for his second Super Bowl title, but he still appreciated the chance to make a late-season run.
“I was so fortunate to become part of this team — it’s a special group,” Flacco said after the game, per ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “To be given a chance to do this with those guys, I’m super grateful for it.”
Flacco on his emotions on the magical run with the Browns and the way the season ended: pic.twitter.com/XU5KVOUt0L
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) January 14, 2024
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Flacco spent most of 2023 at home before signing with Cleveland’s practice squad in late November. He accumulated 1,616 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in five games, including a four-game winning streak that netted the Browns their second playoff trip of the last 20 years.
The former Baltimore Ravens star completed 34 of 46 passes for 307 yards at NRG Stadium, exceeding 300 yards in his fifth straight contest. However, the game got out of hand when the Texans returned interceptions for touchdowns on back-to-back drives during the third quarter.
“He was trying to make a play,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I need to put him in better position.”
Despite the unfortunate conclusion, Flacco enjoyed a remarkable career renaissance in Cleveland. He could parlay that success into another job this offseason.
Flacco said last month that he wants to play in 2024. However, a returning Deshaun Watson means Flacco must look elsewhere to start.
“I love it here and we’re dealing with so much right now, just going through the emotions of this game and being so excited to be in this position and now to come up empty,” Flacco said. “That’s where my head is. Trying to soak it all in and let this digest a little bit.”