The Cleveland Browns are currently faced with a significant decision as they prepare for Week 1 of the NFL season: who will be their starting quarterback. With Deshaun Watson recovering from an Achilles injury, veteran Joe Flacco appears to be the frontrunner to lead the team. His experience and familiarity with the opponents, coupled with a successful stint leading the Browns on a playoff run in 2023, position him as a safe choice.
In addition to Flacco, the quarterback race includes Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, all of whom were brought onto the team after the NFL Draft. While speculation runs rampant regarding who will claim the QB1 spot, prominent analyst Rich Eisen argues that Flacco’s experience will be essential, particularly considering the challenging early schedule.
Eisen points to the significance of having a steady hand at the helm for the tough matchups ahead, which include divisional games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, along with challenging opponents like the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. He emphasizes that having a seasoned veteran like Flacco could allow younger quarterbacks like Sanders and Gabriel to develop without the pressure of immediate performance.
Eisen also provided an ultimatum: if Flacco can lead the team to a strong start, with a record of 3-3 or 4-2, there may be no reason to make a change. However, if the team struggles, it could open the door for one of the younger quarterbacks to step in and make an impact.
As the Browns prepare for their season, the decision on the starting quarterback will be crucial to navigating a tough schedule and positioning the team for success. The combination of Flacco’s experience and the emerging talents of Sanders and Gabriel leaves the Browns with promising potential, regardless of who ultimately takes the field first.