The quarterback position has been a mess for the Cleveland Browns this season. When Deshaun Watson was under center, things ran smoothly as the team was 5-1 in games he started. Unfortunately, he was unable to stay healthy, which has led to head coach Kevin Stefanski seeking out answers.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson looked better in his second opportunity as the starter after a disastrous debut in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. He is 1-2 in his starts, with the loss coming against the Denver Broncos when he was knocked out of the game early because of a concussion.
In relief of Thompson-Robinson that week was P.J. Walker, who has been underwhelming whenever called upon this season. The team had such little faith in him being the starter that they opted to start Joe Flacco in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL News & Rumors: Joe Flacco, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns Updates
Flacco was a free agent until being signed to the team’s practice squad after Watson’s season-ending injury. He was with the team for less than two weeks before he was tabbed as the starter.
All things considered, he was solid against the Rams. He completed 22-of-43 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. A strong argument could be made that Flacco is the best option for the Browns moving forward.
It was a small sample size, but he has the highest QBR of the four players to get under center for the team this season. His pass success rate is also the highest on the team this season and he was able to keep the Browns competitive against an improving Rams team on the road.
While Flacco doesn’t offer the mobility that Thompson-Robinson does, the Browns could be a more competitive team with Flacco leading the way. He is a seasoned veteran with Super Bowl experience that has shown last season with the New York Jets and this past weekend that he can still sling the ball around a little bit.
NFL News & Rumors: Joe Flacco, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns Updates
Cleveland will have to consider the ramifications of such a move if Flacco is named the starter going forward. How will that impact the confidence of Thompson-Robinson, who would essentially be benched for the second time this season? Will that deal a crushing blow to his confidence moving forward?
There is a lot that Stefanski has to consider when making his decision. While nothing final has been announced, according to reports, the Browns are leaning toward making Flacco their starter from here on out.
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