Browns HC provides QB update after disappointing outing for Joe Flacco

The Cleveland Browns have insisted that quarterback Joe Flacco is the right option. But are they sure about that after another lackluster performance on Sunday? 

In a home game against the Green Bay Packers, Flacco finished 21-of-36 passing for 142 yards and one interception and posted a season-low 55.6 passer rating.

The 1-2 Browns still upset the 2-1 Packers, 13-10, after kicker Andre Szmyt drilled a clutch 55-yard field goal before time expired. (Cleveland blocked Green Bay kicker Brandon McManus' 43-yard field-goal attempt on the previous drive.) Despite the win, it's fair to ask if the Browns should make a QB change. 

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski discusses if he'll bench Joe Flacco

Despite the struggles, Stefanski told the media he's sticking with Flacco as his starting QB for the foreseeable future. But is that the right choice?

Sure, Flacco has won for Stefanski before. He stepped up during the 2023 season, going 4-1 in five regular-season starts and leading the team to the playoffs. For his efforts, he won Comeback Player of the Year. 

However, the 40-year-old looks like he's running out of gas through three games. During this span, he has completed 56-of-90 passes (62.2%) for 489 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also posted a below-average 70.1 passer rating.

The Browns' backup QBs are rookies Dillon Gabriel (pick No. 94) and Shedeur Sanders (pick No. 144). Given their inexperience, neither QB increases Cleveland's chances of winning more games, but that's not what the team should be prioritizing right now. 

It's still early in the season, but be honest with yourself, Cleveland, you're not a Super Bowl contender after going 3-14 last season. Instead, you should be entering rebuilding mode and be focused on developing rookies. Having Flacco continue to start is taking away from that. 

Stefanski may be worried about his job security after making the playoffs just twice in his first five seasons with the team. Playing Flacco, though, may lose the Browns more games, which would make the coach's seat warmer.