INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns looks on as he stretches prior to an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Two pick-6s destroy the Browns in a playoff defeat to the Texans, capping Joe Flacco’s amazing career in
Joe Flacco’s
Houston (AP) — Joe Flacco had a remarkable journey with the Cleveland Browns, going from the sofa to the playoffs.
However, his run of good fortune abruptly ended on Saturday when the Browns fell to the Houston Texans 45–14 in a wild-card playoff game.
The third quarter saw Flacco return interceptions for touchdowns on back-to-back possessions, turning a competitive game into a farce that sent the franchise home with their worst playoff loss since a 34-0 loss to the Baltimore Colts on December 29, 1968.
“It’s unfortunate how it transpired and difficult to handle right now,” Flacco remarked.
Before halftime, C.J. Stroud and the Texans had established a 24-point advantage. with that, Houston’s defense seized over, leading to a 38-14 score with picks-6 from Christian Harris and Steven Nelson.
Trainer Kevin Stefanski remarked, “That’s killer giving up points like that.”
On Tuesday, Flacco will turn 39. In November, following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury, Flacco was added to Cleveland’s practice squad. In just his third postseason appearance since the team’s 1999 expansion rebirth, he went 4-1 as a starter and guided the Browns (11-7) to their second postseason trip in four seasons under Stefanski.
After being tied with Tom Brady for the most road playoff victories by winning the Super Bowl, the former Super Bowl MVP was playing in his first playoffs game in nine years.
“I consider myself extremely lucky to have joined this group,” Flacco remarked. This is a unique group. That may be said by a lot of people, but it is true. I really appreciate the opportunity to work with those folks on this.
On a day when Stroud comfortably outperformed him in his playoff debut, he finished with 307 yards and a touchdown throw in the first half. However, his pressure-filled blunders in the third quarter proved to be too much for the Browns to overcome. Flacco was not only sacked four times but also received two interceptions.
Watson only appeared in six games for the Browns this season, despite starting under center for the Texans during their most recent postseason run in 2019. He
“I think I’m really fortunate to be a part of this group,” Flacco said. This group is distinct. Many individuals may say that, yet it is accurate. I am very grateful for the chance to collaborate with those people on this.
In his first-ever postseason game, he ended with 307 yards and a touchdown pass in the first half on a day when Stroud easily outperformed him. But the Browns were unable to overcome his pressure-filled errors in the third quarter. In addition to being sacked four times, Flacco also had two interceptions.
Watson started at center for the Texans during their most recent postseason run in 2019, but he only made six appearances for the Browns this season. He
