Full Breakdown
Joe Flacco Named Starting Quarterback for Cleveland Browns' 2025 Season Opener
8/19/2025, 3:04:35 AM
Flacco's Return to Starting Role
The Cleveland Browns have officially named Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7, 2025. This decision follows a competitive training camp that included Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Flacco, entering his 18th NFL season, has emerged as the frontrunner primarily due to the injuries affecting his competitors. Pickett has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Gabriel and Sanders have also faced various ailments, limiting their participation in practice.
Background and Context
Flacco previously played for the Browns during the 2023 season, stepping in after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. In that stint, he led the team to a 4-1 record, throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns, which earned him the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award. After a year with the Indianapolis Colts, where he started six games, Flacco returned to Cleveland on a one-year, $4 million contract in April 2025.
Key Figures in the Quarterback Competition
- Joe Flacco: The veteran quarterback with a Super Bowl MVP title and a career total of 45,697 passing yards and 257 touchdowns.
- Kenny Pickett: Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, he has been limited by a hamstring injury.
- Dillon Gabriel: A third-round draft pick who has also struggled with injuries during training camp.
- Shedeur Sanders: A fifth-round draft pick who has faced oblique issues, impacting his ability to compete.
Official Statements & Responses
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in Flacco's leadership and experience, stating, "Joe’s the same guy that he was then... He’s done a really nice job in camp." Flacco himself acknowledged the situation, saying, "I think the fact that I am 40 in here is just like I’ve been fortunate with my body."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Flacco's experience, some analysts question the decision to rely on a 40-year-old quarterback, especially given the injuries that have plagued the younger quarterbacks. Critics argue that the Browns may be missing an opportunity to develop their younger talent, particularly if Flacco's performance declines.
What's Next
The Browns will face the Cincinnati Bengals in their season opener, followed by a significant matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, marking Flacco's first start in Baltimore since his trade in 2018. The team will also need to finalize its quarterback depth chart, with Pickett likely vying for the backup role once he returns to full health.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Joe Cool leading the way ? We've named Joe Flacco our starting quarterback.” — Cleveland Browns Twitter
- “I think you can probably sit up at night and think about different ways to approach these types of things, but all I’m doing is going out there and trying to take advantage of whatever I’m doing.” — Joe Flacco
In summary, Joe Flacco's appointment as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns reflects both his past success with the team and the current challenges within the quarterback room. As the Browns prepare for the upcoming season, Flacco's experience will be crucial in navigating the early games.