In a dramatic twist to Cleveland’s quarterback saga, Joe Flacco is emerging as the front-runner to lead the Browns into the 2023 NFL season. With Kenny Pickett sidelined by a hamstring injury, Flacco is stepping up to take the majority of first-team reps, as confirmed by head coach Kevin Stefanski. The seasoned veteran, who left a mark with the Browns last year, is now eyeing his 14th career Week 1 start, a feat he hasn’t achieved since his stint filling in for Zach Wilson in 2022.
Flacco’s resurgence comes at a pivotal moment for the Browns, who are keen on evaluating how his current form compares to his past performances. His ability to elevate a beleaguered Browns offense to a playoff berth last season has not gone unnoticed, providing him with a solid foundation to reclaim the starting spot. This opportunity arises as the Browns navigate a unique four-man quarterback competition, a scenario that has seen significant shifts with Pickett’s absence.
On the flip side, Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a precarious position. Entering the Browns’ offseason program, Sanders was already trailing behind Flacco, Pickett, and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. Reports from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer paint a challenging picture for Sanders, who struggled with the pre-draft process and received criticism for his unconventional approach. His football IQ was notably questioned, placing him at a disadvantage in this rigorous competition.
While Dillon Gabriel impresses with his intelligence and adaptability, Sanders is battling to catch up, a task made more difficult as the Browns reduce their tactical two-offense approach. The decision to streamline the quarterback reps only intensifies the pressure on Sanders, likened to overcoming a “Super Bowl LI”-like challenge to secure the starting role.
Despite being once touted as a potential first-rounder, Sanders’ current standing as a fifth-round selection makes his immediate impact unlikely. The Browns are faced with critical roster decisions as the preseason wraps up. While Gabriel seems a lock, Sanders remains the unpredictable element. With Pickett’s injury potentially influencing roster moves, the Browns might consider innovative strategies to retain both rookies, although releasing one to the practice squad could risk losing them to waivers.
Amidst these quarterback theatrics, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam also touched on the future of Arch Manning, hinting at the possibility of Manning staying in college until 2027. This aligns with the Browns’ strategic foresight, as they hold two first-round picks, anticipating a rich quarterback class in the upcoming drafts.
As the Browns’ quarterback conundrum unfolds, all eyes remain on the Flacco-Pickett duel, which is poised to define the team’s direction heading into the new season. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Sanders continue their uphill battle, each striving to carve out their roles in what promises to be a pivotal year for Cleveland’s quarterback landscape.
