Recent reports have indicated that veteran Joe Flacco holds a big lead within the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competitors over Kenny Pickett, 2025 third-round draft choose Dillon Gabriel and 2025 fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders.
For an article printed on Wednesday, Lance Reisland of the Cleveland Plain Seller defined why Flacco “has clearly separated himself from the quarterback competitors” heading into the Browns’ preseason opener on the Carolina Panthers on Friday.
“His efficiency is rooted in elite mechanical consistency in his footwork, stability and talent to switch weight effectively by his throws,” Reisland stated about Flacco. “These traits have allowed him to stay composed below strain, keep on time by full subject development reads, and constantly ship correct passes in any respect three ranges of the sphere.”
Throughout the 2023 season, Flacco received four of five begins whereas taking part in below head coach Kevin Stefanski to information the Browns to a playoff berth. None of Cleveland’s different energetic quarterbacks has ever taken a significant in-game snap in Stefanski’s offense.
Gabriel seemingly will not be prepared for regular-season motion anytime quickly, and Pickett missed a handful of apply days whereas coping with a hamstring damage.
Sanders reportedly will begin in opposition to Carolina, however he is Cleveland’s fourth option on the place. Even when he appears like a revelation on Friday night time, all signs point to Stefanski going with Flacco for Cleveland’s Week 1 recreation in opposition to the division rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.
As of Wednesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook had Flacco as a -265 betting favourite to get the nod for the Cincinnati matchup.
“Flacco’s mix of polish, poise and veteran field-command paired together with his means to function from below middle or in shotgun, in opposition to strain or in construction, makes him the clear most suitable choice to start out Week 1,” Reisland continued. “He’s executing with rhythm and timing, manipulating coverages and elevating the offense each time he’s below middle. He appears absolutely ready to steer this crew on day one.”
Whereas that does not essentially imply Flacco will begin when Cleveland faces the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 on Sept. 14, it seems the Browns’ QB1 gig is his to lose.
