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 Supplier 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 skill to switch weight effectively via his throws,” Reisland mentioned about Flacco. “These traits have allowed him to stay composed below stress, keep on time via full area development reads, and constantly ship correct passes in any respect three ranges of the sector.”
In the course of the 2023 season, Flacco gained 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 follow days whereas coping with a hamstring damage.
Sanders reportedly will begin towards 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 sport towards 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 along with his potential to function from below heart or in shotgun, towards stress or in construction, makes him the clear best choice to begin Week 1,” Reisland continued. “He’s executing with rhythm and timing, manipulating coverages and elevating the offense each time he’s below heart. He appears totally 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.
