Credits: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

QB Joe Flacco Thrilled to Throw to Star WRs at Cincinnati

Credits: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In a stunning intra-division twist, the Cleveland Browns shipped veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for a fifth-rounder, marking the first trade between the rivals since Cleveland’s NFL return in 1999. At 40, Flacco had endured a rocky start in Cleveland, benched after four games amid a 1-3 skid. His stats painted a grim picture with just 58.1% completion on 815 yards, and just two touchdowns against six interceptions, far from the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year magic that fueled a 4-1 Browns surge.

Desperate to steady the ship without injured star Joe Burrow, the Bengals pounced, ditching Jake Browning’s turnover-plagued stint (eight picks in four games) for Flacco’s proven poise.

How Joe Flacco could save the Bengals season 👀

"Flacco was dealing in the 2nd half [vs. the Packers] and I think there's a renewed energy for Ja'Marr Chase & Tee Higgins." pic.twitter.com/MrfOTG4gBV
— Fitz & Whit (@fitzandwhit) October 16, 2025

Joe Flacco’s Cincinnati Bengals Debut

Flacco’s Cincinnati debut came swiftly in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers on October 12, a 27-18 loss that continued the losing streak but ignited hope. He carved up the secondary for 219 yards on efficient throws, including two touchdowns, and a 19-yard strike to Ja’Marr Chase, while rallying from a 10-0 halftime deficit with a well controlled second half.

Flacco’s debut output alone outplaced his Browns norm, showcasing sharper decision-making and chemistry with elite targets like Chase and Tee Higgins. No picks, and a Bengals offense that is deadly if given the chance, Flacco looks reborn at Cincinnati and could help them win a lot more games than they were projected to when Joe Burrow went down.

Joe Flacco’s Excited to Play Alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

Joe Flacco played great alongside explosive WR duos with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. When asked what excites him the most about playing with Chase and Higgins, Flacco said, “Just the way they pluck the ball outta the air. Like I threw a out route to Ja’Marr… it was an awful spiral and he still caught it like, with both hands. And then the one I can think about to Tee, we hit him on the inside slant route for a third down in the second half, and lot of guys would go down and catch it with their body inside, and he just plucked it right out of the air with both hands. It’s pretty impressive to see those guys go.”

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Joe Flacco, arguably, is playing with the most talented wide receiver duos he’s ever played with in his career. And it is clearly evident to see. Flacco also added that his kids are as excited as he is playing with these two talented wide receivers, adding, “My kids are excited because of who I get to throw to.”

With Week 7’s Thursday Night Football nearly here, Flacco’s passing could boost Chase and Higgins play, who’ve had slow start to their seasons so far, due to the Joe Burrow injury.

Cincinnati Bengals

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.