“Browns’ Jaw-Dropping Playoff Run: Can 38-Year-Old Flacco Outshine Watson in Super Bowl Quest?”

The Cleveland Browns secured a playoff spot with a 37-20 victory over the New York Jets in Week 17, boasting an 11-5 record. Quarterback Joe Flacco’s impressive fourth consecutive win played a pivotal role in the historic achievement reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This season marked a unique milestone for the Browns, becoming the first NFL team to reach the playoffs after starting four different quarterbacks. Flacco joined the lineup in Week 13, succeeding Deshaun Watson due to a season-ending shoulder injury. Surprisingly, Flacco emerged as a standout among the quarterback rotation, showcasing late-season heroics that fueled the Browns’ success.

In the past five weeks, Flacco led Cleveland to four victories, amassing 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The playoff-clinching win gains even more significance considering the team faced multiple injuries to key players beyond the quarterback position. Notable names like RB Nick Chubb, offensive linemen Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills, Dawand Jones, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo, and safety Grant Delpit endured significant setbacks.

Looking ahead, Cleveland has the opportunity to secure the AFC’s No. 5 seed with a win against the Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) in the regular-season finale. If Flacco can extend the team’s winning streak to five, the Browns will meet the AFC South winner in the first round of the playoffs, having already triumphed over the Jaguars, Colts, and Texans during the season.

The success prompts a challenging decision for the Browns in the offseason. Flacco’s exceptional performance, averaging 31 points per game in the four-game win streak, raises the question of whether the team should stick with the 38-year-old veteran or revert to Deshaun Watson. The potential of Flacco leading the Browns to the Super Bowl could be a decisive factor in shaping the team’s future quarterback strategy.