Flacco leads Bengals to victory: Career revived after uncertainty

Joe Flacco Leads Bengals to Victory in Thrilling Game Against Steelers

Just ten days ago, Joe Flacco didn’t know if he would experience the emotion he felt on Thursday night again. After being a substitute in his eighteenth NFL season, Flacco celebrated a new victory in the AFC North, this time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Nine days after his transfer to the Bengals, Flacco led his new team to a 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. With the need to score points on the last play, Flacco drove the offense down the field, culminating in a 36-yard field goal by Evan McPherson with seven seconds remaining to seal the victory.

I felt like maybe I wouldn’t make it, to be honest. It’s something very special.

Joe Flacco

In his second game since being traded from the Cleveland Browns, the 40-year-old veteran helped Cincinnati break a four-game losing streak. Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. It was the Bengals’ (3-4) first win since starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in Week 2. Burrow watched the game from the sidelines with a walking boot on his left foot as Flacco made crucial plays in the final minutes to avoid a devastating collapse by Cincinnati. The Bengals were losing by one point after leading for much of the game, until Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers with 2:21 remaining. However, in his 23rd regular season game against the Steelers (4-2), Flacco responded. With Cincinnati in field goal range, he connected with wide receiver Tee Higgins for a 28-yard reception down the left sideline, facilitating McPherson’s subsequent field goal. McPherson is one of those who have enjoyed having the veteran quarterback on their team.

I love his attitude and what he brings to the team. He has done a great job connecting with the players in a very short time.

Evan McPherson

Flacco connected primarily with Higgins and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase against the Steelers. Chase set a franchise record with 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. It was his ninth game with more than 150 receiving yards, surpassing Jerry Rice for the second-most in the first five seasons of an NFL career. Chase praised the franchise’s decision to acquire Flacco as the starting quarterback.

Honestly, it’s good to have him here with us. The organization took a big leap by bringing him in. We believed in him. We have him. He arrived, doing his job and proving his worth.

Ja’Marr Chase

Bengals coach Zac Taylor highlighted Flacco’s experience as crucial in a game that Cincinnati “needed to win.” The veteran almost made it look easy.

It’s easy for him. And it’s not, because he’s working hard. He has a lot of experience in this situation. You gain a lot of confidence with that because he goes out and isn’t too big.

Zac Taylor

Last week, Flacco was on the road, talking to Taylor on the phone while the coach explained the most plays from the playbook as quickly as possible. Despite his experience, Flacco wanted to make sure he didn’t waste the opportunity. On Thursday night, Flacco talked about the relief his family likely felt seeing him complete another game. In his post-game press conference, Flacco said he was eager to hear how that relief transformed into excitement. “I can’t wait to talk to my wife tonight and just hear it in her voice and all that stuff,” Flacco said. “Talking to [the family] reminds you how special this is.”