Maybe you’re new here. Maybe on Sundays you’ll periodically check in to the TV throughout the fall you’ll occasionally check in on what the Cleveland Browns are doing. Maybe the previous acquisition of a certain quarterback turned your attention elsewhere in the sports world. Maybe away from it entirely. Maybe the only bit of Browns information you’ve consumed on a weekly basis has been Dennis Manoloff’s recap videos we post after every game.
And maybe now you’re back because the Browns are in the playoffs this weekend against the Houston Texans. Or maybe you’re just going to be at a watch party and don’t want to feel too out of the loop. Either way, this is for you.
This quarterback looks familiar, where have I seen him before?
Good eyes! Joe Flacco is the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns right now. For years, he was the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens and tormented the Browns. Throughout his career, he has posted a record of 18-3 when starting against Cleveland. He was signed by the Browns in November due to a rash of QB injuries. He won four of his five starts while with the Browns.
Wait, if Flacco is the starting quarterback, where’s Deshaun Watson?
This could be the reason you haven’t paid much attention to the Browns. The team’s trade for Watson in early 2022 was highly controversial after he was accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women while a member of the Houston Texans. He was suspended for 11 games during the 2022 season for that. This year, Watson started dealing with a shoulder injury during the Browns Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans. He missed two games and most of a third. Watson then suffered a fracture in his right shoulder during the team’s Week 10 victory in Baltimore against the Ravens and was ruled out for the season a few days after.
Why haven’t you talked about Nick Chubb yet?
Because Chubb suffered a significant knee injury during the team’s Week 2 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers that required season-ending surgery.
So, how are the Browns here?
How much time do you have? For starters, the Browns defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season. Defensive end Myles Garrett is the odds-on favorite to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. He’s been a game-wrecker throughout the entire season, commanding more attention from opposing offensive lines than just about any other player in the league. Additionally, defensive backs Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II and MJ Emerson have been great all season, as has linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. That group has kept the Browns in games even when the offense would sputter.
Wait, let’s go back to that quarterback thing. You said Flacco was signed in November but Watson had missed a bunch of time before that. Who else has played there?
This has been one of the biggest stories in the NFL this year. The Browns finished the season with an 11-6 record — partially due to punting on the final regular season game last weekend in Cincinnati — despite starting FIVE different quarterbacks throughout the year. Aside from Flacco and Watson, quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson, PJ Walker and Jeff Driskel have all started for the Browns. At some point this season, Watson, Thompson-Robinson, Walker and Flacco have all led game-winning drives for the team.
Wow, so they must have a pretty good coach?
Yes. After entering this season with pressure to win, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will likely take home the NFL Coach of the Year Award for the second time in his four seasons on the job in Cleveland.
Alright, I’m in. So, how do I watch the game this week?
The game is set for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and will be shown locally on WKYC. If you have AT&T U-Verse or DirecTV, WKYC is unavailable due to a contract dispute with TEGNA, the station’s parent company. An alternative route to take would be going the old school antenna or heading to a local sports bar [sports bar dining guide link] with the game. If you are a subscriber to Peacock, the game will be streamed live there.
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