Dawgs By Nature
Browns QB battle will be the big storyline but Joe Flacco doesn’t see age the same as others
The Cleveland Browns quarterback competition will be covered (pardon the old saying) seven ways from Sunday. It already has been despite no one really knowing anything. Former NFL defensive tackle Chris Canty went off on Browns QB Joe Flacco (his former teammate), a Cleveland beat writer doesn’t think QB Dillon Gabriel looks like an NFL quarterback and QB Shedeur Sanders is already getting Gatorade commercials.
QB Kenny Pickett seemed to echo the thoughts of Pittsburgh Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw about the former’s time in the black and yellow.
Despite the lack of continuity of playstyle, everyone but Deshaun Watson seems to have a chance at winning the Browns starting quarterback position. Many believe Flacco, the grizzled veteran, has the best shot at winning the initial job, but nothing is certain.
Speaking to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Flacco downplayed age being a factor in his play:
Flacco said to me during the season last year that he figured his arm would be good until he’s 50.
“There obviously are some things that change a little bit, after you hit your peak, right around 30 years old,” Flacco said. “But honestly, it’s definitely a myth that you can’t continue to get stronger, and continue to keep some of that athleticism, and do all those things. And I think I’ve only gained knowledge. And not only have I gained knowledge, but I think I’ve gained a different perspective on things and it’s allowed me to go out and play more relaxed, to let myself just go out there and play.
Never a highly mobile quarterback, Flacco’s strong arm has withstood the test of time. As he notes, hopefully, his knowledge helps him overcome any age-related shortcomings as well.
There is a long way to go before the start of the 2025 season, but Cleveland’s oldest player isn’t buying into the myth that his age matters.
Do you agree with Flacco’s thoughts on age impacting him?
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