Our Browns pulled out another one, coming back to beat the Bears keeping dreams alive. This week it's on to Houston with the upstart Texans.  This game features the NFL's youngest QB, CJ Stroud and the NFL's Oldest, Joe Flacco.  Should be a great game that both teams need to win.

I have been watching Browns football a long time and for my money, Joe Flacco is the best thing that has happened to the Browns in ages.  He's the right man, in the right place at the right time.  No, I'm not caught up in the moment.  Flacco is a legit leader, good guy and has the perfect mind set and demeanor to guide the Browns through whatever football rapids lay ahead.  These guys want to play for him, they want to protect him, and they are feeling they can win  - with him!  I haven't seen this in orange and brown since Bernie Kosar was wearing those colors with that slingin' hash sidearm motion serving darts to Webster Slaughter.   The Browns needed Joe Flacco far more than they ever dreamed for every reason there is.  His presence here is remarkable and quite frankly has restored everything to the franchise temporarily.

Now the stage is set and the niceties have been thrown about, there is one thing that has to happen if the Browns are going to move forward, especially with all the injuries and setbacks.  Kevin Stefanski, and Andrew Barry have never stepped on an NFL field and the time has come to learn their role.  Being fair to them, they have never been here before like this.  Sure, the 2020 season with a very young Baker was fun, but Mayfield needed guiding as he was a green as they were, and it worked to a degree. But now, it's different.

Flacco is a Superbowl Winner and MVP.  He's an adult, with a high IQ for big games having played in a ton of them.  They need to stay out of Flacco's way, and let him do what he has done before.  Flacco is a character guy, he makes younger players better, and he makes veteran players feel like pros again.  He instills confidence, quiet and calm. And I have NEVER seen Kevin Stafanski look as happy, or smile as much, or be as engaged as he has been since Flacco has been here. That to me is very loud. Now it's time to leave Joe alone and let him be the champion he is, because you are never an ex-Superbowl champ.

Think about it, when was the last time the Browns had a champion professional QB at the controls during a big season with so much on the line? Otto Graham?  Frank Ryan?  Probably yes.  It's been that long -  or so.  So here's the plan.  Coach up that defense, school the special teams, and get those guys to block like crazy and let Flacco do the rest.  No more stupid play calls, or backyard trickery.  And yes, please stop with the special DTR package plays, because if he turns it over in a crucial situation you'll look like fools. The Wildcat to Hunt too, please stop.  It's adult swim time of the season. 

Recognize right this minute you HAVE the best guy guiding your team you could possibly have and that includes Watson.  And if this season ends with a Superbowl win or a sad yet unwritten ending for the Browns, I'm with Joe Flacco.  And no matter which one of those things happen, the Browns are done with him in a few more weeks, as they will be discard him and the wheel will be handed back to the injured Watson as we start over.  And Flacco knows that.  Again -  Total character guy.

Please Browns, understand under these circumstances that Joe Flacco is a blessing.  Stand clear, watch and learn.