Former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco just turned back the clock in prime time to lead his Cincinnati Bengals to a crucial win over the Pittsburgh Steelers just a week after being traded from the Cleveland Browns. Not many passers give cause to fit all four AFC North teams into one sentence, but the 40-year-old has been around the block in the division.
Just nine days post-trade, the quarterback took command of Cincinnati’s offense, giving them their first win in a month.
His electric performance had Ravens fans reliving some of their best football memories.
Joe Flacco brings back prime Ravens form on Thursday Night Football
The Bengals were in a state of full panic after Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury. With their superstar quarterback sidelined for at least three months, their playoff hopes seemed to be dashed. Backup Jake Browning lost four games in a row, consistently unable to take advantage of the top-tier weapons at his disposal. It was clear that Cincinnati had to make a change. Flacco was available after a mid-season benching, and the Bengals pulled the trigger on a trade for the veteran.
With almost no time to prepare, he single-handedly turned their season around with a win over the Steelers. The quarterback posted season-high marks in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Flacco was consistently on the same page as his new top receiver, connecting with Ja’Marr Chase 16 times for 161 yards and a score. He injected an explosive element into Cincinnati’s offense that they had been sorely missing since Burrow went down.
The performance was reminiscent of his best days with the Ravens. Over a decade ago, Flacco led Baltimore to a Super Bowl win, taking home Super Bowl MVP in the process. With weapons like Anquan Boldin and Jacoby Jones beside him, the quarterback commanded a dangerous offense.
But Flacco’s Thursday night performance should give Ravens fans more than just fond memories. Before that game, it looked like the Steelers were running away with the division. At 4-1, they had the inside track to an AFC North title. Now, they remain within Baltimore’s reach. It’s still an uphill battle for the Ravens, but Flacco’s heroics have given them hope.
At this point in his career, Flacco is little more than a reliable veteran backup. Even with this heroic performance, he may never reach the heights he experienced in Baltimore. But Ravens fans will always remember him hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.