The Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) said enough is enough and decided to plug the holes on the sinking ship that is their pathetic offense.
The question is, did they plug them with putty or a plastic bag?
In other words, is Joe Flacco actually going to help the team win more games than Jake Browning could have done?
That remains to be seen.
But for now, we can look at some stats to get an idea of what to expect when Flacco likely takes the field as the starter this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers (2-1).
This year, both QBs are near the bottom of the NFL in completion percent above expected and EPA per play according to rbsdm.com.
And, according to Pro Football Focus, Flacco was 32 of 33 QBs in EPA per play, while Browning was dead last.
However, as you can see in the tweet above, Flacco was average when he was kept clean.
If you go by Pro Football Focus’ grades, they give Flacco (60.2) a decent edge over Browning (50.5).
Yes, the Bengals’ o-line really struggles with that part. However, Browning did have some clean pockets against the Detroit Lions last week and failed to capitalize on them.
If we look at traditional stats, the two QBs are about equally bad. Flacco has two touchdowns, six interceptions, and a QB rating of 60.3 this year on a team that wasn’t expected to compete. Browning, meanwhile, has six touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a QB rating of 70.5, despite having the best WR duo in the league.
However, in the previous two years with the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts, Flacco was significantly better than Browning has been, throwing for a combined 25 touchdowns to 15 interceptions with QB ratings over 90 in both years.
Let’s also not forget that Flacco won a Super Bowl, and it wasn’t by accident. He scorched the AFC on his way to Super Bowl MVP, throwing 11 touchdowns to zero interceptions in that run. He was solid to good in subsequent postseason games as well.
In other words, the man knows how to read a defense far better than Browning ever will.
Of course, Flacco is 40 years old, and he wasn’t mobile even in his 20s. But just two years ago, he was able to give the Cleveland Browns quite the downfield passing game just because of the cannon he still has on his right shoulder.
So at the very least, Flacco will be able to capitalize on the good opportunities his offense gives him.
Now it’s your turn.
We discussed the topic in the video below.
You can also listen on iTunes or by using the player below.
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