The Cleveland Browns added veteran quarterback Joe Flacco during the offseason, aiming to strengthen their quarterback options as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Flacco, known for his extensive NFL experience, has quickly made a positive impression in the Browns’ locker room, creating a buzz around his potential to compete for the starting quarterback position.
Flacco’s reputation as a seasoned player who led the Denver Broncos through four consecutive 300-yard passing games last season has caught the attention of Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who observed Flacco’s performance firsthand.
Jerry Jeudy Praises Flacco’s Experience and Locker Room Presence
Jerry Jeudy, now a teammate of Flacco in Cleveland, has spoken highly of the quarterback since their offseason arrival. Jeudy, who shares a locker with Flacco, expressed both admiration for his on-field skills and appreciation for his mentorship off the field.
“I was watching it. I watched a few games so, yeah, I’m not surprised to see what Joe’s been doing.”
—Jerry Jeudy, Browns Wide Receiver
“He’s actually my locker mate, so I had some conversation with him from time to time. A great dude, great quarterback, been in the league for a long time, understands this, and I’m excited to have him.”
—Jerry Jeudy, Browns Wide Receiver
Jeudy’s remarks reflect the respect Flacco has earned quickly from his teammates, highlighting the quarterback’s role not only as a player but also as a valuable presence in the team dynamic.
Flacco’s Leadership Resonates With Browns Players
Flacco has found that his experience has made him a natural source of guidance for younger players, who often seek his input during team interactions. This has helped him build strong relationships early on and demonstrate his leadership qualities within the locker room.
“I love that. I was walking back to my locker, and three guys were sitting right there and I’m like, ‘All right, what’s the topic? What are we talking about?’ And they usually tend to shut up and listen because they think I have some kind of wisdom because I’m old. I don’t necessarily, at least on some of the things they’re talking about, I’m not sure I do have the right kind knowledge about that, but it’s a lot of fun.”
—Joe Flacco, Browns Quarterback
This openness and humor have made Flacco approachable while reinforcing his role as a mentor figure, a quality valued as the Browns navigate their quarterback competition during the offseason.
Defensive Coaching and Player Development in the AFC North
While the Browns focus on their quarterback room, other AFC North teams continue developing their squads with high hopes for the new season. The Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive backs coach, Charles Burks, praised the depth and talent of his secondary, citing the leadership and teaching ability of defensive coordinator Al Golden as critical factors in their progress.
“Being able to streamline the way Coach Golden puts things in buckets, I think helps the guys,”
—Charles Burks, Bengals Defensive Backs Coach
“Tremendous teacher and motivator. The guys have really bought in. He gives it in chunks. Chunks that make sense, and it’s chunks you can either think about a play or think about a concept. Once you think about the concept, you can actually digest more and that’s what he’s been challenging everyone to do. Think conceptually about what we’re trying to get done. Once you understand what we’re trying to get done, then there are about five or six more plays that actually work off each other.”
—Charles Burks, Bengals Defensive Backs Coach
Burks also highlighted defensive back DJ Ivey’s versatility in covering tight ends and larger receivers on key downs, emphasizing Ivey’s value in high-pressure situations.
“DJ has a wide range of skills you love at that position,”
—Charles Burks, Bengals Defensive Backs Coach
“He’s handling multiple spots, and he’s a guy who has got to be able to do that. I know he can do that. He was guarding George Pickens in critical situations. He’s a tight ends guy and he’s a big receivers guy.”
—Charles Burks, Bengals Defensive Backs Coach
Coordinated Defensive Schemes Combine Man and Zone Coverage
Al Golden spoke about the strategic approach to the Bengals’ secondary, explaining that while the team favors man-to-man coverage, it plans to mix in other looks to avoid overtaxing players given the complexity and demands of the position.
“You can’t just play man every down. We’re a man-based team. We like to play man. We’ll have enough change up for them so it’s not the stress every down,”
—Al Golden, Bengals Defensive Coordinator
“A mixture. Just give them a smoke break once in a while. Don’t make it too difficult for them. That is as highest skilled as any position in football. There are a lot of drills the other nine of us can do, but the corners really have a different world.”
—Al Golden, Bengals Defensive Coordinator
Emerging Talent and Growing Confidence on the Steelers’ Offensive Line
In Pittsburgh, second-year offensive lineman Mason McCormick has expressed confidence in his development and the potential of the Steelers’ offensive line unit. McCormick explained how his rookie season involved much mental processing, but now he aims for instinctive play that will improve the team’s performance.
“Last year, as a rookie, there’s kind of a lot of thinking — ‘How do I hit this block?’ or ‘How do I do this?‘”
—Mason McCormick, Steelers Offensive Lineman
“I just want all of that stuff to become second nature so I can really fine-tune the little details and stuff like that — which, I feel like it has been. I haven’t really forgot anything from last year. Through the offseason, I’ve really hit the ground running, and I feel like [the Steelers offensive line is] ready to take that step.”
—Mason McCormick, Steelers Offensive Lineman
Implications for the Browns and AFC North as Season Approaches
The Browns’ addition of Joe Flacco signals their desire to deepen quarterback competition and find a reliable leader for the offense. With Jeudy’s endorsement and Flacco’s respected presence in the locker room, the quarterback battle is likely to be intense and closely watched throughout the offseason.
Meanwhile, defensive improvements in the Bengals’ roster and developing talent in the Steelers’ offensive line demonstrate the evolving competitiveness of the AFC North division heading into the year. For the Browns, Flacco’s signing could be a pivotal factor as they aim to improve their offense and contend for key victories.