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There's no doubt that all eyes are on the Cleveland Browns' training camp-there wasn't even this much attention back in 2014 when the team selected Johnny Manziel in the first round. However, now with Shedeur Sanders, the Browns have the kind of media and fan attention they've never had before.
The pressure is on all four quarterbacks on the roster: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. All of them are new to the team-none were with the Browns last season-but one clearly has the upper hand, and that's Joe Flacco, who was with the franchise in 2023 and helped lead them to the playoffs with strong performances.
During the 2023 season, Flacco played the final five games, posting four wins and one loss, throwing for 1,616 yards and averaging 323.2 yards per game. He also had 13 touchdown es and led the team to the playoffs, where they eventually lost in the Wild Card round to the Houston Texans.
Joe Flacco sent a message to his competitors on the Browns
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that there is "an open competition" for the starting quarterback role, but recent reports suggest the battle will likely come down to Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. However, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are still pushing hard.
A few days ago, Joe Flacco made it clear that he wasn't there to mentor young players-he came to compete for the starting job. He has now reaffirmed that to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, stating that he has no intention of giving up his spot.
"There's a lot that's out of your control at a certain point, but my mindset is, 'Dude, I'm gonna win this job, go out there and have an awesome season. And go do it again, and again,'" said Flacco. "My mindset is still that. I'm looking forward to going out there and proving to myself and my family that I still got it, and I'm gonna do this for a couple more years."
Flacco already proved himself a couple of years ago. He's also a Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012. And unless something unexpected happens, he'll be the Week 1 starter. But one thing is certain: if he doesn't perform at a high level, the pressure will be on, and he'll eventually have to give up the spot to either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.