Unfortunately for the Cleveland Browns, they learned the hard way through just five games what the Indianapolis Colts already knew about Joe Flacco. The man is no longer a starting-caliber quarterback in this league. He had a great career with the Ravens, and even caught fire for a minute a few years ago, but Flacco has next to nothing left in the chamber.
The Browns have a quality team outside of their quarterback situation, and they sport arguably the best defense in the league. That was more than evident in their shocking upset over the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 of the NFL season.
Unfortunately, they don't have the player necessary at quarterback to capitalize on the strength of the roster. They signed Flacco over the offseason after his rocky stint with the Colts, hoping that he could be the answer, but through just five games, he's proven he's not.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco traded from the Browns to the Bengals
The Browns were able to recoup some trade compensation from their failed Flacco experiment, sending the journeyman (and an extra sixth-round pick) to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a fifth-round pick. After rookie Dillon Gabriel proved he could outperform Flacco in his first start against the Vikings, the Browns were smart to cut bait and get something in exchange for the aging veteran.
For the Bengals, this is a move that screams desperation. The team has never truly returned to form since their peak season, where they reached the Super Bowl, and tempers are rising in Cincinnati. This move likely means that the team believes injured starting quarterback Joe Burrow will be back by the end of the season, and they need someone to keep the ship afloat until then.
Unfortunately for them, with the way that Flacco has performed this season, they might be forking over valuable draft capital for middling results. It seems that the team is stuck in a no-man's land of having star power, but not enough supporting talent to go far (especially when those stars get injured).
It's time to look in the mirror and be thankful, Colts fans. Just last year, there were debates about who should start between Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco. Now, those memories feel like ancient history with Daniel Jones performing at an All-Pro level for a team that is 4-1.
In a year where it seems there are fewer true juggernauts in the league than ever, this is a great time to have an emergent season for the Indianapolis Colts.