Flacco started Sunday’s game with a six-play, 75-yard scoring drive, including a 34-yard touchdown pass to David Njoku.
After three punts, Cleveland’s defense held the Jaguars to a first-quarter shutout, giving the Browns a chance to go up two scores in the second quarter, capped off by another 30-plus-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Njoku.
The Browns consistently came alive in bursts under Flacco and managed to hold on against a late surge by the Jaguars.
“It was definitely an ugly game,” Flacco told CBS’ Evan Washburn. “Mistakes on both sides. I didn’t play the cleanest game, but I have a feeling that’s the way this team likes it. They react well in times like that. We’ll take them any way we can get them.”
Although Flacco’s TD passes went to Njoku and David Bell, his chemistry with Amari Cooper was also evident throughout the game.
Flacco targeted Cooper 14 times, six more than any other receiver, resulting in seven catches for 77 yards.
Following the win, the Browns moved to 8-5, Flacco became the fourth Cleveland QB this season to earn a win, and the offense finished with 389 total yards — its most since Week 2.
Cleveland is now in the AFC’s No. 5 seed, holding a full-game margin over multiple teams after the Steelers, Colts and Texans all lost.
In the past three weeks, Flacco has gone from the couch to the practice squad twice and back to the active roster once.
He won’t be leaving the active roster now.
More importantly to the Browns’ chances this season, the wily veteran has 16 years of experience and a Super Bowl MVP on his resume as he looks to guide Cleveland to the playoffs and beyond.
“So many times where I was just feeling like a 10-year-old kid again,” he said after the win. “And to be able to do that, you just can’t let it be lost on you how special it is to play this game.”