The Cincinnati Bengals have a new starting quarterback. Veteran Joe Flacco will lead the team against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Head coach Zac Taylor made the official announcement on Wednesday. The move comes after a midseason trade with the Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati’s decision is driven by necessity. The team has lost three consecutive games, falling to a 2-3 record. Jake Browning, who replaced the injured Joe Burrow, struggled to maintain offensive momentum.
Flacco’s Swift Arrival in Cincinnati
The Bengals finalized the trade on October 7. They sent a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns. In return, they received Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round selection.
This divisional swap signals the Bengals’ urgency. They need to stabilize their offense quickly. Flacco, 40, brings a Super Bowl MVP pedigree and nearly two decades of NFL experience. The team is betting on his leadership and composure under pressure.
Comparing the Quarterback Performances
Jake Browning’s statistics reveal the offense’s challenges. He threw for 757 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions in four starts. His passer rating was a modest 70.5.
Flacco’s recent numbers in Cleveland were also underwhelming. He passed for 815 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions. However, his extensive experience in high-stakes games provides a crucial safety net for the struggling Bengals. According to Sports Illustrated, Coach Taylor stated, “He is a leader with a skill set that will fit our personnel well.”
The Path Forward for the Bengals
This change makes Flacco the fourth quarterback to play for Cincinnati this season. The team hopes his knowledge of AFC defenses and quick adaptation can keep their playoff hopes alive. The immediate goal is to stay competitive until Joe Burrow can return from his injury.
The upcoming game against the Packers is critical. It represents the Bengals’ first opportunity to break their losing streak with their new veteran signal-caller at the helm.
The Cincinnati Bengals are turning to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to revive their struggling season. This pivotal change aims to steady the team’s offense during a critical midseason stretch. The success of this quarterback move will be tested immediately against the Green Bay Packers.
Thought you’d like to know
Who is the Bengals’ starting quarterback for Week 6?
Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the veteran will start against the Green Bay Packers. This decision follows his acquisition from the Cleveland Browns.
Why did the Bengals trade for Joe Flacco?
The Bengals made the trade to address offensive struggles after Joe Burrow’s injury. The team lost three straight games with Jake Browning as the starter. They needed a veteran presence to help stabilize the season.
What were Jake Browning’s stats before being benched?
Jake Browning passed for 757 yards in four starts. He recorded six touchdowns but also threw eight interceptions. His passer rating was 70.5 during that period.
What did the Bengals give up for Joe Flacco?
Cincinnati sent a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to Cleveland. In return, they received Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round selection. The trade was finalized on October 7.
How does this impact the Bengals’ playoff chances?
The team hopes Flacco’s experience can keep them in the playoff race. His leadership is seen as a temporary solution until Joe Burrow returns from injury. The immediate goal is to stop their three-game losing streak.
Trusted Sources: Sports Illustrated, Reuters
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