It’s been a dramatic and eventful 1:00 window, and we’ve got some key moments to break down. First, the Cleveland Browns are back in the spotlight, but not for the reasons they were hoping for. I’m sorry, Browns fans, but I’ve got to say it: I warned you. I told you that if you won last week, you’d be stuck with 40-year-old Joe Flacco under center, and here we are. Joe Flacco threw six interceptions in the first four games, with three of them coming in a loss to the Detroit Lions. So, let’s talk about what went wrong for the Browns.

Joe Flacco’s performance is brutal. The veteran quarterback, who was supposed to steady the ship, has done the opposite. As ESPN pointed out, Flacco’s six interceptions in the first four games are the most by a Browns quarterback since Baker Mayfield did the same back in 2019. For a team that has an incredible defense, a solid defense that ranks high in multiple categories, including rushing and passing yards allowed and sacks, it’s painful to watch this offense sabotage all the hard work the defense is putting in. It’s not just about Flacco’s age. It’s his lack of connection with his receivers. There was one throw to DeAndre Carter, where Flacco seemed to expect him to run a different route, but Carter wasn’t on the same page, resulting in a pick. That miscommunication can’t be excused when you’re a seasoned pro, but with the way Flacco’s been playing, it’s hard to make any excuse.

Ryan Clark said it best: It might be time for Dylan Gabriel to step up in Cleveland. The defense is good enough to win games, but if Flacco continues to turn the ball over, it’s hard to see the Browns winning many games. Watching Flacco throw the ball like he’s in his late 30s—let alone 40s—against a team like Detroit is just tough. And we saw another disastrous interception when he couldn’t execute a simple pass. The Browns had opportunities, but once Flacco stepped on the field, it felt like everything came crashing down. The Browns’ offense was actively working against themselves, making it harder for them to win. Flacco needs to be benched, and it’s clear from the fans’ reactions and media coverage that the Browns might need to seriously consider their options at QB.

Now, let’s look at the box score for the Browns. Joe Flacco finished the game with a 39 passer rating, throwing for 184 yards on 16 of 34 attempts, and yes, those two interceptions and three sacks were part of the issue. He was completely ineffective, and the numbers prove it. Meanwhile, Jared Goff for the Lions, while not having a great game himself, still had a much better showing. The Browns made it tough for themselves, and the loss was on them, not just Flacco, but his performance was certainly the tipping point.

Now, the Texans vs Titans game—wow, that was a battle of two struggling teams, but the Texans came out on top. The Texans have a lot of work ahead of them, and it’s clear they’re in for a long season. The Titans are just in disarray. Their offensive line is terrible, and they have no real offensive identity. On the other hand, C.J. Stroud continues to struggle behind an offensive line that is putting him under constant pressure. The Texans’ defense had a solid day, with Will Anderson Jr. showing his power, but the Texans didn’t look all that impressive despite getting the win. The Titans have a few bright spots defensively, but overall, it’s going to be a rough season for them.

The next game on the docket was the Eagles vs Buccaneers. The Eagles continue to look strong, with Jalen Hurts playing well both through the air and on the ground. Hurts ended up as the leading rusher with nine carries for 62 yards, adding two touchdowns. The Eagles’ defense was their usual tough self, keeping the Bucs in check. For Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield continues to show flashes, but ultimately, they couldn’t handle the Eagles’ defense. Hurts made key plays when needed and iced the game with some solid performances.

Then we have Jackson Dart. I’ve been critical of Dart, but his performance in his first start shows promise. While he only threw for 111 yards and had a few miscues, his legs were the story. Dart used his mobility to gain 54 rushing yards, showing off his athleticism and moxie when things broke down. He didn’t throw the ball deep down the field much, but in a game against a strong defense, that’s okay. His ability to get out of jams with his legs and control the game on the ground is a valuable trait for the future.

And lastly, we have Justin Herbert and the Chargers, who got the win but not in a way that many expected. Herbert threw for 203 yards and two interceptions, which isn’t exactly the standout performance we’ve come to expect from him. The Chargers’ offense is still finding its rhythm, but their defense managed to hold up when needed.

What do all these games have in common? Well, quarterback play is at the center of almost every single one. Whether it’s Joe Flacco imploding for the Browns or Justin Herbert struggling against a defense, quarterback play often makes or breaks teams. The Browns, despite their defense being elite, cannot overcome the turnover issues at QB. The Texans and Titans are both still figuring out what they have at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Eagles are cruising behind solid play from Jalen Hurts, while Jackson Dart shows that sometimes a strong performance from a rookie QB can give hope for the future.

So, what’s next for the Browns? Kevin Stefanski has a tough decision to make with Flacco’s poor play. Fans and analysts are calling for Dylan Gabriel to step up, and the defense is too good for this team to continue wasting opportunities with a turnover-prone quarterback. They might be looking at a QB change sooner rather than later.

It’s been an action-packed week of football, and there’s plenty more to come. Let me know how you feel about Joe Flacco’s performance and if the Browns should make the switch. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.