Cincinnati, Ohio: Joe Flacco’s Cincinnati chapter couldn’t have started better. The veteran quarterback led the Bengals to a nail-biting 33–31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, snapping a four-game losing streak and reviving hopes in the AFC North race.
Just a few months ago, Flacco was the guy Bengals fans loved to hate. Over his long career, he’s faced Cincinnati 22 times, mostly during his 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, and even opened this season against them with the Cleveland Browns. His record? 9–13—far from friendly territory.
But everything changed after the Browns traded him to the Bengals just nine days ago. The same Cincinnati crowd that once booed him was now chanting “Let’s Go Flacco!” as he drove the team down the field for kicker Evan McPherson’s game-winning field goal.
“That’s what fans do,” Flacco said post-game. “They want their team to win, and I just happen to be the guy behind center right now. I’ve played in a lot of cities, and it gives you a new appreciation for how different fans show their love for the game.”
Flacco’s performance backed up the cheers. He completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, with zero turnovers. In just two starts for Cincinnati, he’s thrown five touchdowns and completed over 65% of his passes—a huge boost for an offense struggling without Joe Burrow.
And in a twist of irony, the same city he “never really loved” as an opponent is now embracing him.
“I didn’t love coming here in the past,” Flacco admitted with a grin. “But tonight was unbelievable. The fans have been great—quick to forget and happy we’re on this ride together. So am I.”
The Bengals’ faith in Flacco is clear. They traded for him and immediately started him against the Packers, then watched their offense explode—51 points in two games, compared to just 37 in the three games before.
Now, the locker room and the city are buzzing with belief. For the first time in weeks, Cincinnati feels alive again.
The Joe Flacco era might’ve started as a desperate gamble—but right now, it’s looking like a comeback story worth watching.
Post a Comment