What's happened
Joe Flacco outdueled Aaron Rodgers in a high-scoring Thursday Night Football game, guiding the Bengals to a 33-31 victory over the Steelers. Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, securing his first win since joining Cincinnati. The game featured late-game drama, including a game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson.
What's behind the headline?
The game underscores the ongoing relevance of veteran quarterbacks in the NFL, especially in high-stakes situations. Flacco's performance, particularly in clutch moments, demonstrates that experience can still influence outcomes, even as younger quarterbacks dominate the league. The rarity of two quarterbacks over 40 starting in the same game highlights a shift in NFL narratives, emphasizing durability and longevity. Cincinnati's decision to start Flacco reflects their urgent need for stability at quarterback, which could influence future trade and starting decisions across the league. The game also reveals the importance of strategic in-game decisions, such as Tee Higgins' slide to manage clock, which ultimately secured the win. This match may set a precedent for teams to value veteran leadership in critical moments, especially when injuries impact their primary starters. The AFC North remains fiercely competitive, with this game adding a layer of unpredictability to the division race, and Flacco's resurgence could prolong his career and impact playoff prospects for Cincinnati.
What the papers say
The Japan Times highlighted Flacco's clutch performance and the rarity of veteran quarterbacks over 40 starting in the same game, emphasizing the significance of experience in high-pressure moments. The NY Post provided detailed insights into Flacco's career trajectory, his recent trade from Cleveland to Cincinnati, and the strategic importance of his role given Cincinnati's quarterback injuries. The article also contrasted Flacco's performance with Rodgers', noting the long pass attempt and the game’s dramatic finish. Both sources agree on Flacco's impactful performance, but The Japan Times focused more on the game outcome, while the NY Post analyzed the broader context of Flacco's career and team dynamics.
How we got here
The game was notable for featuring veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers, both over 40, in a rare matchup. Flacco, traded to the Bengals from the Browns, made his second start for Cincinnati after a brief stint with Cleveland. The Bengals are currently dealing with quarterback injuries, including Joe Burrow's absence, which has led to Flacco's increased role. The Steelers, led by Rodgers, entered the game with a 4-2 record and had won three straight games with Rodgers at quarterback. The game was part of ongoing AFC North rivalries, with Flacco's trade from Cleveland to Cincinnati adding to the division's intrigue.
Go deeper
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Joseph Vincent Flacco is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played college football at Delaware after transferring from Pittsburgh and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of
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The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football franchise based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference North division.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. They compete in the National Football League as a member club of the American Football Conference North division.
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The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. Named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League as a member club of the American Football Conference North division.
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Evan McPherson is an American football kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 149th overall pick, making him the first and ultimately only kicker t