Joe Flacco threw for more than 300 yards in a fourth straight game and the Cleveland Browns confirmed their playoff spot by beating the New York Jets 37-20 on Thursday.
Hired out of desperation last month, the 38-year-old veteran quarterback led the Browns (11-5) to a fourth straight victory and their first appearance in the playoffs since 2020, only their second since 2002.
Flacco and his gang were particularly effective in the first half, building a 27-7 lead. The Browns led 34-17 at halftime. Their offense generated just three points in the second half, but Flacco’s opposite Trevor Siemian was unable to muster a comeback and the Jets suffered their second loss in three games.
Flacco finished the game with 309 passing yards with three touchdown passes and one interception.
In the absence of his favorite target Amari Cooper, who was injured in his heel, Flacco turned to tight end Daniel Njoku, who had 134 yards on six receptions. Flacco connected with Jerome Ford twice for two touchdowns. His other touchdown pass was completed to Elijah Moore.
Kareem Hunt added a rushing touchdown.
Making his second start of the season, Siemian passed for 262 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception.
Breece Hall rushed for 84 yards and scored his team’s only offensive touchdown on one of his nine receptions.
The Jets’ other touchdown was scored by Jermaine Johnson following a Flacco interception in the first quarter.
2023-12-29 04:22:00
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