The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Jets 37-20 on Thursday night to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2020. This is only the struggling franchise’s third playoff appearance since 1999.
“Pretty special night for this organization,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski exclaimed following the team’s victory. “Pretty special night for the fans out there.” Quarterback Joe Flacco emerged as the Browns’ key player on the night, passing for 296 yards in the first half—the most in any half of his career. The quarterback threw three touchdown passes in the first half.
Flacco has thrown over 300 yards in every win in Cleveland’s four-game winning streak. The 38-year-old has come a long way since going unsigned during the offseason following three seasons with the Jets. Ultimately, Cleveland decided to add Flacco to their practice squad on November 20 after starting quarterback Deshaun Watson following a season-ending injury.
