Earlier this week, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had expressed his shock over the Cleveland Browns’ decision to trade veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. Tomlin was speaking before the Steelers took on Flacco’s new team on Thursday Night Football, and his apprehensions were prophetic.
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“To be honest, it was shocking to me,” Tomlin told reporters. “Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us, because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a quarterback that you think enough of to make your opening-day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in that area. But that’s just my personal feelings.”
Tomlin’s concerns were proven right in the Week 7 game. The 40-year-old Flacco, acquired by Cincinnati on October 7, showcased the kind of poise and precision that once earned him a Super Bowl MVP title in 2012.
In just his second start for the Bengals, Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes, throwing for 328 yards and two touchdowns. He clearly outdueled 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers.
During a thrilling second quarter that saw the Bengals mount a comeback, NFL analyst Ryan Clark couldn’t help but connect Tomlin’s earlier remarks to what was transpiring on the field. “Welp!!! Oh boy,” Clark posted on X. “Mike T was saying that about the trade because he knew what Joe could do with these two! LORD! What a 2nd Q.”
Skip Bayless echoed the sentiment, praising Flacco’s composure. “Flacco has been amazingly accurate, with deft touch. Four of his incompletions should’ve been caught — 2 by Chase. What a sweet fade Flacco just dropped in to Chase for that TD,” Bayless tweeted. “I guess Mike Tomlin was right to fear Flacco.”
Football fans across the NFL chimed in with similar sentiments as they watched a 40-year-old quarterback breathe life into a Bengals offense that had faltered since Joe Burrow’s toe injury in Week 2. Flacco’s steady hand helped Cincinnati score on seven of its last eight possessions, sealing its first win since mid-September.
Remind me again why the Browns traded Flacco and to a team in their own division?
— LouOnX (@LouXpress) October 17, 2025
I’m rooting for Flaco maybe now it will shine a light on how bad the Browns coaching really is
— Jessica Rucker (@browneyes5577) October 17, 2025
After the victory, which lifted the Bengals to a 3-4 record for the season, Flacco reflected on how improbable the moment felt. “It’s a good question. Yeah, it felt like I might not [experience this feeling again], to be honest with you,” he said. “So, you know, it’s pretty special.”
Against the Steelers, Flacco looked as sharp and composed as he ever has in his 18-year career. From the opening series, it was clear that Cincinnati’s offense had rediscovered its rhythm.
Flacco’s arm strength and decision-making stood out. His passes had zip, his pocket movement was crisp, and his connection with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins was surgical.
Cincinnati scored on seven of its last eight possessions, a rhythm that hadn’t been seen for a while. Every drive seemed to showcase Flacco’s veteran instincts. If Flacco can keep up this rhythm, Cincinnati could have a legitimate chance under the veteran quarterback.
