Here's the thing, if it were anyone other than Flacco, I would say play them... with Flacco, he hasn't shown ANY signs of needing reps. He's 38 years old (turns 39 January 16th), rest that old arm for another 4 game push. Not only that, he already got an extra 3 days after playing on Thursday, he should feel downright refreshed for the Wild Card game. the only thing that comes up is the matter of money, I'm not sure exactly how his contract read, but it was reported he would get paid $75,000 for each game he played in the rest of the season, then bonuses by way of wins in the post season... Does that mean he would lose out on $75k if he doesn't play? That would be a downright shame if it were the case. Then, rest Myles, get as much off for that shoulder as possible. Rest Cooper, I'm not sure he would play even if they hadn't clinched the 5th seed, get his heel healthy as possible! Then, I would say, the rest of the team is probably playing... You can't rest 22 players, there simply isn't enough roster spots to rest everyone. Maybe rotate linemen in per series to keep them fresh? Do I care about winning this game... NO I DO NOT... I could care less. All I am thinking about is week 19.
It's been so long since we've been in this position, I kinda forgot how to logically process it in my mind. I agree that Flacco probably doesn't need the reps -but- what's left of the WR room probably does . . . with Flacco on the delivery end of their targets. Regarding the incentive clauses in Joe's contract; he gets $75K for each regular season win. Not sure if he still gets that if he doesn't play at all. I certainly hope that the front office would still pay that if they win even if Joe sits it out. The O-Line probably needs rest more than any other position group on the team. The problem here is . . . who takes their reps and then prevents whoever is the QB and RB from further or additional injury? On the inside, Wyatt Teller has probably missed the least amount of snaps but Bitonio and Pocic could certainly use a breather. I don't even need to talk about the Tackles. Defensively, the Bengals have only averaged 14 points/game over the last 2 weeks. I think Schwartz has a lot more flexibility. i guess I would personally limit Garrett even if it takes him out of the DPOY conversation. In a nutshell, I guess I would treat it like an old school pre-season dress rehearsal game and flex people in and out on an individual possession basis.
Hello Fellow Lounge Houndz What can I say, I honestly don't remember a season where the Browns were in a position that the last game of the year was as meaningless (other than playing a divisional rival) as a preseason game. Normally I would be in the camp of play them. I’ve been a firm believer in keeping the momentum going as a team goes into the playoffs. Yet, given the numbers of players that are injured or have been nursing injuries I think that resting “key” players this week is the best option. We need to be as healthy as possible come week 19. If the Browns are going to make a serious deep run at the SB, they’ll need to be healthy on both sides of the ball. Agreed that the O-line is the most banged up bunch. Cooper(heel) and Moore(concussion) should rest and be as close to 100% as possible for the playoff run. The drop-off in talent was obvious once Moore went down against the Jets. I also agree that the rest of the WR room needs reps. The D-line is has it’s own banged up "key" players. I think/hope we may see an approach similar to Lym’s suggestion of treating this like a pre-post-season game. How Stefanski and his staff approach could prove interesting. The only question I have, is which team would you prefer to see the Browns square off against first, Jax, Hou, Ind?
Jeff Driskel will start for Browns in Week 18 The Browns will start their fifth quarterback of the season in Sunday’s season finale against the Bengals. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said at a Wednesday press conference that Jeff Driskel will get the start at quarterback. P.J. Walker will serve as his backup as the Browns will rest Joe Flacco ahead of the opening round of the playoffs. Driskel signed off of the Cardinals’ practice squad last week when Dorian Thompson-Robinson was placed on injured reserve. He has made 11 other starts over the course of his NFL career. Stefanski said that the team won’t be able to rest all of their regulars for the Bengals game, but did not specify other players who are going to get the day off. PFT
If they aren't' willing to start him, can anyone tell me why Walker is still with the team? He did win a few games this year, including the 49ers. P.S. They should still pay Flacco, win-lose or draw
Turns out the incentive clause in Joe's contract pays him $75,000 for each win in which he plays 50% of the snaps. The Browns revised this clause to pay him if he's on the 53 man roster. Well done, Andrew Berry. Well done.
I can honestly answer this now. The Jags. Cuz that would (almost certainly) knock the Yinzers out of the playoffs.
I'm not sure which was more embarrassing. The lackluster performance by the Browns, or the abysmal performance by the Jags. The Jags has their opportunities, but just didn't seem to have the desire to win. The Browns have a short week to prepare for the Texan's in Texas. They will be a much different team with Stroud at QB. Getting players healthy will certainly help. Here we go fellow Houndz, time to make a run at the biggest prize in the game.
Meh, that's about par for the course when you are playing what amounts to a pre-season game and your opponent is playing for pride with a full starting squad. I'm actually surprised it wasn't worse. I am pinching myself that we managed to score 14 points against a starting caliber NFL team.
Browns fans, it's been awhile. First off, congrats on the playoff berth. Very crazy to see that it was Joe Flacco who's taken you there. I spent weeks thinking y'all would get Jacksonville and pretty much crush them to move forward to the divisional round, Houston however is a wildcard for most teams. If Pittsburgh loses, we'll see y'all in 2 weekends. If Pittsburgh wins, y'all either go to KC or host Miami. Either way, good luck this weekend
Not going according to plan. They have ONE JOB - cover Nico Collins!!! Someone should tell Denzel Ward.
Well……this season was fun while it lasted. Can’t wait to see our rusty over priced QB next year. If Flacco can do what he did in the short time he had to learn the playbook, there is absolutely no reason Watson shouldn’t be able to have this offense humming. Got a bad feeling about it and there’s no way out of that contract either. And once again, I’m waiting for next year……… I feel like Charlie Brown as Lucy is yanking away the football….. (sigh)
