Joe Flacco throws back-to-back pick-sixes as Browns renaissance ends in playoff heartbreak and Texans blowout
Joe Flacco fell apart live on national TV.
After spending the second half of the 2023 season as the best story in the NFL, the Hollywood script for the 38-year-old quarterback was finally tossed in the rubbish bin on Sunday.
In a 2-minutes span during a game-changing third quarter, Flacco threw two pick-sixes for a total of 118 return yards that became two huge Houston Texans touchdowns.
With Cleveland trailing 24-14 at halftime, the Browns still had a shot to find a way to an AFC Wild Card victory in Houston at NRG Stadium.
But Flacco's age, arm and on-field decision making got in the way.
The Texans' defense began to figure Flacco out and DeMeco Ryans' feisty crew completely pounced in the third quarter.
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First, Steven Nelson collected a Flacco pick for a scorching 82-yard TD return that brought NRG Stadium to full roar.
Then Christian Harris recieved another errant Flacco pass, running 36 yards for another pick-six.
With 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Texans led the Browns 45-14.
The lopsided blowout was set up by Flacco, who went 4-1 down the stretch to save Cleveland's season but was exposed in the playoffs in his biggest game of the year.
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The Texans' defense shredded Flacco, who had thrown two picks, been sacked three times for 30 yards and been held to a 79.7 passer rating as the fourth quarter wound down.
Meanwhile, rookie QB C.J. Stroud was shining like a proven playoff veteran, completing 16 of his initial 21 passes for 274 yards, three TDs and a sparkling 157.2 rating.
Flacco won a Super Bowl during his peak run with Baltimore.
But he struggled during his last year with the Ravens, then bounced from Denver to the New York Jets before becoming a little-seen backup.
After Deshaun Watson was lost for the season due to injury, the Browns eventually turned to Flacco.
The veteran saved his worst game of 2023 for Cleveland's biggest game of the season.
Back-to-back pick-sixes were a painful reminder that the 38-year-old Flacco had been out of the NFL for a reason.
With the win, the Texans advanced to the AFC Divisional Round.