Crazy stat proves Joe Flacco's worth to Browns

The time frame needed to match Watson is perhaps the most impressive part of Flacco's feat. The 38-year-old reached 14 TDs through only five and a half games, while the former No. 12 overall pick needed 12 starts over the 2022 and 2023 campaigns to reach that number. 

Taking over as the Browns' starter in Week 12, Flacco lost his debut against the Los Angeles Rams before helping Cleveland rally off four straight wins to claim a playoff berth in the AFC. 

Heading into the playoffs, Flacco had completed 60% of his passes, throwing for 1,616 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

After losing Watson in Week 9 to a season-ending shoulder injury, the Browns struggled in two starts by Dorian Thompson-Robinson before the team lost him for the year with a hip injury. 

With two QBs down and P.J. Walker the only remaining option, Flacco was essentially the Browns' last hope. Signing on Nov. 20, he made his first start two weeks later, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

The Browns may not win the Super Bowl behind Flacco, but no matter how far they make it in the postseason, he's given the franchise a remarkable ride that seemed impossible only weeks ago.