UPDATE: Flacco was traded to the Cleveland Browns shortly after the conclusion of Tomlin’s press conference, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
So while Tomlin and the Steelers won’t have to worry about Flacco this week, the team could see Flacco when they play the Bengals in Week 7.
Our original story is below.
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A year ago, Mike Tomlin dreaded the thought, one that became reality, of seeing veteran QB Joe Flacco step into the game. This time, it’s less of an issue. Though Flacco has been benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, Tomlin isn’t comparing to last year’s situation of his plan to stop Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson change to Flacco on the fly.
During his Tuesday press conference via the team’s YouTube channel, Tomlin was asked about the prospect of seeing Flacco come off the bench.
“I mentioned that last year, a few weeks ago, specifically because of the dramatic difference between Flacco skillset and Richardson skillset. I don’t know that they’re doing things dramatically different in Cleveland. Whether it’s Dillon or Joe in there. And so it might be less significant this week than it was when I cited that example.”
Earlier this season, Tomlin relayed the story he told the team ahead of the 2024 game against the Colts. A message of keeping Richardson in the game so Flacco wouldn’t enter. Instead, Richardson left with an early injury and Flacco came off the bench to light the Steelers’ defense up with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 27-24 win. Tomlin’s point was the severe schematic shift required to combat Flacco versus Richardson. Flacco an old-school pocket passer. Richardson a new-age runner prone to more mistakes.
That contrast isn’t as evident in Cleveland. Though Gabriel is certainly more elusive than a 40-year-old Flacco, the offense didn’t see a major shift from one quarterback to another. Gabriel provided a spark and held his own for a first career start, pushing Minnesota to the brink in a narrow London loss to the Vikings, but his plays will come from the pocket just like Flacco’s.
Perhaps the biggest difference is the area of the field both quarterbacks target. Flacco’s live arm sees him push the ball downfield. Gabriel can spin it but spent Sunday throwing underneath, posting an intended air yards figure more than a full yard lower than Flacco.
Cleveland made the switch prior to the Vikings game. Flacco was ineffective in his four starts, throwing just two touchdowns to six interceptions as Cleveland began the season 1-3.
In his opponent overview Tomlin conducts to begin every presser, he offered plenty of praise for Gabriel.
“He’s 25 years old. Hawaii native. He’s a year older than than [Nick Herbig] to put perspective on it. He’s a six-year college player. He threw for over 18,000 yards in college – 155 touchdowns, 32 interceptions in terms of a TD-to-interception ratio. And so I think that in-helmet perspective, you can’t put a price tag on. He also threw for 10,000-plus yards in high school.
“And so he is a rookie new to the National Football League, but this guy’s thrown the football around a lot. He’s older and more experienced than most rookies. I think timely processing is his superpower and I think his experience and that superpower has been on display. And I think those are one of the central reasons why they went to him. He’s able to function and function with fluidity in an effort to minimize negativity when passing.”
Gabriel completed 19-of-33 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against the Vikings. It wasn’t an elite performance but he stood tall against a difficult Minnesota scheme. He spread the ball around to all his eligibles. Eight different Browns players caught one pass. He leaned on short throws to tight ends and running backs. Combined, the two positions amounted for 14 of Gabriel’s 19 completions.
Taking away the quick game will be key to hand Gabriel, and the Browns, another loss this season. And if Flacco enters mid-game, Tomlin feels more ready to handle the change.
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