Joe Flacco‘s arrival in Cincinnati delivered immediate results, most notably during Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Just 10 days after departing Cleveland, the veteran quarterback orchestrated a 33-31 comeback victory, completing passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.
His seamless connection with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins stood out as the defining storyline of his early Cincinnati Bengals tenure.
Despite the strong performance, Flacco acknowledged feeling pressure to prove himself to Cincinnati’s younger stars.
Speaking on the Fitz and Whit podcast, he shared honest thoughts about joining a new locker room and earning trust from talented teammates at this stage of his career.
“I know I’m 40 years old, but the first couple of times I threw to Ja’Marr and Tee, I was a little bit nervous. I’m like, ‘Man, I want them to know…. I can put some nice touch on it. I could put it where you want it. I overthought it for sure,” Flacco said. “With those guys, especially, just put it somewhere around them and they’ll make you look good.”
Joe Flacco admits he was nervous the first time throwing to Ja'Marr Chase & Tee Higgins 😂
"The first couple times I threw to Ja'Marr and Tee I was a little bit nervous … I want them to know I can put some nice touch on it." pic.twitter.com/W68AXc7JEO
— Fitz & Whit (@fitzandwhit) October 21, 2025
Flacco also recalled a moment of self-doubt during an early throw to Chase.
The receiver ran a skinny post route slightly deeper than expected, and the pass sailed beyond him.
Flacco immediately felt the pressure, imagining Chase questioning his arm and thinking, “Man, he thinks I suck.”
Despite minimal preparation time, Flacco has provided stability to a Bengals offense reeling since Joe Burrow’s Week 2 injury.
Head coach Zac Taylor praised his composure and precision after Cincinnati scored on six of its final seven possessions against Pittsburgh.
His decision-making, ball security, and ability to unlock Chase’s playmaking have revived the team’s playoff hopes in a competitive AFC North.
For now, his calculated aggression and clutch production validate Cincinnati’s reliance on the experienced quarterback.
NEXT: Bruce Arians Gives Massive Praise To Joe Flacco