Joe Flacco stunned NFL fans on Thursday night as he turned back the clock and produced a remarkable performance to defeat Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.
The 40-year-old Flacco had only been in Cincinnati for 10 days following his trade from Cleveland, but looked completely in sync with his teammates as the Bengals won 33-31.
The former Ravens star finished the night with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns, and found Tee Higgins for a massive connection with less than two minutes left to set up a game-winning field goal for Evan McPherson.
And after Flacco took down 41-year-old Rodgers – who was also extremely impressive – fans had plenty of praise for the new Bengals passer.
‘Joe Flacco. Elite,’ one said.
‘joe flacco im so sorry for making fun of you and thinking you are too old, clearly i was wrong,’ another added.
Joe Flacco bested Aaron Rodgers in a battle between two veteran quarterbacks on Thursday
‘Joe Flacco played his a** off tonight, I can’t even lieee [sic],’ a third said.
And a fourth commented: ‘I hope Joe Flacco never retires.’
Flacco was traded within the AFC North after a difficult start with the Browns, as he threw six interceptions against just two touchdowns in four starts.
But he didn’t commit a turnover on 47 pass attempts on Thursday as he bested Rodgers in what fans dubbed the ‘Unc Bowl.’
Rodgers also shined in the game, and finished with 249 passing yards and four touchdowns – including a 68-yard score to Pat Freiermuth that gave Pittsburgh a one-point lead with just over two minutes to play.
But Flacco responded with a 52-yard scoring drive – punctuated by a 28-yard strike to Higgins that set up a chip shot field goal for the win.
Rodgers had a chance for a Hail Mary on the very last play, but it was swatted down by Cincinnati’s DJ Ivey in the end zone.
Flacco and Rodgers were seen exchanging pleasantries soon after the hard-fought game
More to follow
