In an intriguing development in the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin publicly questioned the decision made by Cleveland Browns General Manager Andrew Berry to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to a division rival. This decision has raised eyebrows, considering Flacco’s history with Tomlin and the Steelers.
Coaches and Quarterbacks: Relationships in the NFL
Tomlin’s comments may aim to support Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who reportedly did not expect the trade involving Flacco. As Tomlin navigates potential changes to his coaching team, including offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, he could be positioning himself strategically.
The 26th Meeting: Flacco vs. Tomlin
The upcoming matchup on Thursday night marks the 26th occasion Flacco has faced Tomlin’s Steelers. Flacco has started 25 of those games, including a notable performance last year in Week 4, where he stepped in for the Colts’ Anthony Richardson, leading to Pittsburgh’s first defeat of the season.
- Flacco’s record against Tomlin in regular-season play is 11 wins and 11 losses.
- In playoff encounters, Tomlin leads with 2 wins to Flacco’s 1.
Potential Game Implications
Tomlin has previously expressed a desire to avoid facing Flacco in games, hinting that he would prefer dealing with a less experienced quarterback like Jake Browning. Given the unpredictable nature of the NFL, including recent trends of upsets in prime-time games, the stakes are high for both coaches.
This game could very well lead to a noteworthy tie, with Flacco hoping to square his all-time record against Tomlin at 13 wins each. With a history of competitive play between the two, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how this matchup unfolds.
