Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Browns QB Joe Flacco's 53-yard completion leads to TD

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/24/23

It appears Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco will keep rolling against the Houston Texans.

On the first play of the game, the 38-year-old launched a deep ball to wide receiver Amari Cooper for a 53-yard completion. The big play set up a four-yard Jerome Ford TD, giving the Browns a 7-0 lead with 13:18 remaining in the first quarter.

Flacco letting it rip to Cooper on the first play of the game!

: #CLEvsHOU on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAjsX3 pic.twitter.com/vPhR52fAnC
— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023

Cleveland (9-5) recently signed the ex-Baltimore Raven to a one-year $2.5M contract after starter Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending right shoulder injury and to add more depth at the most important position.

Clearly, it was a smart move. In three games with the Browns, the Super Bowl champion has completed 57.9 percent of his passes for seven TDs, five interceptions and a 2-1 record.

He's also helped the Bowns stay afloat in the AFC playoff race. The New York Times simulator notes Cleveland's playoff chances will increase from 92 to 99 percent if it beats Houston (8-6).

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