CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A Q&A with Joe Flacco.
How would you describe your 2025 season?
Joe Flacco: “I don’t really think about putting a label on it. It’s crazy. Seasons always go by quick once they’ve started. But the way that this one went, it seems like it flew by.”
You knew a lot about the Bengals before you joined the team. You’ve been here a few months now. What’s your view of the Bengals as an organization?
“Obviously when you see teams from afar, you’re pretty locked in on the team you’re playing for an anti-everybody else. When you get to see behind the curtain of different organizations, you get to see the people that run it. Then, of course, you gain an appreciation for the people who make those things happen and the organization as a whole.”
You’ve played for a number of head coaches. What stands out about Zac Taylor?
“He has a lot of strengths. He’s really good at what he does. His demeanor, his overall personality and the way he leads men is really good. The way he puts game plans together. Also, he’s willing to allow it to be collaborative. That’s a strength. His game day play calling is also something he does really well.”
How about Dan Pitcher?
“Dan has been doing what he’s doing for a long time. He has confidence with his plan together. He’s a big part of putting our plan together offensively every week. Once again, his personality, the fact that he doesn’t bring an ego to the table, the fact that he’s willing to put plans together and put us in positions to have success but also not necessarily be the guy out front taking all the credit for it, that’s a huge strength.”
Was Joe Burrow what you expected?
“Everyone is always a bit different than what you see from the outside. It’s been very refreshing. I’ve had a lot of fun with him.”
Is there an area of Burrow’s game that maybe you didn’t even realize was as elite as it was?
“It’s tough to say. He does a very good job of staying calm and playing at the pace that he wants to play at. That’s one of the biggest things for him. He doesn’t let anything speed him up or slow him down. He has an idea of how he wants to play the game. He makes sure he puts himself in position to play it that way?”
Do you think he’s on a Hall of Fame track?
Obviously, when you stack seasons together at the level that he has, that’s the path. I also don’t think as players that’s in the forefront of your mind. The biggest thing is putting your team in position to win football games and letting stuff like that take care of itself.
There has been a lot of talk about the improvement of the Bengals’ defense since the bye. How has it grown the most since you faced it in Week 1?
“I’ve only been able to see what the fans have been able to see. We’re stopping the run. We’re getting more pressure on the quarterback. When you combine those two things, it’s going to help you out.”
A lot of buzz around DJ Turner. Myles Murphy. Between those guys and anyone else, who has really impressed you?
“Myles has shown up. For sure, he’s shown up on film or when you’re sitting on the bench watching.”
What’s next for you?
“We’ll see. Another offseason. It’s crazy how quickly it has gone. We’ll see where this one goes. I don’t really have any expectations as to how it’s going to play out. A lot of it isn’t up to me. I’ll see how it goes the next couple of months and go from there.”
Is your priority a shot to start, or at least be in a competition?
“That’s always a priority. I’m somebody who wants to play football. You’ve got to assess and see whatever is thrown your way. You have to go from there and see what you can do about it.”
Do you hope to sign when free agency starts in March, or see where it goes?
“I haven’t really thought about it. I don’t hope to do anything. I have an idea of maybe of what some goals would be. I’ll go from there and see what happens.”
We all hope that Joe Burrow is healthy enough to play 100% of games from now until the end of time. But, let’s say, it’s next November and the Bengals give you a call. Would you be interested?
“Of course. Yep.”
2025 WXIX