This was supposed to be the year that one of the most downtrodden franchises in football finally flipped their fortunes thanks in part to an aging, Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback working with a new team.
That prophecy came to life on Thursday — but not in the way New York Jets fans were hoping.
Joe Flacco’s rebirth tour with the Cleveland Browns continued to the tune of three passing scores, which built an early first-half lead that buried the Jets in a 37-20 final at Cleveland Browns Stadium. With the win, Cleveland (11-5) clinched just its third playoff berth of the new century and kept itself in contention for the AFC North crown.