Robert Saleh Unintentionally Throws Shade at Former Jets' QB Joe Flacco?

New York's head coach suggests Amari Cooper is genesis of Browns' offensive success

It likely wasn't meant to throw shade, but New York Jets' head coach Robert Saleh made a notable comment on Tuesday, nonetheless.

With a Thursday night road game against the Cleveland Browns on tap, Saleh is preparing his Jets to face former teammate Joe Flacco. The 38-year-old field general, who spent three seasons (2020-22) as New York's backup, landed with Cleveland last month and has been tearing it up.

Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, possesses both the arm strength and the guile to make a difference on an NFL field, even in the twilight of his career. At least, that's what he's shown over his past four games with the Browns. 

Accounting for a 3-1 record, Flacco has thrown multiple touchdowns passes in all four outings. He is averaging 326.8 pass yards per appearance with a 10:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

When it comes to Flacco's rebirth with the Browns, Saleh seemed to suggest that receiver Amari Cooper is the true culprit of Cleveland's pass game prowess.

"Amari is, we always joke around about, making the quarterback a hero, and Amari is playing some great football," said Saleh.

Cooper exploded for 265 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches in Cleveland's Week 16 win over Houston. One week earlier, he made four grabs for 109 yards and one score. Cooper has caught three of Flacco's 10 TD passes while accounting for 37.1 percent of the team's receiving output over a four-game clip.  

While having a true WR1 like Cooper provides a boost, Flacco's "hero" status is a result of the fact that the grizzled veteran is doing things that Browns' backups Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker couldn't do prior to his arrival.

Other than what could be perceived as a subtle dig, Saleh was mostly complimentary of Flacco while addressing reporters on Tuesday in Florham Park.

"We love Joe, first and foremost," said Saleh. "Obviously, we spent a couple of years with him. I love him. I love the way he prepares, really pumped for him and the success he’s having."

What If Joe Flacco Were Starting for Jets on Thursday Night Rather Than Browns?

As for not bringing Flacco back this season despite the quarterback's reported interest in returning to New York, Saleh answered a question on the decision. 

"It’s just the decision we made in terms of the quarterback room and the way we developed it over the course of OTAs and training camp," said Saleh.

The Jets (6-9) and the Browns (10-5) will meet on December 28 at 8:15 pm ET. The Thursday Night Football game is a Prime Video exclusive but will be available over the air in the New York media market.

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