Browns 2023 season: Turnovers, both good and bad, telling the tale

The Cleveland Browns’ biggest story all year has been injuries, which has given way to the second largest story, QB Joe Flacco’s resurgence. The Browns are planning for Week 18 with Flacco, as they prepare for the NFL playoffs as the fifth seed.

Despite his success in Cleveland, Flacco has been unable to break the trend of quarterbacks turning the ball over. The veteran quarterback has eight interceptions in five games. Deshaun Watson had four in six games, PJ Walker had five in six games, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson had four in parts of eight games.

NFL: New York Jets at Cleveland Browns

Watson also fumbled twice, while the other three quarterbacks each fumbled once.

On the other hand, the defense has been forcing turnovers to help even things out. Following Thursday Night Football, the Browns led the league in both turnovers and giving the ball away:

Following the completion of the remaining Week 17 games, Cleveland remains the league leader in turnovers induced but is tied for third, trailing the Baltimore Ravens with 29.

Injuries will not be forgotten come playoff time, but they will not be used as an excuse or cause for the Browns to win or lose games. Turnovers are very likely.

Can the Cleveland defense maintain its good turnover ratio while the offense tightens up a little? After this many games, it appears doubtful that we will see a substantial improvement on either side of the ball, but championship hopes may be at stake.