Flacco’s First Flight Falls Short: Packers Outduel Bengals in Week 6 Showdown
October 14, 2025
In a twist few could’ve predicted just weeks ago, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco made his first start for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, looking to hand the Packers a loss for the second time in less than a month. Just three weeks ago, Flacco led the Browns to a win over Green Bay. Flacco was traded to the Browns in-state rival, Cincinnati Bengals this week, where he is slated to face the only team he has beat this year, the Green Bay Packers, this time wearing orange and black. In a game mixed with fresh beginnings and playoff urgency, the Bengals hope Flacco can bring poise and experience to a Bengals offense searching for stability. Across the field, the Packers counter with their own blend of youth and momentum, looking to bounce back from their tie last week with Micah Parsons trade partner Dallas Cowboys, and get after Joe Flacco behind a subpar Bengals offensive line. With a defense that has been forcing turnovers at a high rate, Green Bay looks every bit the part of an NFC contender through the first few weeks.
The Packers started the game moving the ball down the field with ease then threw an INT in Bengals territory, but, they forced a quick Bengals 3 and out to get the ball back. It was all Packers for the rest of the first half from there as they put up a field goal and touchdown while holding the Bengals to 4 punts in the first half. The Joe Flacco experiment had not been looking good to this point as he finished the first half with only 40 yards passing. Although the offense couldn’t move the ball, the defense was able to keep the game within reach for the second half.
The Bengals came out of the locker room clicking on all cylinders, going 17 plays, 78 yards, and 10 minutes of possession to score a TD and make it 10-7. This was the first drive Flacco looked comfortable behind his new offensive line and he made some nice throws they wouldn’t get from Browning. The Packers responded back with a 66 yard TD drive of their own led by Josh Jacobs and Romeo Doubs to make it 17-7. Joe Flacco, now looking settled, put together another good drive but stalled out in GB territory, in range for a field goal to make it 17-10. The Bengals defense which held up in the first half just needed one stop now. Jordan Love came out firing though, dotting up the Bengals defense to lead the Packers down for another touchdown to make it 24-10 Packers. Flacco and his new team wouldn’t go away though, with Jamar Chase and Flacco connecting 4 times on the drive, eventually for a touchdown, and following a 2 pt conversion, they climbed back within one score at 24-18. This Bengals defense known for allowing high scores and not being known for getting timely stops needed just that, a timely stop. After a big early sack, the Bengals get the Packers in the exact position they want, 3rd and 9 but rookie Matthew Golden loses Jordan Battle in coverage for a 31 yard gain. The Bengals held the Packers to a field goal but the clock was running out and they wouldn’t have time for 2 scores.
For the Packers, the win was more than just revenge , it was a statement. With contributions from all three phases and a composed performance from Jordan Love, Green Bay showed they’re evolving into a team that can handle adversity and capitalize on opportunities. As for the Bengals, Flacco’s debut offered glimpses of promise, but the offense will need to find rhythm quickly to stay competitive in a loaded AFC. In a game that pitted experience against youth, it was the Packers’ balance, discipline, and home-field grit that ultimately made the difference.
Ben, Author
Communication major and junior from Ohio. I played college ball at the D2 level for Lake Erie College as a defensive end…so I know a thing or two about grit (and laundry day after turf stains). I’m a proud fan of the Steelers, Michigan, and Red Sox, and when I’m not watching or debating sports, you’ll probably catch me at a Steelers game.
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