Ross Tucker Breaks Down Keys to Browns Victory Over Bengals: Joe Flacco’s Poise and Myles Garrett’s Dominance Lead the Way

As the Cleveland Browns prepare to open the 2025 NFL season against division rivals the Cincinnati Bengals, NFL analyst and former offensive lineman Ross Tucker has weighed in on what it will take for Kevin Stefanski’s team to come out on top. In a recent interview, Tucker identified three crucial factors for a Browns victory: limiting turnovers, trusting veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, and unleashing defensive superstar Myles Garrett.

1. Ball Security Is Everything

Tucker emphasized that the Browns’ ability to protect the football will be the most important ingredient in their recipe for success. “If Cleveland can play a clean game—no fumbles, no picks—they give themselves a real shot at controlling the tempo,” Tucker said. He pointed out that under Stefanski, the Browns are 9–1 in games where they don’t commit a turnover.

Against a Bengals team led by Joe Burrow, every possession will matter. “You can’t give Burrow short fields,” Tucker explained. “He’s too efficient, and he’ll make you pay.”

2. Joe Flacco’s Veteran Presence Brings Stability

At 40 years old, Joe Flacco has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback for Week 1, despite heavy attention around rookie QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Tucker believes this is the right call—not just because of Flacco’s experience, but because of his steady demeanor.

“Flacco is a calming presence,” Tucker said. “You could have chaos all around him and he’s still scanning the field with poise.” Flacco, who won Super Bowl MVP in 2013, has become a mentor figure in Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room, but Tucker argues he still has enough in the tank to lead the team effectively.

“He doesn’t need to be spectacular,” Tucker added. “He just needs to make smart decisions, move the chains, and let the defense do the rest.”

3. Myles Garrett: The Game Wrecker

If Joe Flacco is the calm, then Myles Garrett is the storm.

Tucker was effusive in his praise for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. “Garrett is simply unblockable at times. He commands double teams, but still finds ways to impact the game,” he said.

In a matchup that will likely see Garrett lining up across from Bengals offensive tackles Jonah Williams or Orlando Brown Jr., the Browns’ best chance at disrupting Burrow lies in their defensive line. Tucker believes Garrett could be the X-factor that swings the game.

“Every play he’s on the field, there’s a chance he changes the outcome,” Tucker said. “If the Browns win this game, don’t be surprised if Garrett is the reason why.”

Final Thoughts

Ross Tucker’s breakdown underscores a familiar but effective formula for the Browns: win the turnover battle, let your veteran QB manage the game, and unleash your elite pass rusher. With the AFC North as competitive as ever, Week 1 against the Bengals is more than just an opener—it’s a tone-setter for Cleveland’s entire season.