The 39-year-old Cincinnati Bengals quarterback looked sharp and confident all game, leading his team to a thrilling 33–31 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycom Center in Cincinnati. Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, showing poise that belied how little time he’s had to learn the Bengals’ system.

His most talked-about play of the night came when he scrambled for 13 yards on a read-option, surprising fans and commentators alike. During the postgame segment, Ryan Fitzpatrick asked about the run — prompting Flacco to admit that he wasn’t entirely sure what was being called on some plays.

“There were a handful of plays today that I was like, ‘What is Zac [Taylor] saying?’ We have these formations that end in ‘F,’ and I was not getting it,” Flacco said with a laugh.

He clarified that he correctly understood the play that led to his first-down run but made the quick decision to take off once he saw open field ahead.

Flacco joined the Bengals only recently, filling in for injured starter Joe Burrow, and his strong showing explained why Cincinnati turned to the seasoned veteran. Despite limited preparation time, he executed with the composure of a longtime starter — keeping pace with Rodgers, who also looked rejuvenated on the opposite sideline.

For Bengals fans, Flacco’s impromptu brilliance was both impressive and reassuring — proof that even after 18 seasons in the NFL, the veteran still has plenty left in the tank.