JUST IN: Retired NFL coach reveals Brown decision on latest call on QB situation amid Joe Flacco and Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Longtime NFL coach Al Saunders couldn’t stop himself from calling Cleveland sports radio station 92.3 The Fan on Thursday after hearing the station’s morning show discuss whether or not the Cleveland Browns would start Joe Flacco at quarterback in Sunday’s home game against the 8-4 Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I had to pull over and stop at a rest stop to call you guys,” Saunders said while driving through Northeast Ohio, according to Awful Announcing’s Ben Axelrod. “There is no decision to be made here.” In Baltimore, I coached Joe Flacco. When the Browns signed Joe, I texted [Browns general manager] Andrew Berry and the coaching staff, saying what a great move it was. Because the time for Cleveland to win is now.”

Browns QB Joe Flacco preparing to start while team awaits progress from DTR

During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Saunders was a senior offensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens, where Flacco played. In last Sunday’s 36-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Flacco completed 23-of-44 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player will start against Jacksonville over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and backup PJ Walker.

“At 7-5 and you’re going into the stretch run of the season, [Thompson-Robinson] is a great young prospect, and you can’t teach experience,” Saunders said. “And Joe Flacco’s personality, demeanor, and ability to run an offense in such a short period of time were incredible.” He’s the ideal candidate for the Cleveland Browns to capitalize on their current playoff position.”

Browns' Dorian Thompson-Robinson still in concussion protocol

The ESPN Football Power Index gave the Browns a 65.4% chance of making the playoffs as of Thursday afternoon. At the same time, oddschecker listed Cleveland as a three-point favorite over a Jaguars team that could be missing star quarterback Trevor Lawrence (ankle) this Sunday.

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