CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns were happy Joe Flacco had such a great game for the Bengals on Thursday night, and have no regrets about trading him there. In fact, they wouldn’t have traded him there unless he had an opportunity to start.

Flacco shared what its like playing for the Bengals after years of competing against them during a post-game press conference Oct. 16.

CINCINNATI — Joe Flacco got plenty of worthy praise from his head coach and teammates following another strong outing in a Bengals uniform. Cincinnati needed competent, level quarterback play, with Jake Browning floundering, and they've gotten much more than that out of Flacco.

Joe Flacco looks like he’s ready to lead another AFC North team on an improbable run. Just 10 days after Flacco arrived in Cincinnati, he beat Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in an unlikely shootout between 40-year-old quarterbacks Thursday night.

Joe Flacco turned back the clock on Thursday night, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed 31-of-47 pass attempts for 342 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco said Thursday night’s 33-31 win over the Steelers, and the ability to pass to two great receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, is exactly what motivates him to keep playing into his 40s.

Then there’s Flacco, who former ESPN analyst and “First Take” commentator Jay Mariotti endorsed for the Hall of Fame on Friday night. The praise came after Flacco threw three touchdowns in a shocking upset over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Thursday’s thrilling 33-31 finish.