Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass in the third quarter of the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 16, 2025.

The Cincinnati Bengals offense suddenly has unexpected life after their important NFL divisional win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, and even without star quarterback Joe Burrow leading the way their passing game looks like it could be a threat once again after the addition of a former Super Bowl champion.

Joe Flacco was only traded to the Bengals a week ago from the Cleveland Browns, but he looked like he’s been on Cincinnati for years given how fluid the passing game was by distributing the football to star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Joe Flacco admits he was nervous the first time throwing to Ja'Marr Chase & Tee Higgins 😂

"The first couple times I threw to Ja'Marr and Tee I was a little bit nervous … I want them to know I can put some nice touch on it." pic.twitter.com/W68AXc7JEO

— Fitz & Whit (@fitzandwhit) October 21, 2025

However, despite Flacco’s calm demeanor during the game and his team’s subsequent win the former Super Bowl champion says he was quite “nervous” throwing the ball to his All-Pro receivers.

“The first couple times I threw to Ja’Marr and Tee I was a little nervous,” Flacco said on The Fitz and Whit Podcast

With the win, the Bengals now find themselves in a position where they could make a run in the AFC if Flacco’s passing brilliance continues until Burrow is able to return to the gridiron.. “I want them to know I can put some nice touch on it.”