Why some NFL QBs use play-sheet wristbands and others don't

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The Cincinnati Bengals needed a spark.

Trailing AFC North-rival Pittsburgh by 10 after Ja'Marr Chase's touchdown catch was reversed by replay, Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco received the call over his headset, flipped open his wristband and quickly glanced down as players gathered in the huddle.

Flacco, who was traded from Cleveland to Cincinnati nine days earlier, has heard thousands of calls over his 18-year NFL career. But different teams use different verbiage, so the play sheet on his left wrist was crucial.

On the next play, Flacco went back to Chase and lofted a ball to the left corner of the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown. It was the first of three TD passes as…