Give Us More Flacc’
Joe Flacco has by all expectations exceeded his billing when plucked as the Ravens‘ heir apparent at starting quarterback. A relative unknown to mainstream fans when selected out of the University of Delaware with the 18th pick in the 2008 Draft, the Ravens thrust Flacco into the starting role, as incumbent starter Kyle Boller suffered a season ending injury. To the surprise of pundits across the country, Flacco, along with Matt Ryan of the Falcons accomplished the improbably by leading their respective squads to post season berths as rookie quarterbacks, with first year head coaches to boot. Though not putting up mind-blowing numbers in his first NFL year under center, Flacco maximized the team’s efficiency by committing few turnovers and relying on a run heavy offense mixed with dominant defensive play. Overall, Flacco connected on 60 of his passes for 2,971 yards as rookie, striking for 14 scores next to just 12 picks. Flacco surprised the league with his mobility at 6’6”, scrambling for another 180 yards, including a 38-yard rushing TD in his professional debut. Season 2 saw more of the same, with Flacco needing to only post competent totals to ensure the Raven’s success. In his sophomore season, Flacco improved his numbers noticeably, increasing his completion percentage to 63 despite throwing 70 more passes in an increasingly airborne offense. His yardage total rose to 3,613, while tagging on an extra 7 passing TDs and mirroring his low interception total, bringing his 2009 TD:INT ration to 21:12.Year 3 however, should see Flacco climb the mantle as one of the elite passers in the NFL. Already blessed with the natural skill and decision making, as evidenced by his early success, Flacco has thus far only been limited by a conservative offensive scheme and lack of depth at WR. The signing of Anquan Boldin, who’s spent his entire career making catches for the Arizona Cardinals, gives Flacco his first ever legitimate 1 wideout, with the top receiver of the last two years, Derrick Mason, sliding over to a more appropriate number 2 position. With QB-friendly Ray Rice coming out of the backfield, Flacco should have plenty of options choose from as the Ravens take advantage of their new toy and air it out a whole lot more this coming season.