It’s Time To Get Wacko For Flacco

Added on Sep 07, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Since the Baltimore Ravens came into existence in 1996 they’ve been known for two things: a physical, attack style defense and a power running game. Airing it out has been, well, a struggle to say the least. This is far from surprising when you peruse the list of quarterbacks who’ve stepped under center. Names like Jim Harbaugh, Tony Banks, Elvis Grbac, Jeff Blake, Anthony Wright, Chris Redman and Kyle Boller don’t exactly conjure images of greatness.

Sure, Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl back in 2000, but any intelligent football fan will tell you the Ravens won in spite of Dilfer, not because of him. Only four quarterbacks have eclipsed 3000 yards passing during the last fourteen seasons: Vinny Testaverde, Grbac, Steve McNair and Joe Flacco. Only one, Testaverde, surpassed 4000 yards, and that was in their inaugural 1996 campaign.

2010 could be a different story for the Never Mores. Testaverde’s team record of 4177 yards might be in jeopardy. How? Why? Two words: Joe Flacco. Coming off a 2009 season which saw him toss for the second most yards (3613) and touchdowns (21) in team history, Flacco is poised to breakout. He’s started 32 straight games, knows the offense and grows more confident with every throw.

In addition, the Ravens brain trust added more weapons to the passing arsenal. Anquan Boldin brings toughness and playmaking ability as a number one receiver. Donte Stallworth, when he returns from injury, will provide deep speed. Rookie tight end Ed Dickson is a supreme athlete with loads of potential. TJ Houshmandzadeh adds another reliable possession receiver to go along with the steady Derrick Mason.

The running back trio of Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain will be a defense’s top priority, which should open things up downfield. Injuries and age have left the Ravens vaunted defense a little more suspect than in years past. A more explosive offense might be needed to hang with the Colts, Patriots and Chargers, all of whom are capable of lighting up scoreboards.

Expecting Flacco to post Peyton Manning or Drew Brees-like numbers is unrealistic. He’s still young and the Ravens will remain a run-first team. However, 3900 yards and 25 touchdowns is more than reasonable. After all, they didn’t spend a first-round pick on the guy to watch him hand the ball off and be a game manager. Flacco has the size, arm and drive needed to be an elite quarterback. Now is the time to remove the handcuffs and see what the kid can do.