The Baltimore Ravens are in a unique position this season. Coming off a heartbreaking 9-7 season that was caused by a 77-yard touchdown pass, thrown by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton. Being one of the top defenses in the league last year, no one expected them to be bested by such an abysmal offense. However, the Ravens were only up by six points in the final quarter of that game. The Baltimore offense cannot bank on even their best defense ever to hold them in that sort of situation. The turn around of that scenario starts in the offseason. It starts with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, and his overall production in the offense.
Arguably when Flacco was at his best, he had a plethora of weapons at his disposal. The year he won Super Bowl MVP (2012), Flacco had explosive receivers such as Anquan Bolin and Torey Smith. Both of those men totaled 1,000 yards plus each that season, and had multiple individual successes in other seasons. For the past three seasons, Flacco has had only one receiver with over 1,000 yards. Flacco's average QBR (quarterback rating) over the past few season has been around an 81. This rather average rating is coupled with 62 touchdown passes and 42 interceptions. The offensive weaponry has clearly run very thin. Considering the recent offseason acquisitions, this may no longer be an excuse for the Super Bowl QB's average performance.
Flacco currently has three more years on his huge 120 million dollar contract (that he was given after his Super Bowl season). This contract does guarantee that he will have the starting job for that time. There is reasonable suspicion to believe that if Flacco doesn't perform above his current plateau, he will not be awarded a resign. This is because of offseason acquisitions such as Michael Crabtree and John Brown. These two receivers add experience and speed to an otherwise non-explosive group of players. If Joe cannot turn these men into 'stat-stuffers', his job could be toast.
According to Ravens officials, Joe Flacco has been looking amazing in voluntary workouts. His previous back issues have seemed to resolve itself, as have his issues with speed of the snap. Thar does sound quite encouraging, however Joe is looking to possibly have more pressure on his shoulders. All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant is considering accepting an offer from Baltimore. If this occurs, Joe will have one less excuse on his play quality.
