Rant Media Network Featured Columnist/NBA Network Manager , Follow me on Twitter, @RobertCobb_76
BALTIMORE – If there was ever any indication that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wanted to make a early statement, he can thank the Jacksonville Jaguars in providing him a proper platform.
The fifth-year quarterback out of Delaware would complete 27 of 36 passes for 266 yards, throw two touchdowns in seven series in a 48-17 romp over Jacksonville.
Flacco, who was a Lee Evans drop and a 32-yard shanked field-goal from Billy Cundiff away from going to Super Bowl XLVI, looked razor-sharp and in mid-season form in tossing touchdown passes to wide receiver Anquan Boldin and fullback Vonta Leach.
Flacco would also find second-year speedster—and newly anointed No.1 receiver—Torrey Smith eight times for 103 yards.
While it is only preseason, one cannot help but not notice Baltimore’s 571 yards of total offense and franchise-high 48 points.
For a team that boasts a proud defense led by future Hall-Of-Famer in linebacker Ray Lewis, Baltimore’s offense may be where it’s proverbial bread is buttered.
After passing for 3,610 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, completing 57.6 percent of his passes and posting a QB rating of 80.9, Flacco would throw for 306 yards and two touchdowns in Baltimore’s 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
With a gutsy display of potential and upside, is 2012 the year that Flacco takes the next step and becomes an elite quarterback? Can he lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl?
If Thursday night’s display of touch, arm strength and impressive offensive display are any indication, then the answer is a emphatic yes.
Then again, it is only pre-season and the Jaguars after all.
Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.
In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76
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