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NFL Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco Quietly Having Potential Career Year for Baltimore Ravens

By

Evan Habeeb - USA TODAY Sports

Evan Habeeb – USA TODAY Sports

Whether it’s because he’s in a division that gets overlooked for not seeming to have a legitimate contender, or because the NFL‘s top quarterbacks are so utterly dominant, it seems as though Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco hasn’t received a significant amount of attention or recognition despite putting together a very solid season so far. Whatever the reason may be, Flacco is on pace to have one of his best seasons as a pro and he may get his team a playoff spot in the process.

Flacco’s success this year has been night and day compared to last year. Through 11 games this season, Flacco has thrown 18 touchdowns and he threw for 19 all of last season. Additionally, he’s on pace for 26 this year, which would surpass his career-high of 25 set in 2010. He has thrown eight interceptions this season and is on pace to throw under 12 this year. Last year, he threw 22. Additionally, Flacco is averaging over 250 pass yards a game and is just above pace to crack the 4,000-yard mark for the season, which would be the first time he has ever done so in his career. So how has Flacco been able to achieve this success so far this year?

Like most high-level players, Flacco has a solid team surrounding him, which helps with achieving success. Last season, Flacco was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL and the Ravens had the worst running game in the league. This year, however, those two factors have improved drastically. The Ravens have given up just 15 sacks all season, which is the fourth lowest amount in the NFL. Last season they gave up 48. Additionally, the Ravens have been able to implement a running game that is averaging over 130 yards a game.

These factors (amongst others) have given Flacco the ability to use his many targets effectively while keeping the amount of hits he takes to a minimum. He now has a run game that opponents have to respect which opens up play-action and passing options, and he also has time in the pocket thanks to the protection from his offensive line.

I don’t think many would consider Flacco to be amongst the league’s most elite quarterbacks, however, he has been able to take a Ravens team that people didn’t expect much from and lead them to potential playoff contention with just a couple games remaining in the season. At 7-4 and tied for second place in the AFC North, Flacco and the Ravens have a chance at a playoff spot and perhaps even a division title.

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