Is Criticism of Flacco Off Target?
A weekly look at tweets by and about the Baltimore Ravens.
Joe Flacco can’t catch a break.
Even in a week after he stood in against a surprisingly tough Houston Texans pass rush while still throwing for 305 yards and leading the Ravens to a 29-14 win, it only took a couple minutes of searching to find one of the fourth-year quarterback’s detractors.
“@RealSkipBayless claims that Ravens as a team not sold on Flacco as their QB. C'mon Skip... Don't show up at any Ravens bar,” Lance Beasman wrote on Twitter.
The tweet, of course, was referring to ESPN analyst Skip Bayless, who’s rarely had nice things to say about Flacco.
That’s fine, of course. Bayless is paid to pontificate on the sports world and offer opinions that start conversation.
But as someone who follows the Ravens closely, I just don’t understand what the majority of Flacco’s critics are thinking.
When an analyst or the occasional fan criticizes Flacco, very rarely are they critiquing his resume, which includes three straight trips to the playoffs in his first three years in the league.
Instead, the criticism goes something like: “Well, he’s no Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.”
It’s, frankly, a ridiculous way to fairly measure the University of Delaware graduate’s success.
I’m no Flacco apologist. But what is the point of comparing Flacco to two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL’s history?
Do pundits and grouchy fans forget the perennially low level of quarterback play the Ravens worked with until Flacco was drafted in 2008? Need they be reminded?
Comparing Flacco to Ravens signal callers of the past is fair. You can even compare him to Matt Ryan, the other quarterback selected in the first round of 2008 draft, or Rich Gannon, the last Delaware quarterback to make a mark in the NFL.
But comparing Flacco to Manning and Brady?
Please. Let’s at least be fair.
“Awwwwww mannn, i forgot no ravens game on sunday ):” -- Tweeted by Sofia Ahmad
I’ve had a similar feeling before, Sofia.
With the Ravens playing the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football next week, football Sunday will be significantly less appealing for Ravens fans.
Sure, most will watch some football anyway.
But it’s just not as exciting heading into the weekend knowing you must wait until Monday night to watch the team you really care about.
It’s a little bit of an emotional let down, really, when every other game has been played and you still have to wade through an entire work day before watching the Ravens Monday night.
Then, you’ve got to somehow stay awake for the entire game.
Not to mention that without a game that might force you to stay put in front of the television for a few hours in the middle of the day, alternative activity options for Sunday – usually not even broached by many during Ravens season in these parts – are suddenly on the table.
So be warned, Ravens fans. I’ve already been asked to go on the dreaded double date. You might be next.
“It took me 4 years to get my jersey in the stores at house hope it don't take that long in Bmore #ravennation #ravens” – Tweeted by Ravens fullback Vonta Leach
As the owner of a now-useless Le’Ron McClain jersey – the last Ravens fullback, now playing for the Kansas City Chiefs – I couldn’t agree with you more, Vonta.
Is criticism of Flacco unfair? And how do you feel about Monday Night Football games?
Tell us in the comments.
Dean Bartoli Smith
8:10 am on Saturday, October 22, 2011
I'm amazed at how critical people are of Joe Flacco. I wish they would demand the same level of excellence from the city of Baltimore. At his best, Joe will be compared to former Giant quarterback Phil Simms -- whom NY fans criticized his entire career until he won a Superbowl -- and whose on the field skills mirror Joe's. Simms had size and a strong arm but he was not very mobile.
Joe needs help too. As far as this year goes, I'd like to see more slant patterns in the mix and quick hitters with his new receiver corps. The line has not demonstrated that they can protect him consistently, especially when Joe is the only one in the backfield -- telegraphing to the opposition that there is no run option -- so you might as well send everyone after him.
Walt Hiteshew
9:56 am on Saturday, October 22, 2011
I don't think Peyton or Brady were Peyton and Brady by their fourth year in the NFL. Joe had no learning time. From D1AA to starting in the NFL! Are you kidding me? Is there anyone else in football to go from a D1AA school to starting QB in the NFL in one year? Where's his learning curve? On the grid, not in practice. I have no doubt Joe will be one of the great QB's of this era. If he played for New York the pundits would be praising him as the Second Comming. But face it, the main stream media has never given any Baltimore team or player its due. During the Unitas years all they could talk about was how great Namath was. Johnny U was the greatest and Joe Flacco is a worthy successor.
Sean Tully
1:19 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2011
Flacco is a good QB, but he does not appear to be heading to the top tier. Few do, so it's okay that he doesn't. As long as our defense stays as strong as they are and Flacco keeps performing as he generally does, we'll be okay. But Flacco alone could never get a team to the playoffs like Manning can or Farve could.
Michael P. McKenzie
5:38 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2011
I said from day one that Flacco is a Johnny Unitas in the making,..He's young and learning,.and doing well I might add. Many times I've seen him throw a perfect pass and his receiver dropped the ball. It takes good players in all positions to make a great team, and I think we have them now. Hopefully everyone will stay healthy!...As far as Monday night football goes, I'm not fond of it because I have to get up very early for work.
Rob
10:14 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2011
I think Joe brought a lot of criticism on himself by declaring himself a top 5 quarterback. He's a really good qb but not yet in the class of Manning or Brady. People want to always throw out stats and how he has won more games than any qb starting his rookie year. But if you watch him play he looks lost a lot.
Walt, Peyton was Peyton in year 2 and Brady won a superbowl the first year he started.