Taking the Next Step

[cravnravn]

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens attempted to remove the handcuffs on Flacco last season after having him direct a run-heavy attack as a rookie.

 

 

 

 

Given more opportunities to pass, Flacco and the offense got off to a strong start. The unit tallied 30 or more points in five of the team's first seven games. Flacco posted three 300-yard passing games during that stretch to go with 12 touchdowns and was among the highest-rated passers at that point of the season.

 

However, the Ravens struggled when allowing Flacco to pass 30 or more times (3-6 in those contests), and re-evaluated their approach with the playoffs on the line.

 

Instead of relying on Flacco, the Ravens returned to the grind-it-out approach that they employed during his rookie season. Ray Rice took on a bigger role and Baltimore relied on his game-breaking abilities to propel it into the postseason.

 

Though it would appear that the change was a reflection of Flacco's ability, it should instead be regarded as confirmation that the Ravens didn't possess the requisite weapons to allow him to thrive.

 

The Rest

Edited June 1, 2010 by cravnravn