I believe Joe Flacco is a top6 QB as much as anybody. IF he is protected with an elite line and allowed to comfortably glide through his receivers, set and throw. He slings it as good and accurate as anybody. However he needs that comfort in the pocket. It is the difference in him an elite QB and an average QB.
However, if the line isn't upgraded and Joe could struggle again. If he struggles this year anybody thinking he is the unchallenged leader is not being honest with yourself. No matter how much money he is being paid. A mike Glennon, AJ McCarron,Webb, Kizer Mahomes will be brought in to push him. If Flacco lays an egg through 8 games and a Chad Kelly comes in and lights it up. Harbaugh will not be able to go back to Joe Flacco. The hailstorm of criticism would be to overbearing. It happened after Bledsoe signed a $100million contract. If you ever watched the Brady6 then you know he was going to eventually play.
If Joe Flacco lays an egg. Whomever wants to stand with him as the unchallenged QB is going to be in very lonely company. I will say Joe can still get it done if lays an egg while he is not supported with a good line and weapons. But much of our fan base is going to want to try somebody different. Harbaugh will not have any credibility if he even attempts to call him an unquestioned franchise QB. Not while Joe Flacco is laying his third egg in a row.
Which is reason I believe this draft will be more offensively laced than many fans think. Management has to know Flacco plays vastly superior when his protection dominates. It is not only the season that hangs in the balance but Joe's massive contract will look Bad bad BAD. Management that gave him the extension after a terrible year will look bad, terrible. I wouldn't rule out signing Marshall and trading for Maclin. He has similar speed as Wallace but is a more complete player and route runner. Then double dip on the offensive line in the opening 3 rounds. Especially if we lose Wagner to free agency. I'm going to guess we strike a deal this spring. If Wagner signs elsewhere however, ravens will double dip offensive line.