Flacco On Bulger

[sliceanddic3]

Article on [url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/19/flacco-on-bulger-im-sure-marc-is-a-great-guy-but/"]profootballtalk.com[/url]
Kinda sounds like hes scared of Bulger taking the job?

[XxSizzleXx]

LOL, not a chance of Bulger stealing Joe's starting job. He is worried about Bulger snagging Troys spot or Beck's spot not his own.

[Moderator 2]

Not really, I think he is concerned about team chemistry more then anything.

[sliceanddic3]

Not dogging on Flacco, but kinda sounds like it. He's defiantly not threatened with Troy or Beck, who he doesn't want to disband with, but who knows, Bulger could pull off some Warner miracle (highly doubtful, but still)

[darklight1216]

Lol, now he's starting to sound like Suggs (ie "I think Troy Smith should be the starter"). At first glance, it seems like he's just sticking up for his buddies, but I suppose that it's possible that he's comfortable with them because they are not a threat to his job. PFT probably just needed a story.

All in all, I think the most surprising part about this article is that Flacco actually opened his mouth.

[edreedfromtheu]

LOVE these comments.

And no, it doesn't sound like he's scared of losing his job. PLEASE, get serious. He said EXACTLY what his problem was... and that was the fact that the QB study sessions are not going to have a calm peace about them, it could be very awkward in fact.

Guess what... that could be avoided easily if:

A. Ravens didn't sign Bulger.
B. Ravens weren't scared to grant Troy Smith his freedom since he wants to play.

And I've already read the comments on ProFootballTalk about how... Flacco should be thankful the Ravens brought in a veteran for him to learn from?!? An "established winner," etc. Ummm... what is Flacco going to learn from Bulger? That if you are blessed with a great team already in place, with good receivers and a good running game... then you have a great chance to succeed? Ummm, I think Flacco already learned that. Bulger got LUCKY when Warner went down... he had Isaac Bruce in his prime, Torry Holt in his prime, and Marshall Faulk... and then Steven Jackson once Faulk left.

The Ravens brought in Jim Zorn. Flacco doesn't need Bulger, and like he said... Bulgers presence creates some very real tension when all the QBs are in the same room. Especially since people have already "crowned" Bulger the 2nd string guy... without any sort of competition during Training Camp.

[J-man]

I dont think there would be much competition in Training Camp for the #2.

I dont know why people are blowing this out of proportion. It's not that big of a deal.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='Moderator 2' date='19 July 2010 - 06:35 PM' timestamp='1279582507' post='434625']
Not really, I think he is concerned about team chemistry more then anything.
[/quote]


I think so too. Flacco has been practicing early and been with the same group of QBs for more than a year. He knows what to expect from Troy/Beck. Bulger hasnt even been to Ravens camp for more than 2 week. Now it's almost preseason already.

They way Flacco stated his opinion about bulger, it sounded like Flacco had nothing positive to say about him.

Honestly, I can't wait till this Bulger guy leaves Ravens camp.
He was thrown out of Rams, and he just needed a team to grab him for salary. He already got what he wanted (5mill deal), then next year its off for him to find another desperate NFL team that needs to fill in a lackluster backup/starter position.

[ed.s52]

Am I the only person who doesnt really think a new backup Quarterback will ruin team chemistry.

As a Ravens fan it pains me to say this, but Joe, you are wrong.

I trust Biscotti and Newsome's decisions over yours, and you got hurt last year. What if it happens again? Do you think the fact that you like Troy and John will alter the fact that they are not as proven, or simply as good as Bulger.

If you fall, the team doesn't want to abandon their Super Bowl aspirations, and now we won't have to.

[Moderator 2]

[url="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2010/07/flacco_is_concerned_about_how_bulger_will_affect_qb_chemistr.html"]Read the original[/url]
[quote]While Flacco believes Bulger will be “a great backup,” he is wondering whether there will be some uneasiness amongst the quarterbacks.

“Hopefully, we just all get along well,” Flacco said over the weekend. “When you have a little bit of tension in the room, it doesn’t lend to playing well. Yeah, he might bring a thing here or there that helps me out. We’ll see. It’s all about going out there, preparing during the week and having a good time doing that. Hopefully, we can do that.”




Flacco stressed that he is concerned only about how the situation affects his teammates. He made it clear that he doesn’t want to sound critical of Bulger.

“I don’t want to have any bad words about Marc,” Flacco said. “I’m sure Marc is a great guy. But I had a great relationship with Troy and John. Depending on what happens, one of them might not be around and two of them might not be around. We’ll see what happens.”

Flacco added, “Either way, it’ll be disappointing to see one of them go. I’m sure Marc is a great guy, and he’ll be fun to work with. I enjoy our [quarterback] room with Troy and John. It’s definitely going to be broken up a little bit. So, we’ll see how it goes.[/quote]
[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/19/flacco-on-bulger-im-sure-marc-is-a-great-guy-but/"]Now PFT[/url]

[quote]
"[url="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2010/07/flacco_is_concerned_about_how_bulger_will_affect_qb_chemistr.html"]I don't want to have any bad words about Marc[/url]," Flacco said. "I'm sure Marc is a great guy. But I had a great relationship with Troy and John. Depending on what happens, one of them might not be around and two of them might not be around. We'll see what happens."

Flacco knows he'll be spending long hours with Bulger in the quarterback meetings, and he said if there's any tension between them, that would be a problem.

"Hopefully, we just all get along well," Flacco said. "When you have a little bit of tension in the room, it doesn't lend to playing well. Yeah, he might bring a thing here or there that helps me out. We'll see. It's all about going out there, preparing during the week and having a good time doing that. Hopefully, we can do that."

Whether it's Smith or Beck who's the odd man out in Baltimore, Flacco says he'll be upset because he liked the group of quarterbacks the team had last year.

"Either way, it'll be disappointing to see one of them go," Flacco said. "I'm sure Marc is a great guy, and he'll be fun to work with. I enjoy our [quarterback] room with Troy and John. It's definitely going to be broken up a little bit. So, we'll see how it goes." [/quote]

And judge the tone for yourself PFT sets a more negative tone and it

[Ravenmore74]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='19 July 2010 - 06:33 PM' timestamp='1279582401' post='434624']
LOL, not a chance of Bulger stealing Joe's starting job. He is worried about Bulger snagging Troys spot or Beck's spot not his own.
[/quote]
He has to remain health that is for one. It really just takes 1 lousy injury and everything can fall apart.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='19 July 2010 - 07:01 PM' timestamp='1279584105' post='434633']
LOVE these comments.

And no, it doesn't sound like he's scared of losing his job. PLEASE, get serious. He said EXACTLY what his problem was... and that was the fact that the QB study sessions are not going to have a calm peace about them, it could be very awkward in fact.

Guess what... that could be avoided easily if:

A. Ravens didn't sign Bulger.
B. Ravens weren't scared to grant Troy Smith his freedom since he wants to play.

And I've already read the comments on ProFootballTalk about how... Flacco should be thankful the Ravens brought in a veteran for him to learn from?!? An "established winner," etc. Ummm... what is Flacco going to learn from Bulger? That if you are blessed with a great team already in place, with good receivers and a good running game... then you have a great chance to succeed? Ummm, I think Flacco already learned that. Bulger got LUCKY when Warner went down... he had Isaac Bruce in his prime, Torry Holt in his prime, and Marshall Faulk... and then Steven Jackson once Faulk left.

The Ravens brought in Jim Zorn. Flacco doesn't need Bulger, and like he said... Bulgers presence creates some very real tension when all the QBs are in the same room. Especially since people have already "crowned" Bulger the 2nd string guy... without any sort of competition during Training Camp.
[/quote]

You really think that Smith or Beck can beat out Bulger for the #2 spot? We'll see how that goes for them...

I agree that the idea of Bulger mentoring Flacco is BS. But that's something that the media has been saying NOT what Bulger has been saying. Bulger's been very humble and seems like a good guy. He's a better QB than Smith or Beck and he gives us a better chance to win if Flacco goes down. It's that simple- he's the right decision for the football team. This is the NFL and Flacco's awkwardness or hurt feelings are irrelevant. He'll get over them and play anyway or he'll fail as a professional football player.

[Fred Sanford]

I think the Ravens signed Bulger not only for insurance, but a sort of false competition for Flacco. The job's his, they want him to know they trust him, but not to the point where he's got the keys to the mansion for a decade regardless of how he plays.

Competition breeds success, and if signing Bulger puts a little heat on Flacco and a chip on his shoulder, it should motivate him that much more to keep his job and show them why he's the man. Same reason we signed Shayne Graham, though that's a real competition with Cundiff for the job.

[BloodRaven]

Wouldn't a perceived lack of respect and trust for a new teammate cause chemistry issues? Flacco is basically calling Bulger a stranger instead of a teammate.

[ed.s52]

I don't think Bulger with be a complete mentor to Flacco, but there is no doubt his experience should be at least a little useful for Joe, whether it is actual mechanics, or some storybook football movie scene type thing where Bulger is like that guy who is a janitor and gives some wise advice.

And if not, still the leagues best backup.

[Romo Ravens]

Flacco is taking initiative and I like it. I'm so used to the old, shy, quiet Flacco, but now he's turning into a vocal leader. If he has the balls to say that Bulger is indeed just the backup QB and that's the way it'll go, then Flacco just earned himself a lot of respect.

[PuRock]

I think this article only shows that Flacco has a secret man crush on Troy Smith. He had something special, some chemistry going on during film study.

"You know like that one time Troy Smith threw popcorn in my face, and Beck farted, we all laughed.....good times.....it's not going to be the same with the Vet Bulger in town"

[emcdonald0]

Marc Bulger is no scrub, people seem to forget what this guy did with a terrible rams team just a few years back. Bulger won't win the starting spot, but Flacco knows he needs to step his game up and protect his body this year. If Bulger was in town last year, he definitely would have taken a game or 2 from Flacco while he struggled through his injuries.

[Ravnet]

It's not that Flacco is worried about his job as some people, re. those commenting on PFT, seem to think, but rather that having a guy as the backup who has credentials will cause reporters/fans to bother with questions about a quarterback change if Flacco falters for more than a couple games.

That, however, doesn't mean that the Ravens would consider ever pulling Flacco, just that it would distract from actual team issues as reporters/fans would repeatedly bring it up. Another potential problem would be that players begin to side with Bulger, but I doubt that would really occur.

Flacco most certainly didn't intend do, but his comments seem directed more at Bulger rather than the actual situation; for his part, Bulger has made it abundantly clear that he is totally focused on advising Joe.

Despite all of the possible issues, though, it's great to have a first-class adviser for Joe, and even better to have the best back-up in the NFL considering how strong our team currently is.

Also, believe it or not, I think Flacco actually is concerned about Troy/Beck as they are his friends, and they've been through a few (great) seasons together.

[Purple Punishment]

Really? all of this negativity coming from most of the guys that were excited for Bulger? Now since Joe says something everyone wants to Bash him and he hasnt even had a chance to say more than 2 words. I think Flacco IS concerned about Bulger taking his spot but he shouldnt be, thats not why Marc was brought here for. It is about chemstry for sure, chemistry is going to be different because Joe will have to work his butt off against someone with some decent talent. Read between the lines folks. Its okay for Joe to be afraid he can lose his position. If Bulger is better than him, I want Bulger on the field. I just want whats best for our team and Winning is Paramount. Do I think Bulger is better? NO but I think hes going to push Flacco in camp like hes never been pushed for his spot.

[ROH522155]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' date='19 July 2010 - 11:43 PM' timestamp='1279597421' post='434743']
NO but I think hes going to push Flacco in camp like hes never been pushed for his spot.
[/quote]


I disagree I dont care what happens in camp Joe Flacco is going to be our Quarterback

[Ravnet]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='19 July 2010 - 10:21 PM' timestamp='1279592461' post='434704']
Wouldn't a perceived lack of respect and trust for a new teammate cause chemistry issues? Flacco is basically calling Bulger a stranger instead of a teammate.
[/quote]

He is a stranger to Joe, isn't he? From what I understand, they haven't even met yet.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Flacco needs a push. Troy and John would never give him a push the way Bulger is probably going to give him one. No, I don't think Bulger will play next season barring injury, but he can only make Joe better, not worse. And if this is a way to get the team more focused and add more competition, then that's perfect.

And would you take a less experienced, less knowledgeable QB in a playoff game over a vet who's been there and done that and is more used to the pressure? I said this before, some positions require athletic skill and fresh legs more than knowledge, leadership and experience, but certainly not QB.

I'm not entirely sure why Flacco went out and made these comments, but the bottomline is this. All that matters is how the Ravens do. All this outside media crap is irrelevant when the team takes the field and attempts to win the Super Bowl.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='19 July 2010 - 10:59 PM' timestamp='1279598389' post='434747']
He is a stranger to Joe, isn't he? From what I understand, they haven't even met yet.
[/quote]

Read between the lines and stop being eristic.

[Ravenmore74]

A lot is riding on our rank number 1 O-line because the Qb is the King of the field. Without the QB throwing the ball there is nobody else that will throw the ball it is that simple. Gaithers, Birk, Yanda,Oher and Grubbs have alot of pressure in protecting our good asset Joe V Flacco.

[Ed_Reed20]

After listening to a show Joe, Troy and Beck did on 1057 The Fan last year, these comments don't surprise. Joe was expressing his disappointment that one of his friends likely won't be on the team anymore.

I honestly don't think he's worried about Bulger pushing him for his job.

[Purple Punishment]

[quote name='ravensorioleshoyas522155' date='19 July 2010 - 10:54 PM' timestamp='1279598055' post='434746']
I disagree I dont care what happens in camp Joe Flacco is going to be our Quarterback
[/quote]

Thats not what I was saying. Flacco is the starter but do you honestly think he was worried about Troy Smith or John Beck who have proved nothing in the NFL showing him up? No

Marc Bulger has talent, no matter which way you cut it. He put up pro bowl performances in his career. With a decent offense, hes just as good as many and better than some #1 QB's in the league.

I hate that our fans are saying bad things about this man when he hasn't even had a chance to make a real impression on the team. If Joe Flacco doesn't like him, well, thats Joes problem to deal with. They are professionals and should act accordingly.

[Moderator 2]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='20 July 2010 - 12:24 AM' timestamp='1279599879' post='434754']
Read between the lines and stop being [b]eristic.[/b]
[/quote]

Just about anyone else I would suspect a typo.........

[Milton145]

I love the comments haha.

But people always try to make someone look bad. Troy and John are his friends and are most likely on their way out. So he's upset. What's so bad about that?

[Ravnet]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='20 July 2010 - 12:24 AM' timestamp='1279599879' post='434754']
Read between the lines and stop being eristic.
[/quote]

I wasn't being argumentative just to be argumentative, rather I was pointing out that they actually are strangers, and thus his comments are certainly more understandable, especially as Joe specifically pointed out that he meant no disrespect to Marc.