"i Am An Elite Quarterback" --- Joe Flacco ---

[darklight1216]

[quote name='RavensFanInCA' timestamp='1302200812' post='663017']
I just saw the video of Joe Flacco in the top 100 current NFL players being narrated by Al Saunders. Hope he's right.
[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81f2003f/Top-100-Joe-Flacco"]My link[/url]
[/quote]
Thanks for sharing that link. I haven't watched NFLN since SB week so I would have missed it otherwise.

[Free Agent]

Flacco is never going to be elite........ if Cam Cameron doesnt take off the handcuffs and let him play. The only way for Joe to become a team captain QB is if he gets some practice at doing so. I guarantee you that Peyton Manning wasnt just told one day that he is new commander of the offense. It is something that develops over time, and it is time to give Flacco his chance.

[3-4ravdef509]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1302100387' post='662487']
I agree with you on everything but the bold. I either laugh or fume whenever I hear people talk about Eli Manning as elite. The guy's an INT machine who lives off the family name.
[/quote]

Fair enough. He was won a Superbowl though, and went through a lot of crap to get there and win. So I thought he was worth mentioning.

Al Saunders makes some pretty bold comments about him. Anyone who says something like that on this forum would get slaughtered...lol.

[scrock]

I play Fantasy Football and Joe was my 2nd QB...he was my #1 after a few weeks into the season, because he was ranked top 10 in fantasy points for all QBs...my #1 flopped, the previous year this dude put up huge numbers and their offense was explosive... freaking Matt Shcaub

[RivenHale]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1302202655' post='663032']
He's not elite, but there are only four QB's in this league who are (Mannning, Brady, Brees, AR). I believe Flacco is more than a game manager, but he has to get over the hump of making silly mistakes and he needs to just go with the flow. It looks like he gets nervous sometimes. He should realize that his fans are with him no matter what, so let the ball fling man.
[/quote]

But his fans AREN'T with him no matter what. Have you SEEN what we put Joe through? There are only a handful of us who stick by him through the growing pains; some "fans" will never be satisfied.

Yeah, I used the air-quotes. You all brought me to this point. I hope you're happy.

[3-4ravdef509]

[quote name='RivenHale' timestamp='1302663399' post='664731']
But his fans AREN'T with him no matter what. Have you SEEN what we put Joe through? There are only a handful of us who stick by him through the growing pains; some "fans" will never be satisfied.

Yeah, I used the air-quotes. You all brought me to this point. I hope you're happy.
[/quote]

I hear you. Every game I went to this year, every play that Flacco didn't execute perfectly, people were shouting and cussin at him. Then when he played good they just grumbled. The couple of guys next to me were easy on him, but the majority in my section that I could see were not "with him no matter what." And by reading these forums you know that isn't true. You have people who are in love with the guy, people like me who really like him but aren't blind to his flaws, and others who seem to pounce on the opportunity to bash him into the floor (metaphorically speaking). It's just silly to put so much pressure and expecations on a 3rd year qb. I know some qbs have done it in a short time, but players like Brady and Warner are exceptions to the rule. Plus, both had much more going for them. Brady had the best coach in the game, Warner had the greatest show on turf and a lot of shiny toys. Flacco came onto a team with a good running back and good defense. But our offense was crap before Flacco. Mason was our closest thing to a number 1 receiver, but well past his prime (still love you Mase). Heap was good when he was healthy. That was basically our offense. And with that, Flacco still performed better than expected 2008-2009. 2010 had too much hype. Boldin is good, but Mason and TJ were past their primes, and all three had the same strengths and weaknesses; they couldn't rely on one another so to speak. No vertical threat, no big playmaker. A bunch of average speed and slow receivers who can make tough underneath coverage catches and run crafty routes. But that was it. 2010's letdown cannot be put on Flacco. He did make mistakes, but the offense was not what it was made out to be. Get Flacco better coaching like Brady had, or better weapons like Warner had, or accept reality that quarterback is a hard position to play with ups and downs, and Flacco is right on track in development if not ahead of schedule.

[Romo Ravens]

It's funny because the non believers never have valid points when it comes to our QB, other than he can't beat the Steelers and he holds onto the ball to long. Please.

[Baltimore Buckeyes]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1302681394' post='664765']
It's funny because the non believers never have valid points when it comes to our QB, other than he can't beat the Steelers and he holds onto the ball to long. Please.
[/quote]

I definitely agree that anyone who says that he holds onto the ball too long doesn't have much of a valid point. That being said, I don't know if he's truly hit the 'elite' status yet.

[3-4ravdef509]

I believe he tends to hold the ball too long, but a lot of that is the throw deep philosophy of Cam's offense. By it's nature, you have to hold the ball a little longer, and our receivers aren't very fast. Flacco's only short route that he can hit quick is usually Rice. Of course, Flacco haters use that to say he "checks down too much."

[FerrariFan87]

I don't think Joe's ever beaten a truly elite QB except Philip Rivers (I don't count the Patriots game because he completely stunk that game)... so until he does that, I don't think he can be considered an "elite" QB.

[berad]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1302791156' post='665211']
I don't think Joe's ever beaten a truly elite QB except Philip Rivers (I don't count the Patriots game because he completely stunk that game)... so until he does that, I don't think he can be considered an "elite" QB.
[/quote]

I mean, Flacco's played better or as well as a handful of "elite" QBs but we've still lost. The Patriots game in 2010 is a great example of that, Flacco played great - better than Brady - and we lost in OT.

[BirdWatcher]

I just have an issue with the whole "one QB must beat another QB" thing. Defenses beat QBs; QBs don't beat QBs. If we used head-to-head as a criteria, Boller would be elite because he beat Brett Favre v1.0.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1302799826' post='665285']
I just have an issue with the whole "one QB must beat another QB" thing. Defenses beat QBs; QBs don't beat QBs. If we used head-to-head as a criteria, Boller would be elite because he beat Brett Favre v1.0.
[/quote]
With head to head matches, Flacco should probably be considered elite already due to his victories against the Chargers, Patriots, and Saints (and Eagles and Cowboys depending on how you feel about their passers); or perhaps because of his post-season achievments so early in his career; or maybe because his stats are well above average (near the top of the league in some categories)... But let's face it: to some people Flacco may not be good enough no matter what he does.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='darklight1216' timestamp='1302804710' post='665327']
With head to head matches, Flacco should probably be considered elite already due to his victories against the Chargers, Patriots, and Saints (and Eagles and Cowboys depending on how you feel about their passers); or perhaps because of his post-season achievments so early in his career; or maybe because his stats are well above average (near the top of the league in some categories)... But let's face it: to some people Flacco may not be good enough no matter what he does.
[/quote]

Forgot about Brees.... but yeah, until Joe convincingly beats Pitt (with Big Ben) or wins a Super Bowl, he will continue to have doubters.

[RivenHale]

[i]Big Ben does not play defense[/i].

Thank you, I just wanted to get that out of the way. Joe has played good enough to win those games several times. Ben might be the reason we've lost them, but Ben vs Flacco is [i]not[/i]. I just checked, and Ben has recorded exactly zero interceptions against us in the [i]entirety[/i] of his career.

Thank you, I had to get that off my chest.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1302807578' post='665352']
Forgot about Brees.... but yeah, until Joe convincingly beats Pitt (with Big Ben) or wins a Super Bowl, he will continue to have doubters.
[/quote]
Ben has won two SBs, but he still gets snubbed. I don't think it's going to be any different with Flacco. He'll be the guy who "has a great defense" no matter what. (Unless of course, Baltimore's defense tanks.)

Heck, three SBs and beating everyone there is to beat hasn't convinced everyone that Tom Brady is the best qb of his time.

Some people will never be satisfied.

[grape drank]

Heck, I've probably been givin' flacco more flack than most, I love the guy, I just want him to reach that elite potential. But after watching some of his 2010 highlights I have to say I am proud that Joe is our QB of the future, in 3 years he's accomplished more than most guys who've gone on to be Hall of Fame QB's. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBiiWMznrSY"]My link[/url]

In this video it becomes evident that Flacco's specialty is throwing the deep ball, and he's dying to let his cannon arm loose, we've got to get him some deep threat guys whether its via free agency or the draft. Our guys are just too good at route running, and catching but not at getting down field. Every now and then they fool the corner covering them and make it down field but they can't do it consistently. We need a big or fast receiver to allow Flacco to finally get back into his game. (as well as some savvy O linemen who can keep him on his feet)

[ellicottraven]

Well I like the idea that Joe Flacco is brave enough to say he is elite. However, we all know saying it doesn't necessarily make it so. Therefore Joe Flacco now has the onus on himself to prove it on the field. Beat good teams consistently and come back from a deficit and beat teams. Most importantly if you are leading don't end up losing in the second half! If you do these things you will be elite not by your own standards Joe, but by everybody else's standards too!
In fairness, I admire you for your spunk lately (which was not very evident in the first couple of years)!

[wayne]

[quote name='darklight1216' timestamp='1302804710' post='665327']
With head to head matches, Flacco should probably be considered elite already due to his victories against the Chargers, Patriots, and Saints (and Eagles and Cowboys depending on how you feel about their passers); or perhaps because of his post-season achievments so early in his career; or maybe because his stats are well above average (near the top of the league in some categories)... But let's face it: to some people Flacco may not be good enough no matter what he does.
[/quote]
That doesn't make Flacco elite b/c he beat good teams in the regular season and his 3 playoff wins were more so a compliment of the run game and D than anything so cmon with that. Too me, he has the potential to become elite and he is a Top 10 QB in the league to me but he is not elite yet. Once he plays great in the playoffs like he do in the regualr season, then I would give him elite status.

[RivenHale]

Most playoff wins are because of great D and solid running. It's cold and the weather is often crap.

[wayne]

[quote name='RivenHale' timestamp='1302911002' post='665878']
Most playoff wins are because of great D and solid running. It's cold and the weather is often crap.
[/quote]
Better way to put it is Flacco impact in our playoff wins with the exception of the Chiefs has been minimal.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1302902188' post='665826']
That doesn't make Flacco elite b/c he beat good teams in the regular season and [b]his 3 playoff wins were more so a compliment of the run game and D than anything so cmon with that.[/b] Too me, he has the potential to become elite and he is a Top 10 QB in the league to me but he is not elite yet. Once he plays great in the playoffs like he do in the regualr season, then I would give him elite status.
[/quote]

The Ravens have actually won 4 play-off games with Joe at QB. A strong running and defense certainly carried Joe against the Dolphins and Pats but Joe made big plays against the Titans and carried the offense when the game was still competitive against the Chiefs.

[Militant X 1]

sure, Flacco has had a few moments where he looked good in games. however, to be honest....Flacco is not as polished as the "elite" QBs such as; Peyton, Tom , Drew and Phillip. he still crumbles under pressure, fumbles snaps in the Redzone after long drives, takes sacks after running 10 yards backwards instead of throwing the ball away, makes his reads to slowly, holds onto the ball waaaaaay too long...yada, yada, yada.

so, UNTIL he cleans up that part of his game, he can't possibly be considered as an elite QB in this league right now. Flacco's above behavior that i mentioned is still being displayed after his 3rd year in the league. smh! rookies play like that! he's not a rookie so that excuse can't be used any longer.

is Flacco a good/decent QB? yes! no doubt!

is Flacco an elite QB? naaaw!

~Mili

[wayne]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1302926043' post='665937']
The Ravens have actually won 4 play-off games with Joe at QB. A strong running and defense certainly carried Joe against the Dolphins and Pats but Joe made big plays against the Titans and carried the offense when the game was still competitive against the Chiefs.
[/quote]
What were the big plays against the Titans?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1302926380' post='665939']
What were the big plays against the Titans?
[/quote]

A touchdown throw(the only TD the Ravens had) and a long completion to Heap on the drive where Stover kicked the game-winning FG.

[wayne]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1302926728' post='665941']
A touchdown throw(the only TD the Ravens had) and a long completion to Heap on the drive where Stover kicked the game-winning FG.
[/quote]
That was one big play but aside from that, Flacco pressence in that game wasn't that strong. Chiefs, he was dead on but that's it.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1302926972' post='665945']
That was one big play but aside from that, Flacco pressence in that game wasn't that strong. Chiefs, he was dead on but that's it.
[/quote]

Pretty sure I listed two plays but whatever. Most rookie QBs don't even play in the play-offs let alone succeed under the pressure of those games.

Joe obviously has a number of areas of his game he has to improve on. With some work on his part and help from the coaches, he'll get even better.

[wayne]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1302927194' post='665947']
Pretty sure I listed two plays but whatever. Most rookie QBs don't even play in the play-offs let alone succeed under the pressure of those games.

Joe obviously has a number of areas of his game he has to improve on. With some work on his part and help from the coaches, he'll get even better.
[/quote]
Ok, two plays that were notable. I'm just saying that Flacco isn't in the " Elite Class " yet and when people try to use those playoff wins to justify that, I quicly dismiss that and point out the reasons why which are great reasons. I personally feel Flacco will either be among thethe elite one day or a 1b which is what I rate Big Ben. If Flacco had a better O-Coordinator with better weapons (more speed ) in all fairness to Flacco, I feel he has a strong possibilty to be elite.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1302927667' post='665952']
Ok, two plays that were notable. I'm just saying that Flacco isn't in the " Elite Class " yet and when people try to use those playoff wins to justify that, I quicly dismiss that and point out the reasons why which are great reasons. I personally feel Flacco will either be among thethe elite one day or a 1b which is what I rate Big Ben. If Flacco had a better O-Coordinator with better weapons (more speed ) in all fairness to Flacco, I feel he has a strong possibilty to be elite.
[/quote]

Who has tried to use play-off "wins" as a reason Joe is "elite"?

I agree with your last two sentences.

[wayne]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1302928679' post='665956']
Who has tried to use play-off "wins" as a reason Joe is "elite"?

I agree with your last two sentences.
[/quote]
Just read through this thread and the reasons people always come up with saying Flacco is elite is playoff wins. They mentioned other reasons but this be their last resort of defense for saying Flacco is elite.