Flacco.......looked Good?!?!?!?!

[itlstl7]

Just going off your sig. But I wouldn't bash a guy who has played better than the Almighty Troy

Yes and in my sig it says "almighty Troy" my man you need to spot labeling and stereotyping people... grow up and realize that I never mentioned Troy Smiths name at all and Never compared Flacco to Smith or Boller...why is this soooooooooooo hard to understand... why can't i mention my OPINION about Joe Flacco not impressing me? I respected everyone elses opinion and didnt twist their words and I would appreciate the same... I said I think Flacco played bad I dont care one bit how it compares to Smith or Boller... that wasn't my argument or anything i brought up...it has absolutely nothing to do with my post...

[theFRANCHISE]

i think I'd rather deal with him throwing a pick or turning the ball over cause those are "rookie" mistakes... i feel inaccuracy and slow feet are bigger problems...

So...you'd rather have a QB completing passes to the other team, than missing passes to his own receivers?

Frankly, I'd rather have a QB who's immobile but takes care of the ball, than a QB who can move around but keeps giving the other team opportunities to score.

That's not an implied Flacco vs. Smith comparison -- that's for any QB comparison, period.

I can understand that you're not impressed with Flacco's performance, as you're definitely entitled to your own opinion. And just as you're entitled to your own opinion, so are you entitled to your own expectations.

But frankly, I feel that you invest too much in the perceived expectations that go with a 1st round draft pick, especially this early.

Matt Ryan may be lighting it up now, but there's no guarantee he'll perform as well when it matters. On the flip side, JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn have been struggling, but I don't see anyone calling them out just yet.

Give it time. Let this whole QB situation pan out.

[I*Bleed*Purple]

Yes and in my sig it says "almighty Troy" my man you need to spot labeling and stereotyping people... grow up and realize that I never mentioned Troy Smiths name at all and Never compared Flacco to Smith or Boller...why is this soooooooooooo hard to understand... why can't i mention my OPINION about Joe Flacco not impressing me? I respected everyone elses opinion and didnt twist their words and I would appreciate the same... I said I think Flacco played bad I dont care one bit how it compares to Smith or Boller... that wasn't my argument or anything i brought up...it has absolutely nothing to do with my post...

That's all fine and good, but I was just pointing out that Flacco has played better than either of the other 2. How hard is THAT to understand?

[itlstl7]

That's all fine and good, but I was just pointing out that Flacco has played better than either of the other 2. How hard is THAT to understand?

It's not it just has nothing to do with ANYTHING i posted so If your going to bring it up then dont quote my post and come at it like I'm arguing against it....

Franchise...i respect your ability to rationally debate and argue your opinion...thank you... yeah i mean i dont want my qb to throw picks either i just look at it like this... the jump from college to the pros is big on a qb's decision making... i feel like thats were rookie qbs will have their most problems and they should have their most problems here.... with maturing in the league and more experience their decision making should get better and hopefully Flaccos will... and it looked good for his 1st start... however... inaccuracy and slow feet make me wonder if his talent is actually as good as we expected and hoped for... i know its one game and I have not labeled him as a bust...i just think he looked bad yesterday.... and fundamentally he needed alot of work...

[theFRANCHISE]

inaccuracy and slow feet make me wonder if his talent is actually as good as we expected and hoped for... i know its one game and I have not labeled him as a bust...i just think he looked bad yesterday.... and fundamentally he needed alot of work...

I'll put it like this: not a lot of people outside of Delawareans and (thorough) NFL scouts knew about Flacco. So to say that there were high expectations for him by the public at-large after the draft is pushing it, in spite of his status as a 1st round draft pick.

With that said, yes, there are still expectations, period; no one gets drafted in the first round for no reason. The Ravens drafted him with the intent to compete for the starting job, and hopefully win it.

But going beyond those hopes and expectations, those two factors were heightened by his performance in college, regardless of the "disparity" in talent between I-A and I-AA football. In other words, people got excited about him because he showed he could flat-out play in college; people continue to get excited about him because he's gradually showing he can play in the NFL.

To narrow down his two physical weaknesses to footwork and marked inaccuracy isn't exactly the worst scenario in the world; after all, we could be sitting here and talking about his inability to move the ball, or his poor decision-making, or his consistency in the turnover department. But instead, we're talking about fundamentals that can (and will) improve over time.

And frankly, that's a project that I'd much rather take on than the mess that other teams have had (and continue to have) in the league.

[judge]

Unfortunately I did not get to watch the game as I was at Camden Yards hanging out with Yankees fans. *Side note, can we do something about this, can we somehow convince ravens fans that it's at least important to show up to camden yards when the yankees and redsox are in town so that we can have more fans in the yards*

Anyway, Without reading all of these 4 pages of posts, It appears to me "on paper" that Flacco is moving forward from week one, week two and now to where he is. Also, was this a gametime decision for him to start becasue of troy's illness? If so, props again to a rookie stepping up last minute and not being totally embarrassing.

I did get to hear the 4th quarter on the car ride home, and it sounded like he was hitting a lot of hands and the recievers were dropping the ball. Obviously my opinion is based on the color commentary of the radio broadcast and likely to be worthless.

Also, on sportscenter, it appeared as if his TD pass to Mason was an absolute Gem.

If his performance "on paper" was what it appeared to be, maybe they'll work him in by mid-season. Hopefully if we get big leads over teams (or they start crushing us?) flacco will get some 4th quarter snaps in the regular season.

I would not be opposed to using this season as a "re-builder" to get flacco ready to potentially being the day one, uncontested starter next year, if he's up to the challenge. Again, that all depends on if he is up to the challenge.

[smashmouth]

I'll put it like this: not a lot of people outside of Delawareans and (thorough) NFL scouts knew about Flacco. So to say that there were high expectations for him by the public at-large after the draft is pushing it, in spite of his status as a 1st round draft pick.

With that said, yes, there are still expectations, period; no one gets drafted in the first round for no reason. The Ravens drafted him with the intent to compete for the starting job, and hopefully win it.

But going beyond those hopes and expectations, those two factors were heightened by his performance in college, regardless of the "disparity" in talent between I-A and I-AA football. In other words, people got excited about him because he showed he could flat-out play in college; people continue to get excited about him because he's gradually showing he can play in the NFL.

To narrow down his two physical weaknesses to footwork and marked inaccuracy isn't exactly the worst scenario in the world; after all, we could be sitting here and talking about his inability to move the ball, or his poor decision-making, or his consistency in the turnover department. But instead, we're talking about fundamentals that can (and will) improve over time.

And frankly, that's a project that I'd much rather take on than the mess that other teams have had (and continue to have) in the league.

IMO He's caught up to Boller at this point, and I think He's Passed Smith. I hope Your Boy gets a chance in the middle of the season, He learns FAST!

[stormie]

IMO He's caught up to Boller at this point, and I think He's Passed Smith. I hope Your Boy gets a chance in the middle of the season, He learns FAST!

But what about the talks I constantly hear warning about putting a rookie in to play too soon? Just how long is long enough before we throw Joe under the bus (so to speak)?

Because unless our team steps up and protects those QB's more.....that's what we are doing. And with Flacco just starting to pick up the faster tempo of the NFL what's a reasonable amount of time to put him out there?

[smashmouth]

But what about the talks I constantly hear warning about putting a rookie in to play too soon? Just how long is long enough before we throw Joe under the bus (so to speak)?

Because unless our team steps up and protects those QB's more.....that's what we are doing. And with Flacco just starting to pick up the faster tempo of the NFL what's a reasonable amount of time to put him out there?

middle of the season if you ask me, about 8-10 games in, As I have said, He looks like Big Ben to me, Ben came into the 2nd game of His rookie season and won 15 straight games, Since Flacco comes from a smaller school I think He needs so many more games to learn defenses. He also needs to learn from a true pocket passer, Boller will help Flacco learn defense way more then Smith. Only thing a QB can learn from Him is how to run.

[theFRANCHISE]

(Not directed specifically towards anyone)

I'm sick of people being scared of a repeat of Kyle Boller. I'm sick of this talk about what'll happen when Joe Flacco gets thrown in "too early," when no one truly knows what will happen.

The cliche of throwing a young QB into the fire too early became almost a catchphrase of sorts in Baltimore because of the likes of Boller and Chris Redman. What happened, happened; there's no changing the mistakes of the past, but that doesn't mean that history will automatically repeat itself.

You have to take into account the circumstances, which are entirely different now than they were back then. This isn't the same regime that stunted Boller's growth, and it's not the same offense that's been a joke to NFL defenses for the past several years.

And Flacco and Boller are nothing alike. Do they have rocket arms? Yes. But that's where the similarity ends.

Mobility? Don't even go there. Intelligence? Not to knock Kyle Boller, but Joe Flacco is a downright genius when it comes to learning an offense and analyzing game film. Pocket presence? I doubt Flacco's ever tripped over his own feet when dropping back.

Without turning this into a bashing of Kyle Boller, the caution being taken in easing along Joe Flacco's NFL transition is unfounded, in some respects. The fear that Flacco will turn into Boller is ridiculous, because at the end of the day, if the kid can play, he can flat-out play.

And we'll all see for ourselves in the next few weeks if he can, indeed, play.

[judge]

Indeed. I've seen enough film of Boller. We know what he can, cannot and could show up on a sunday to do. I hope Harbaugh agrees.

I'd like to Troy for half of thursday's game and Flacco for the other half. Then decide from there among the 3 possibilities.

Let one of the 2 outshine what we've come to expect from Boller, or not, and go with what might work at the time.

[stormie]

(Not directed specifically towards anyone)

I'm sick of people being scared of a repeat of Kyle Boller. I'm sick of this talk about what'll happen when Joe Flacco gets thrown in "too early," when no one truly knows what will happen.

The cliche of throwing a young QB into the fire too early became almost a catchphrase of sorts in Baltimore because of the likes of Boller and Chris Redman. What happened, happened; there's no changing the mistakes of the past, but that doesn't mean that history will automatically repeat itself.

You have to take into account the circumstances, which are entirely different now than they were back then. This isn't the same regime that stunted Boller's growth, and it's not the same offense that's been a joke to NFL defenses for the past several years.

And Flacco and Boller are nothing alike. Do they have rocket arms? Yes. But that's where the similarity ends.

Mobility? Don't even go there. Intelligence? Not to knock Kyle Boller, but Joe Flacco is a downright genius when it comes to learning an offense and analyzing game film. Pocket presence? I doubt Flacco's ever tripped over his own feet when dropping back.

Without turning this into a bashing of Kyle Boller, the caution being taken in easing along Joe Flacco's NFL transition is unfounded, in some respects. The fear that Flacco will turn into Boller is ridiculous, because at the end of the day, if the kid can play, he can flat-out play.

And we'll all see for ourselves in the next few weeks if he can, indeed, play.

You do make some good points here. And I see Matt Ryan going in and he looks like he can handle it. I was impressed with Flacco for the most part. He made some obvious rookie mistakes but he looks like a quick study. I wonder what the other players think, heard any comments from them?

[BaltimoreRavens]

As I have said, He looks like Big Ben to me, Ben came into the 2nd game of His rookie season and won 15 straight games, Since Flacco comes from a smaller school I think He needs so many more games to learn defenses.

Good point...let's double it then...Flacco should sit 2 games haha

[BaltimoreRavens]

(Not directed specifically towards anyone)

I'm sick of people being scared of a repeat of Kyle Boller. I'm sick of this talk about what'll happen when Joe Flacco gets thrown in "too early," when no one truly knows what will happen.

The cliche of throwing a young QB into the fire too early became almost a catchphrase of sorts in Baltimore because of the likes of Boller and Chris Redman. What happened, happened; there's no changing the mistakes of the past, but that doesn't mean that history will automatically repeat itself.

You have to take into account the circumstances, which are entirely different now than they were back then. This isn't the same regime that stunted Boller's growth, and it's not the same offense that's been a joke to NFL defenses for the past several years.

And Flacco and Boller are nothing alike. Do they have rocket arms? Yes. But that's where the similarity ends.

Mobility? Don't even go there. Intelligence? Not to knock Kyle Boller, but Joe Flacco is a downright genius when it comes to learning an offense and analyzing game film. Pocket presence? I doubt Flacco's ever tripped over his own feet when dropping back.

Without turning this into a bashing of Kyle Boller, the caution being taken in easing along Joe Flacco's NFL transition is unfounded, in some respects. The fear that Flacco will turn into Boller is ridiculous, because at the end of the day, if the kid can play, he can flat-out play.

And we'll all see for ourselves in the next few weeks if he can, indeed, play.

I've agreed with this for awhile now. In my opinion, the key ingredient is confidence. I'm convinced that even if Boller hadn't started until today, he'd still be Kyle Boller...nothing would fundamentally change in the guy. That's not how people are made. Throwing someone in the fire that can't handle it is a mess (Kyle), but would've been a mess anyway. Flacco seems to have the correct QB attitude (like Big Ben) to handle the ups and downs of learning on the job. He's already looking better than option #1 and option #2 so what the heck!? Throw him in there and let him learn.

If you truly think this is a rebuilding year (which I personally don't), wouldn't you rather have Flacco take his 'lumps' on a season that is meaningless as opposed to NEXT YEAR when we'd actually be contending!?

[twiz42]

i was listening to sirius today and they say harbaugh really liked what he seen and flacco is still in the mix for starter.i think he has good shot to win the job.start flacco on thurs.let him play 3 quarters .

[FerrariFan87]

If we even had a semi-decent O-Line, I would be happy with Joe taking over after our 8th game or so, depending on our record. If we are 5-2 with Troy and in the hunt, I say let Joe continue to sit and learn. I say we release Boller, enough is enough and he is not needed anymore, it is just a waste of a roster spot when we desperately need WR and DB depth...

[RoflDogs]

whoever gets the job done gets my vote

[judge]

If we even had a semi-decent O-Line, I would be happy with Joe taking over after our 8th game or so, depending on our record. If we are 5-2 with Troy and in the hunt, I say let Joe continue to sit and learn. I say we release Boller, enough is enough and he is not needed anymore, it is just a waste of a roster spot when we desperately need WR and DB depth...

release boller????

Are you mad??

Well, I think a lot of us are mad, it has been too long and too much of the same not-so-good thing.

I like it, I'd support it.

[bce086]

"I say we release Boller, enough is enough and he is not needed anymore, it is just a waste of a roster spot when we desperately need WR and DB depth... "

Why... look at our last preseason game. Both Troy and Boller were unable to start the game. We needed a 3rd backup. I do agree that we need WRs, but our O-line should be primary concern.

I'd like to see Flacco start the 1st half of Thursday's game and watch him compare to Matt Ryan (Who has been named the starter for the Falcons season already). Then throw Troy in there the 2nd half and see what he can do.

I wouldn't be surprised if Flacco wins the QB race. Seems like they aren't too interested in Boller, and Troy really hurt himself by not getting in the last game, where he was supposed to play the majority of it.

[theFRANCHISE]

I'd like to Troy for half of thursday's game and Flacco for the other half. Then decide from there among the 3 possibilities.

Let one of the 2 outshine what we've come to expect from Boller, or not, and go with what might work at the time.

I think that's the most sensible option. Although some may say that Boller hasn't gotten a fair shake this preseason, he's still had more opportunities than both Smith and Flacco combined.

To simply annoint any of the QBs the starter by default would be unfair, and it shouldn't have to be a lesser-of-two-evils scenario.

[smashmouth]

I think that's the most sensible option. Although some may say that Boller hasn't gotten a fair shake this preseason, he's still had more opportunities than both Smith and Flacco combined.

To simply annoint any of the QBs the starter by default would be unfair, and it shouldn't have to be a lesser-of-two-evils scenario.

I think Harbaugh is being DUMB about this QB battle, Say just for instance, Troy starts the 4th pre-season game.. He plays like He has been playing ( anyone with common sense would say like a 2nd or 3rd stringer ) Boller plays decent, ( like a 2nd stringer or a starter who struggled [typical Kyle Boller] ) If this is the case, then I will question Harbaugh as a Head coach. He's thinking that He will be judged as another Billick who has done the Boller era. Which in turn is not right because of the offensive system that was in place. "A QB battle" : Where QB's COMPETE for the starting job, based on PERFORMENCE, not any other reason. If Troy Smith is named the starter then Harbaugh is not Head Coach material IMO. "IF" Boller plays better then He deserves to win the JOB, plain and simple. I do understand Him wanting to see more of Smith in the pre-season tho.

[theFRANCHISE]

If Troy Smith is named the starter then Harbaugh is not Head Coach material IMO. "IF" Boller plays better then He deserves to win the JOB, plain and simple. I do understand Him wanting to see more of Smith in the pre-season tho.

I'm assuming you mean if Troy Smith is named the starter after not performing well in this next game, if he even plays at all.

After all, Smith still deserves another shot to prove himself since he couldn't help having his playing time taken away this past game. Though that's not a vote of confidence from me to have him start this next game, I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to that notion.

Extended playing time for Smith would make sense, as would limiting Boller's snaps so as to give Flacco a bit more playing time. Every snap for Flacco is crucial, whereas the difference for Boller is negligible.

But should Smith play well enough to earn the starting job for Week 1, then he deserves to be the starter.

But the same should go for Boller and Flacco, to be fair.

[Redreed]

It looks like we'll have to win games despite below average QB play from whoever is named the starter. We've done it before, it's not the end of the world.

[theFRANCHISE]

It looks like we'll have to win games despite below average QB play from whoever is named the starter. We've done it before, it's not the end of the world.

Agreed.

The fact of the matter is, to hope for someone to light it up like Peyton Manning is wishful thinking. But to have someone at least take care of the ball and not give the other team more scoring chances than the defense will allow, is more than acceptable, given the circumstances.

[catty112]

I'm telling you guys....You want to open this offense up? Flacco to Figurs-DEEP! I think it would be funny as hell if Harbaugh announced Flacco as the starter. Nobody would see it coming. And to me, he is the only QB that has the ability to truly stretch a defense which, as we all know, REALLY opens up the running game. If this kid gets his timing down with Mason and Figurs alot of teams are gonna be picking up their jaws off the floor!

YES!!! Finally soemthing we can agree on. Im still waiting for the Flacco-Figurs hook-up, but I know when i see it its gonna be swwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttt

[RavensIQ]

As long as our D steps up this year we should still be in the mix. The Defense is gonna have to win us games this year, as usual, in order for us to make the playoffs . If you expect the QB to do anything more than just simply manage the offense, your expectations are way 2 high.

A solid running game + good defense + big plays from special teams should be enough. If our offense decides to wake up and take their heads out of the dirt, anything from them will be a bonus. I agree with franchise, we dont need Payton Manning type numbers from our QB just decent plays. If our Qb can have a 2800 yd, 20 td, and less than 20 int. type of season we should be alright.

Flacco is not gonna be that guy. We need our Qb to get us consistent first downs. I don't believe Boller will be that guy either. Troy's the odd man out so hopefully he can come in and keep our offense somewhat stable. But, i'll guess we'll see.

[Shadowalker]

It looks like we'll have to win games despite below average QB play from whoever is named the starter. We've done it before, it's not the end of the world.

Agreed.

The fact of the matter is, to hope for someone to light it up like Peyton Manning is wishful thinking. But to have someone at least take care of the ball and not give the other team more scoring chances than the defense will allow, is more than acceptable, given the circumstances.

Finally we are making some sense. Weve finally found a boundary between reality and success.

[BuckWilds]

Yes as Im fully aware... but i like to also remember this...#1 draft pick...

i didnt say he would not become a good player i just simply said he didnt impress me at all and i didn't understand how people could say he shows so much promise... the way I look at it is this... he made some terribly inaccurate passes... he looked like a statue in the pocket.... i think I'd rather deal with him throwing a pick or turning the ball over cause those are "rookie" mistakes... i feel inaccuracy and slow feet are bigger problems...

He's historically accurate and more quick-footed than you're seeing. He's thinking and going through his progression...

[Redreed]

He's historically accurate

Non-fiction books are historically accurate, not QBs.

[M.E.S]

all i have to say it .... troooooooooooooooy