Concern

[True]

I don't think it's an issue of Flacco not trusting his WRs. I mean he only has played with Lee Evans for like a week and yet they seemed like they had been playing together for an entire off season with how they connected.

Not saying that Joe Flacco didn't show any inaccuracies, but the guy didn't have a good pocket around him and it would collapse pretty quickly. When you're constantly having to look around for opposing defenders you'd expect the QB to have to rush his throws and not make perfect passes. Add in that he's still working with some young guys it will take time for them to get on the same page. Having two veteran WRs in Boldin and Evans is good because you have two reliable guys that can make adjustments and make those tough grabs.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1313863719' post='758065']
I am a fan, I'm just not delusional. I don't make excuses. Every other top 10 QB has shown me something good so far this preseason, but Flacco has been mediocre BOTH games. What's happening?
[/quote]
Flacco has shown much better pocket awareness and scrambling ability. He also seems to not be holding onto the ball too long. Call him medicore so far if you really must, but from a nondelusional standpoint, I have seen signs of development.

Would you rather see him start throwing interceptions?

[Guest RBates]

[quote name='RoflDogs' timestamp='1313858659' post='757933']
*note, I am the biggest Flacco apologist in the world*

Anyways, to me in the past two games, Joe looked very uncomfortable and fidgety. This is understandable with Mason and Heap gone, but this has got to be a growing concern.

Last year, Joe had complete trust in his receivers and did not think twice before throwing it to any of his targets.

But now, with his two safety blankets gone, he looks indecisive and doesn't trust his receivers enough to make a decisive throw (this was also evident in the two "tuck rule" throws). Oddly enough, the only receiver he seemed to trust was Lee Evans (Joe would not loft a pass to someone he doesn't trust)

I know this is preseason, but this issue cannot linger into the regular season because Joe is going to get destroyed against the Steelers if he continues to be hesitant.

Hopefully, all this is worked out in the next 2 preseason games, or else our offense is in deep trouble
[/quote]
I was waiting for someone to post this. You are absolutely right, Raven nation can't stand it though. Thy will make excuses and start throwing stats at you, but the fact remains if i had to go by his first two preseason games, he looks like a rookie. Tyrod outplayed him last night. Joe missed guys wide open by NFL standards, and looked just like Matt Cassel last night. Cause for concern?[b] Yes indeed.[/b] Especially when you can't move the ball against the two's. Flacco we love you, but you have got to play better football.

[D_UP]

The guy had a off night during the Preseason no need for concern.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='RoflDogs' timestamp='1313858659' post='757933']
*note, I am the biggest Flacco apologist in the world*

Anyways, to me in the past two games, Joe looked very uncomfortable and fidgety. This is understandable with Mason and Heap gone, but this has got to be a growing concern.

Last year, Joe had complete trust in his receivers and did not think twice before throwing it to any of his targets.

But now, with his two safety blankets gone, he looks indecisive and doesn't trust his receivers enough to make a decisive throw (this was also evident in the two "tuck rule" throws). Oddly enough, the only receiver he seemed to trust was Lee Evans (Joe would not loft a pass to someone he doesn't trust)

I know this is preseason, but this issue cannot linger into the regular season because Joe is going to get destroyed against the Steelers if he continues to be hesitant.

Hopefully, all this is worked out in the next 2 preseason games, or else our offense is in deep trouble
[/quote]

Welcome to the dark side! My forces grow stronger while the sheep start to weaken!

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1313867470' post='758161']
Welcome to the dark side! My forces grow stronger while the sheep start to weaken!
[/quote]

Yeah, you'd love nothing more than to see Flacco fail. It's been obvious since the days of you pining for Troy Smith. I guess now it's Tyrod Taylor who could shred up the Steelers, if only we gave him the chance. Laughable, truly.

[Guest RBates]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1313863366' post='758058']
I will say this is last night's game I was more than disappointed with Flacco, as well as I think we all should be because he did not play up to his potential. However at no point was I delusional to think that Flacco is not our QB nor was I dooming the rest of our season. I do however think that from last night his play has to (and will) get better. I think too many people on BOTH sides need to get centered, some are making excuses which Flacco is not excused for preseason or not be damned. However this is normal growing pains and should be looked at with optimism because that is not the rule but the exception, he will improve and guide this offense to where it needs to go.
[/quote]
I agree +1 some of the fans on here automatically assume, that you are condemning Joe for stating the obvious. [b]Last night he sucked point blank. [/b]Stop making excuses if you know he will do better next time out. Makes you look delusional. Who cares about last year in the playoffs against the Chiefs, because last night he looked bad.[b] Now lets move on[/b]. Joe will be fine.

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1313863719' post='758065']
I am a fan, I'm just not delusional. I don't make excuses. Every other top 10 QB has shown me something good so far this preseason, but Flacco has been mediocre BOTH games. What's happening?
[/quote]

What did Vick show? One TD against us? And then 3 interceptions in one half against the Steelers. If Flacco did that, you and edreedfromtheu would be having a celebration party, with big banners that say "see, I told you Flacco sucks." You guys are just sad, can't even lighten up and enjoy a preseason game because you're so focused on finding evidence to support your preconceived notion that Flacco isn't good enough for us. So he's not as good as Roethlisberger, cry me a river about it.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1313867470' post='758161']
Welcome to the dark side! My forces grow stronger while the sheep start to weaken!
[/quote]
I guess Flacco will never improve huh...I guess QBs are typically done after three years. I guess he had his chance, had his prime, and blew it......

>

Unreal....

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='RBates' timestamp='1313868221' post='758175']
I agree +1 some of the fans on here automatically assume, that you are condemning Joe for stating the obvious. [b]Last night he sucked point blank. [/b]Stop making excuses if you know he will do better next time out. Makes you look delusional. Who cares about last year in the playoffs against the Chiefs, because last night he looked bad.[b] Now lets move on[/b]. Joe will be fine.
[/quote]

Yeah, who cares about the playoffs. It's preseason! And let's just move on, but only after you get out your little comments: "he sucked point blank," and "makes you look delusional." So embarrassing to be a Ravens fan sometimes.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='RoflDogs' timestamp='1313865306' post='758110']

The Jets game strikes me as a prime example of Joe having more trust in his receivers. I watched it on DVR, so it might've been a bit different, but his trust in his receivers was a very distinct characteristic from that game
[/quote]
The thing is, that was right before the first Bengals game. After the 4 interceptions, the offense really made an effort to protect the ball. Flacco has only thrown 6 interceptions since then (including playoffs and these first two PS games).

The main part of protecting the ball seems to have been to take far less chances.

[POE]

I'm not worried about Joe at all. He was definitely a little off on some of his throws last night but he seemed pretty poised while under pressure and he looked as if he was going through his progressions well too. Receivers don't always get open and sometimes plays don't go the way they are drawn out. I won't make a bunch of excuses for Joe but I won't crucify him either because he is amore than capable of leading this team to many victories as he already has.

[TDubbs]

I was impressed with the plays that Flacco did make.... He made some real nice throws to Evans and Q. I dont care about the passes he missed its preseason... hes getting in the groove. The thing that was most important i thought was his pocket awareness seems to have gotten MUCH much better.. thats key..

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='TDubbs' timestamp='1313869447' post='758193']
I was impressed with the plays that Flacco did make.... He made some real nice throws to Evans and Q. I dont care about the passes he missed its preseason... hes getting in the groove. The thing that was most important i thought was his pocket awareness seems to have gotten MUCH much better.. thats key..
[/quote]

Nah, forget the areas where he looked improved. He didn't look splendid, and therefore we should all wring our hands and worry.

[TDubbs]

[quote name='JohnJohnson' timestamp='1313869641' post='758197']

Nah, forget the areas where he looked improved. He didn't look splendid, and therefore we should all wring our hands and worry.
[/quote]

Ah yes, true say. I mean we have had better Ravens QBs havent we?

[CorvusCorax]

There are a lot of new people that Joe is having to adjust to. New O-Line roster experiments, new WRs and the recent TEs to get more acquainted with, and new FB. That's a lot for any QB to get acquainted with. Give him some time.

Somehow I also think this is part of Cam's plan to keep the Steelers from game planning too much lol.

[Kevin Mullins]

Those who are detracting from Flacco's ability do realize that the occasional inaccuracy of a quarterback is inevitable. Just like a pitcher in baseball, there are days where you can't get the ball to go exactly where you intend. In baseball, you give up homers and walks when you can't hit your spots. In football you throw picks or miss your target.


I WAS personally impressed at his ability to NOT force a throw. We were never given a camera angle on the two "tuck" balls that would allow us to see what Flacco saw. For example, you could spot Q running a 7 route and beating his corner, you begin to throw, but realize that the backside safety was sitting 2-deep and is breaking towards the ball. Now we have a choice, pull back or risk the INT or getting Q destroyed.

In a game that doesn't matter...you pull back and try to do something else. Except for the fact its hard to stop the forces acting on the shoulder joint in a matter of milliseconds. Hence the oops balls.

Joe will be fine, every quarterback has a bad day....RE---fudging---LAX

[Ravens Lover]

Im not worried chages in Receivers and O-Line can sometimes mess up a QB for a couple games, even Peyton Manning has his off days so Im still confident in Joe Cool.

[theFRANCHISE]

Even though everyone says "It's only preseason" over and over again, it holds true for a reason.

We've seen Flacco struggle in the last few preseasons, and then we've seen him perform much better in the regular season. Sure, there may be guys like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning who perform well in what little preseason action they see, but for every instance, there's always every other QB stinking it up. Same with every other position.

Preseason is the time to be making these types of mistakes and to work off the rust of the offseason. The first couple of weeks of the regular season will still be shaky (as they are every year for most teams), but I'd be more concerned if we see these problems in Week 6.

[JohnJohnson]

When edreedfromtheu actually bothers to make one of his rare posts, and he agrees with you...you know you're off base.

[PuRock]

[quote name='JohnJohnson' timestamp='1313863517' post='758061']

You're no fan, I'm calling you out. Here's a comment from "ratedray" at the baltimoresun.com forum:

"[Flacco]...has been looking pretty bad lately. Even those passes to Evans were bad, it's just that Evans bailed him out.

Colt McCoy, on the other hand, has been amazing. Steelers/Browns might be racing for the division crown this year."

If this is really how you think, there's nothing left to say. Go be a Browns fan if Colt McCoy looks so much better in preseason. We'll see how he looks against the Steelers (didn't look very good last season).
[/quote]


I still think he's a Steelers guy. He's always negative and always like to poke and prod. But he seems to be positive about everything other than the Ravens.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1313861586' post='758008']
I wonder what people will say when the OL starts to play well and Flacco still flubs all his throws.
[/quote]

Yeah because flubbing all his throws last season was how he had the highest QB rating from week 3 onward 2nd only to Tom Brady. And that was behind a very porous O line. smh.

[Raving_Heathen]

I think Flacco will be fine. I think a lot of us (including me) want him to bust out and show signs of becoming the next Aaron Rodgers, but I don't know if that will ever happen. I mean, Flacco is who he is right now. A very good, efficient QB, and he fits with this defense very well.

Like most of you, I'm more concerned with the OL and Cameron's playcalling. As much as I love Boldin, I'm sick of watching him run deep posts with DBs practically in his back pocket. I also thought it was fitting how Evans' first catch as a Raven (I think) was on a slant.

[Ravens Beast]

I want Elvis Grbac back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



But on a serious note Flacco is getting into more of a groove. Look for him to improve more and more in the preseason as his timing with his receivers improves. This short off-season will make his timing come back later than you may want but it will get there. Also keep in mind IT'S THE PRESEASON.

[mhead66]

[quote name='TDubbs' timestamp='1313869447' post='758193']
I was impressed with the plays that Flacco did make.... He made some real nice throws to Evans and Q. I dont care about the passes he missed its preseason... hes getting in the groove. [b]The thing that was most important i thought was his pocket awareness seems to have gotten MUCH much better.. thats key..[/b]
[/quote]
Agreed.

Another positive was that Flacco is patiently going through his progressions, instead of dumping it off to Rice after his first option is covered. A BIG positive!

Yeah, the protection needs improvement, and Joe was a bit inaccurate... but he's becoming a more complete and better QB, he just had an off night as a passer.

[RavensPunkXVX]

I have no idea what it is. Whether it be Joe Flacco, Cam, or the O-line, but I feel so uncomfortable when I see them take the field. Joe or cam just need to open up the playbook. Our defense looks stellar from the preseason, but we're still falling short on the offensive side. We have nothing to lose. I mean we've been to the playoffs every year with Joe at the helm. I saw the slants against the Chiefs and it built my confidence.

I'm still having trouble trusting Cam, Joe, or the O-line. I just feel like another QB could take elite WR's like Boldin and Lee and turn them into spectacular. Trust me, I'm not a Joe hater. My girlfriend hates him haha, but I still believe in him. I just want to see this offense do work through the air!

[JohnJohnson]

It's so unfair the way some people dislike Flacco. He came into the league as a developmental guy, and now expectations are basically Super Bowl or fail. It's really quite immature to "hate" him, or to simply conclude that he'll never have what it takes to win a SB. It's like a kid who has a really nice toy, but all he can think about is the fact that he doesn't have one of the BEST toys (yet). Flacco not being an incredible, dominant QB by season 4 does not equate to "the Ravens made a mistake picking him." It's a GAMBLE. The Steelers went 25 years without a Super Bowl win, remember that next time you're lamenting the fact that the Ravens haven't been to the Super Bowl in a WHOLE TEN YEARS!

[hawkprey]

Yeah, we're worrying about JOE FLACCO here? You spoiled Ravens enthusiasts. The 2000 Ravens fans must be spinning in their graves.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1313892032' post='758561']
Yeah, we're worrying about JOE FLACCO here? You spoiled Ravens enthusiasts. [b]The 2000 Ravens fans must be spinning in their graves.[/b]
[/quote]

While all the Flacco hate does make my head spin, I am still fairly far off from my grave thank you very much lol

[Ravensstrike4424]

ugh not a nother one of these threads,its still the preseason