Baltimore Sun article: To fix Ravens offense, Joe Flacco must fix himself?

[Militant X 1]

I read your previous post, and there is nothing wrong with having reservations about Flacco (to an extent). All I can say is, if you are worried about his toughness -- mentally or physically -- you have nothing to he worried about.
My personal concern is whether or not the FO will stop thinking that winning a SB does not make you McGuyver, where you can be put in an impossible situation and still make dangerous weapons out of a safety pin and a couple marshmallows.

 

Mine is a reservation about Flacco period to be honest.  I like the man but I am not gung ho about him whatsoever. 

 

#Mili

[display name]

Tom Brady did, amirite?

 

Haha!

 

Kidding aside, Flacco has to improve his accuracy, and that will help the offense, but the main issue is the supporting cast. He does need to fix himself, but that's not what's holding us back.

I think our O-line was the main issue, and that created a ripple effect which crippled the entire offense.

[redrum52]

Average running game?  They were top 10 in yards & yards per attempt, and scored the 2nd most rushing touchdowns in the NFL.  They had literally 1.25 yards per attempt more than the Ravens this season.  That's not even in the same ballpark as having to overcome what Flacco dealt with this year.  The Ravens were 3rd worst in yards, worst in yards per attempt, and 3rd fewest touchdowns scored.  The Ravens had the worst rushing yards per attempt since the 2000 Chargers went 1-15 and had 3.03 yards per attempt (compared to our 3.14).

 

Oh and Tom Brady had Julian Edelman.  That's a true #1, all-downs, reliable receiver.  He caught nearly 70% of the passes targeted to him this season.  Flacco didn't have anyone even remotely like that to throw the ball to.

First, I'm just going to say won't defense back up a little more when they fear the pass?  I don't think teams respect Flacco in that aspect.  If that's the case, wouldn't that help out the GB run game?

 

Are you serious about Edelman?  You say Flacco doesn't have anyone like that, then I could say Torrey Smith and Marlon Brown don't have someone like Brady to get them the ball when and where it's suppose to be on their route.  It doesn't just work one way.  You say the 70% of the passes he caught, but how much of that is because Brady is more accurate and also the types of routes each system has the wr running.  That I won't pin on Flacco, cause he doesn't make the playbook and most will agree we've needed an overhaul with our offense.   My point is, I'm pretty sure you put our top 3 receivers that people seem think are trash, with a a better qb, I'm pretty sure they put up better numbers.

[The Raven]

First, I'm just going to say won't defense back up a little more when they fear the pass?  I don't think teams respect Flacco in that aspect.  If that's the case, wouldn't that help out the GB run game?

 

Are you serious about Edelman?  You say Flacco doesn't have anyone like that, then I could say Torrey Smith and Marlon Brown don't have someone like Brady to get them the ball when and where it's suppose to be on their route.  It doesn't just work one way.  You say the 70% of the passes he caught, but how much of that is because Brady is more accurate and also the types of routes each system has the wr running.  That I won't pin on Flacco, cause he doesn't make the playbook and most will agree we've needed an overhaul with our offense.   My point is, I'm pretty sure you put our top 3 receivers that people seem think are trash, with a a better qb, I'm pretty sure they put up better numbers.

 

I'm not so sure about that last bit. Brown is undeveloped and raw, and Torrey has a very limited skill set. He's great at what he can do, but he can't do a lot because he can't beat press and he struggles getting the ball over the middle. 

[Gordo52]

I think Edleman thrived in the system. Having one of the greatest throw to you, of course helps.

[redrum52]

I'm not so sure about that last bit. Brown is undeveloped and raw, and Torrey has a very limited skill set. He's great at what he can do, but he can't do a lot because he can't beat press and he struggles getting the ball over the middle. 

I blame that more on coaching and playbook/calling.  I'll say this, with the exact same team last year, if we had more creative play calling, I think this same cast could've had marginally better numbers.  I feel like since Harbaugh got here, the offense has been trying to fit square pegs into circular holes.  I've never felt that they've adapted the offense to personnel we have, except for about an 8 week stretch from the Giants game through the SB.

[The Raven]

I blame that more on coaching and playbook/calling.  I'll say this, with the exact same team last year, if we had more creative play calling, I think this same cast could've had marginally better numbers.  I feel like since Harbaugh got here, the offense has been trying to fit square pegs into circular holes.  I've never felt that they've adapted the offense to personnel we have, except for about an 8 week stretch from the Giants game through the SB.

 

I think it's too hard to tell, really. Too many problems last year to see what the problem is. Next year, if we get someone who has been a good OC in the past, we'll find out what the problem really is/ has been

[HoldingCall]

Yea I think it's foolish to think Flacco doesn't have flaws. Everyone has flaws, Joe, Ozzie, Harbs, Mr. B, Peyton, Brady everyone. The idea is to limit those flaws. Joe has lazy feet, he still stares down WRs at times and relies on his strong arm to beat coverage instead of anticipation, which leads to being late on some timing routes. As much as people praise Joe for his deep ball ability, he still struggles to adjust to the WR who is running deep, far to often guys have to eith wait on the ball or it's just out of their reach. So he's not perfect by a long shot.

However, what this offense does it put Flacco in constant position to battle and over those flaws each game instead of allowing him to do what he's most comfortable with. Flacco is generally good, not perfect but good with the 2 minute offense and hurry up offense because it focuses on him getting the ball out of his hands quickly, it allows him to read the defense and attack where they are weak, it allows him to kind of dink and dunk until the defense falls asleep on the deep, think Steelers game winning drive in2011 or AFC game winning drive that Evans dropped.

The problem is we see these moments in a small sample size and it frustrates the hell out of us fans. Is it Flacco, is it the system, is it the talent around him, what? At the end of the day I don't care what it is, it just has to improve. We are about to have a new OC and probably a new offense and Flacco has to take the inititive to make the offense better. Not saying he hasn't in the past but everything and everyone has to improve with this offense. If the offense is finallyy built around Joe then I confident enough in what I've seen from him to say we'll be much better.

 

I and others will remember that prior to this year the talk around the league about strategy to use against the Ravens was to stop the run and force Joe to beat them in the air. Teams thought that gave them the best chance to win. The  problem is that some constantly want to exclusively point to receivers and think new receivers solves all the problems.

 

I believe Joe will be a better QB next year, not due to new receivers as much as Joe recognizing that he needs to work on some things during the off season and doing so.

[TwinRivers]

Baloney. Just watched the playoffs and saw the best QBs that are Hall of Fame bound overthrow, underthrow receivers and throw interceptions. Just like Joe they came back again and again and made plays that mattered. Joe has already outplayed them in Big games time and time again. Joe doesn't need to fix anything. Ozzie and Harbaugh need to fix this.

[gabefergy]

Joe Flacco is the man.

[Ravensfan23]

I remember that prior to this year the talk around the league of strategy to use against the Ravens was to stop the run and force Joe to beat them in the air. Teams thought that gave them the best chance to win.

That's still the truth in many ways. Our offense is so stagnant that it's difficult for us to stay on schedule. If you are forcing us to beat you through the air, chances are you'll see a lot of 3 and outs. Or drives stalled with penalties because we simply aren't that good offensively, which is why the deep ball is such a important part of our offense. I don't think it's so much of force Joe to beat you in terms of Flacco just not being good enough, I just think smart coaches realize that this offense is above average, but really basic.

I think if we bring someone like Kubiak or Shanahan in that will help with the run and pass game which will force teams to pick their poision basically.

[HoldingCall]

Joe Flacco is the man.

Yes he is but he still has work to do and that's not a bad thing.

[HoldingCall]

That's still the truth in many ways. Our offense is so stagnant that it's difficult for us to stay on schedule. If you are forcing us to beat you through the air, chances are you'll see a lot of 3 and outs. Or drives stalled with penalties because we simply aren't that good offensively, which is why the deep ball is such a important part of our offense. I don't think it's so much of force Joe to beat you in terms of Flacco just not being good enough, I just think smart coaches realize that this offense is above average, but really basic.

I think if we bring someone like Kubiak or Shanahan in that will help with the run and pass game which will force teams to pick their poision basically.

I agree with this!

[gabefergy]

Yes he is but he still has work to do and that's not a bad thing.

Oh, I agree. He really needs to cut down on the turnovers, although I think this season was more of an aberration than anything else. 

 

It's no coincidence that our season went down the drain after Flacco got hurt either.

[flynismo]

First, I'm just going to say won't defense back up a little more when they fear the pass?

Kyle Boller / Jamaal Lewis.
Flavor of the week / Jamaal Charles.
Random homeless guy / Adrian Peterson.

I could go on and on and on with more examples, or I could just point out that if defenses didn't really fear Flacco, then why was Rice a Pro Bowler and suddenly nobody on the team can run the ball? Did they suddenly respect Flacco even less, coming off that postseason, and just stack eight in the box?

[HoldingCall]

Oh, I agree. He really needs to cut down on the turnovers, although I think this season was more of an aberration than anything else. 

 

It's no coincidence that our season went down the drain after Flacco got hurt either.

I agree with the first sentence but the second sentence seem to indicate that the season was out of the woods until he got injured. I don't believe that. I watched this team the entire season and did not see it as playoff ready or capable.

[Hardbaugh]

I could go on and on and on with more examples, or I could just point out that if defenses didn't really fear Flacco

 

 

You have to be Flacco's kid brother posting this nonsense.

 

 

A few weeks ago on the Fan  Bruce Laird was reflecting on the 4th and 29 first down. He stated he spoke to the four quarterbacks he played with and when questioned if they would have checked down on 4th and 29 they responded "what do you think I'm stupid?" 

 

There is nothing to fear at all that's why he gets blitzed more frequent than any other quarterback. He can't figure out how to beat it, hasn't put the time in with his recievers or just doesn't have the talent. The Ravens are paying for a franchise quarterback but don't have one. 

 

Sheesh, Play well enough to make a Pro Bowl for once guy.

[The Raven]

You have to be Flacco's kid brother posting this nonsense.

 

 

A few weeks ago on the Fan  Bruce Laird was reflecting on the 4th and 29 first down. He stated he spoke to the four quarterbacks he played with and when questioned if they would have checked down on 4th and 29 they responded "what do you think I'm stupid?" 

 

There is nothing to fear at all that's why he gets blitzed more frequent than any other quarterback. He can't figure out how to beat it, hasn't put the time in with his recievers or just doesn't have the talent. The Ravens are paying for a franchise quarterback but don't have one. 

 

Sheesh, Play well enough to make a Pro Bowl for once guy.

 

That is factually incorrect. Through his career, Flacco actually has a pretty good passer rating against the blitz.

[redrum52]

Kyle Boller / Jamaal Lewis.
Flavor of the week / Jamaal Charles.
Random homeless guy / Adrian Peterson.

I could go on and on and on with more examples, or I could just point out that if defenses didn't really fear Flacco, then why was Rice a Pro Bowler and suddenly nobody on the team can run the ball? Did they suddenly respect Flacco even less, coming off that postseason, and just stack eight in the box?

LOL... you're always entertaining, I'll give you that.  I'm assuming you're trying to lead me with that question to say the o line sucked?  I know, I saw them play too.

 

And maybe they did respect him less when they realized a 3 man rush could not only force pressure, but clog running lanes.  I'm not really sure what your point is here.

[redrum52]

You have to be Flacco's kid brother posting this nonsense.

 

 

A few weeks ago on the Fan  Bruce Laird was reflecting on the 4th and 29 first down. He stated he spoke to the four quarterbacks he played with and when questioned if they would have checked down on 4th and 29 they responded "what do you think I'm stupid?" 

 

There is nothing to fear at all that's why he gets blitzed more frequent than any other quarterback. He can't figure out how to beat it, hasn't put the time in with his recievers or just doesn't have the talent. The Ravens are paying for a franchise quarterback but don't have one. 

 

Sheesh, Play well enough to make a Pro Bowl for once guy.

I honestly feel like making a poll thread about the 4th and 29.  In all seriousness, who actually at the time(before the play developed) said, "hey, that's a good read"?  I already have points against me so I can't repeat what was said at the moment, but I remember something along the lines of *expletive* you dumb mother*expletive*.  I looked at the tv screen amazed, confused and dumbfounded at how you really make that move on 4th and 29.  Yea, it worked, but who here actually believed or thought it was the right decision before it played out how it did?

[gabefergy]

I agree with the first sentence but the second sentence seem to indicate that the season was out of the woods until he got injured. I don't believe that. I watched this team the entire season and did not see it as playoff ready or capable.

It wouldn't have been easy, but we could have beaten the Pats and the Bengals if Flacco was in better shape physically. His ability to move was pretty much taken away with that injury and his mobility was a big part of why our offense was able to do anything at all. 

[KDUBB44]

When are people going to understand that Joe Flacco doesn't need to make the spectacular throws in order for us to be successful? All he needs to do is limit his turnovers and throw with precision when we need him to. We are a ground and pound team[last season didn't prove that] thus we need to fix our o-line.

[flynismo]

LOL... you're always entertaining, I'll give you that. I'm assuming you're trying to lead me with that question to say the o line sucked? I know, I saw them play too.

And maybe they did respect him less when they realized a 3 man rush could not only force pressure, but clog running lanes. I'm not really sure what your point is here.

I'd say you just reinforced my point, which is the OL sucked.

If a three man rush clogs running lanes or get pressure, then where are the passing lanes that Flacco is supposed to exploit the defense into submission with? So....we can't run the ball, we can't pass protect, we don't have open recievers because defenses can just drop seven or eight guys into coverage....

Which is more believable? Our running game sucked because:

1. You think that defenses don't respect Flacco

or

2. Our OL was just that had.

[flynismo]

You have to be Flacco's kid brother posting this nonsense.

You're right. Its not like the players voted Flacco as a top 20 player last year, and top 75 the year before. Nobody in the NFL respects Flacco. Thank you for correcting me.

[flynismo]

When are people going to understand that Joe Flacco doesn't need to make the spectacular throws in order for us to be successful? All he needs to do is limit his turnovers and throw with precision when we need him to. We are a ground and pound team[last season didn't prove that] thus we need to fix our o-line.

That was true three years ago. Not anymore. Hasn't been that way for a couple years

[redrum52]

I'd say you just reinforced my point, which is the OL sucked.

If a three man rush clogs running lanes or get pressure, then where are the passing lanes that Flacco is supposed to exploit the defense into submission with? So....we can't run the ball, we can't pass protect, we don't have open recievers because defenses can just drop seven or eight guys into coverage....

Which is more believable? Our running game sucked because:

1. You think that defenses don't respect Flacco

or

2. Our OL was just that had.

Answering your question how it's worded I'll go with 2.  Percentage wise I'd go about 30-35% no respect thing, the rest on the o line.  Like I said though, play calling and other things go into it as well. 

 

Don't take this the wrong way, but Joe is your Lois Lane.  You're always there to try and save him.

[Tank 92]

Joe Flacco is the man.

 

 

The Flacco is The Man. 

 

All this nonsense over what?  A guy with a pieced together offense and a broken O line.

 

Joe will be fine.

[flynismo]

Answering your question how it's worded I'll go with 2. Percentage wise I'd go about 30-35% no respect thing, the rest on the o line. Like I said though, play calling and other things go into it as well.

Don't take this the wrong way, but Joe is your Lois Lane. You're always there to try and save him.

How do I not take that the wrong way? Lol...no offense taken.

But I worded it like that for a reason. Why was the running game successful every year, but this year? Or conversely, why does Jamaal Charles or AP get theirs regardless of who their QB is?

[Guest RBates]

To be completely fair Flacco does need a lot of help.

 

A whole new offensive line or competition at every position.

One more stellar receiver. A pass catching and a blocking tight end opposite Pitta 

 

Renewed running attack and a offensive coordinator who can call plays to get players open. 

 

He needs to much to be addressed in one off season.  I think we barely miss the playoffs again next year. 

[Tank 92]

How do I not take that the wrong way? Lol...no offense taken.

But I worded it like that for a reason. Why was the running game successful every year, but this year? Or conversely, why does Jamaal Charles or AP get theirs regardless of who their QB is?

 

 

simple.  It all comes from the core. Success/failure begins and ends at the line of scrimmage.

 

I know you know that, but just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.  :D