Since it’s become a normality every single week, I thought it would be fun to predict who Joe Flacco throws an interception to this week.
Ten straight games with an interception for Joe Flacco, the longest active streak in the NFL. At this point, it’s more impressive than sad. Flacco’s ability to throw interceptions is really unlike any quarterback we’ve seen this season. No matter how well he’s playing, there always has to be an interception in the stat line.
It’s been a combination of bad-luck, poor reads and plenty of throws off the back foot. A streak that’s stemmed back to Week 12 of the 2016 could very well continue this week against the Oakland Raiders. Because we all expect Flacco to throw an interception in every game from here on out, I thought it would be fun to predict which player will be the one to keep that streak going.
As long as the streak is on, i’ll be predict three players each week who could come away with an interception against Flacco.
My three picks
The Raiders present an interesting matchup defensively, because they actually haven’t intercepted a pass this season. Through four games, they are the 19th ranked pass defense and 24th ranked run defense. They’re due for their first turnover in the air and that happens this week. Here are my three picks.
Karl Joseph
The 2016 first-round pick was an All-Rookie last season and started nine games at safety. He did only finish the season with just one interception, but a great way to get on the stat sheet with one this season is coming against a quarterback like Joe Flacco. In that center-field like position, I can see Karl grabbing an interception over the top. We’ve already seen a couple times where there’s miscommunication between Flacco and the Ravens receivers. One wrong route or pass thrown could result in Joseph going the other way.
Gareon Conley
Another talented player in the secondary, rookie Garon Conley, brings a ton of talent to the table. He’s played in only two games due to injury and is questionable against the Ravens on Sunday. But if he plays, I think there’s a good chance he picks off Flacco. The rookie has been impressive in his time on the field, leading the Raiders secondary in yards per cover snap. Conley plays up tight and doesn’t let the big play happen. Other than Jeremy Maclin, the rest of the Ravens receivers haven’t proved they can gain separation off of coverage. If Flacco stares one down, Conley could come away with his first career NFL interception.
Khalil Mack
Given the Ravens current situation on the offensive line, I’m absolutely horrified seeing Khalil Mack on the other side of the ball. Mack is an absolute monster and is one of the best pass rushers in the league. He’s going to have a field day coming up against former teammate Austin Howard on the right side of the line. Obviously we won’t see Mack in pass coverage, but he could easily get a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see him jump on a check-down throw the Ravens love doing. Interception or not, Mack is going to wreak havoc on the Ravens tomorrow.
This is something I should have started earlier in the streak, but I like many other Ravens fans didn’t expect it to go this long. Well, better late than ever. I sure hope Flacco breaks the streak and leads the Ravens to a win on Sunday, but I won’t be surprised to see him throw one of his signature interceptions.
Next: Fantasy football: Breaking down Ravens options week 5
Stay tuned as I may be back next week against the Bears to predict who goes for 12 straight games.