Lamar Jackson: The best thing the Ravens could’ve done for Joe Flacco?
Ozzie Newsome will leave his legacy in the hands of Lamar Jackson. But, could this be the push Joe Flacco needs to become better?
Let’s face facts: Joe Flacco is undoubtedly the greatest quarterback the Ravens have ever had. Love him or hate him, he’s our quarterback. For better, or for worse. But if one thing was apparent on draft night, it’s that he isn’t in the plans for the future of the Ravens.
With the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the Ravens traded two second round picks to move back into round one and select Louisville’s Lamar Jackson. Some have called Jackson the second coming of Michael Vick. Perhaps the most electric player entering the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson is clearly seen as the future of the Ravens quarterback position. So, where does that leave our old friend Joe Flacco?
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As of now, the Ravens have stated that Joe Flacco is the team’s quarterback for 2018. That’s great and all, but the Ravens didn’t take Lamar Jackson in round one to sit out every game. In fact, we should expect to see “Action Jackson” on the field regularly for pistol formations, etc.
As stressful as this may be for the former Super Bowl XLVII MVP, perhaps this move could be the best thing the Ravens have ever done for Joe Flacco’s career. Yes, the team added seven new faces to the team’s receiving core, but perhaps Joe will feel Jackson breathing down his neck with every mistake he makes.
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Don’t call it a quarterback controversy:
Don’t get it twisted; this isn’t to say that “Joe Cool” should worry about his job security. Rather, it means he should feel like he has something to prove. The Ravens are paying him to be the man of the offense, and drafting Jackson should make Flacco want to prove his worth of said contract.
The Ravens loaded up on offense to give Flacco the best chance to succeed he’s ever had. Marty Mornhinweg has returned for his third season as the team’s offensive coordinator. This is the type of consistently Flacco has needed for years now. And the offensive line looks loaded with tons of solid players fighting for starting spots.
With a dominant defense supporting him, Joe Flacco is in the best position ever for success. Flacco can lean on the defense to keep games low-scoring, while the team runs the ball with Alex Collins and company. With red-zone options like Michael Crabtree and Hayden Hurst, Flacco can post career highs in passing touchdowns. Plus, Willie Snead and John Brown will help to unlock the deep ball, something Flacco excels at.
Bottom line:
Lamar Jackson should be seen as the future of the team. You don’t draft someone in the first round unless they’re in the folds for years to come. But, with that hefty salary, the Ravens should look to get whatever they can out of Joe Flacco in 2018.
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After all, Flacco is one of the greatest post-season quarterbacks in NFL history. Don’t believe me? Well check this out: Since 2010, Flacco has 24 touchdown passes to just four interceptions. Don’t forget, he is one of two quarterbacks in NFL history to have 11 touchdowns to zero interceptions in a single post-season run.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Joe Flacco has shown in year’s past that he can be clutch when it matters. With all the surrounding talent around him, now’s a good time to step up. And with Lamar Jackson sitting behind him, it’s about time Flacco earns his contract.