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Ravens Flock: Stop rooting for Joe Flacco to fail in 2018

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs off the field in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs off the field in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Has Joe Flacco been bad since winning Super Bowl XLVII back in 2013? Absolutely. But Ravens fans need to stick behind Flacco and not root for him to fail.

I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing Ravens fans complain about Joe Flacco and how Lamar Jackson should be the day one starter for the Ravens going into 2018.

How easily do we forget that “Joe Cool” is the reason the Ravens won a Super Bowl back in 2013, and was on the verge of another a year prior? Had it not been for a Lee Evans dropped touchdown versus the Patriots in the 2012 playoffs, Flacco may have two rings to his name.

But no. Instead, we get angry with Flacco and blame him for the entire teams’ shortcomings.

Flash back to 2013, the very next season following that Super Bowl title, where Flacco lost his favorite target Anquan Boldin due to an awful trade from the front office. His offensive line was pitiful that season and the rushing attack was 30th in rushing yards per game (83.0) and dead last in YPC (3.1). Torrey Smith was the team’s leading receiver with 1,128 receiving yards. That’s awesome, but the next closest was UDFA Marlon Brown with just 524 (provided by pro-football-reference.com).

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Moving forward, it’s been a revolving door at offensive coordinator for Joe Flacco. Flacco has only recently seen consistency at offensive coordinator with Marty Mornhinweg. The Ravens have also failed to surround Flacco with any consistent, reliable pass catchers. Plus, the Ravens have seen staples of their offensive line leave via Free Agency (i.e. Kelechi Osemele, Ricky Wagner).

It’s pretty hard to maintain success with the amount of turmoil Flacco has seen.

No more excuses:

Let’s settle it here: 2018 is certainly a make-or-break season for Joe Flacco. If he is uninspiring once again, he can kiss his gig in Baltimore goodbye. The Ravens can cut Flacco following the 2018 season and save $10.5 million on the cap. The Ravens also just spent a first round pick on Lamar Jackson, which makes this situation even more likely to happen.

But we can’t just look forward to this and pray for Flacco to keep failing. For better or for worse, Joe Flacco is our quarterback. As a dedicated fan-base, we need to ride-or-die with Flacco. I understand it’s a “what have you done for me lately” league, and normally I am 110% behind this mentality. However, how can you expect success when you cheer for failure?

Lamar Jackson is the future. No one is denying that. But until Joe Flacco is out of Baltimore, we as a group need to continue supporting him. Let’s not forget that when Flacco gets into the playoffs he is dangerous.

Next: 2018 Baltimore Ravens: 5 questions for the wide receivers

How about this: Let’s get Joe Flacco back into the playoffs and let him work his magic. If he gets another ring, we let him ride off into the sunset via trade. If he fails, you simply cut him.

But until that day, I expect each and everyone one of you who bleeds purple to scream for Flacco. Never forget, Ravens Flock…Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback.

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