What lessons can the Ravens take from how they brought Joe Flacco along in his first season as they get Lamar Jackson going?
Joe Flacco was replaced by Lamar Jackson as the Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback last season. It’s been a while since the Ravens were dealing with a young and inexperienced quarterback. Let’s rewind back to 2008.
In Joe Flacco’s rookie year the Ravens reached the AFC Championship game, but his statistics weren’t impressive. He had 2,971 passing yards. He had 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Flacco’s first touchdown (through the air) didn’t come until week 4 in Pittsburgh. Flacco’s first season saw him throw for over 200 yards in only four games. He averaged 185.6 yards per game.
Flacco had success behind a strong running game and a top notch defense. He stepped up in big moments. When he found Derrick Mason deep down the sideline for a playoff touchdown against the Tennessee Titans, that was a sign that something strong was starting to come together. That playoff game is one of the most memorable moments from his rookie year but the Ravens still only won 13-10. It was an ugly, grind it out kind of game and the entire season was just like that.
Flacco entered his second season knowing he could do this. Flacco had 3,613 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Flacco found a groove and became a legitimate franchise quarterback. While he was never a great quarterback, he stepped up in the playoffs and became a Super Bowl MVP. Baltimore should appreciate Flacco’s journey, but that’s not the point of this writing.
Bringing the conversation to 2019:
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The point to take home here is that Lamar Jackson’s rookie passing stats look a lot like Flacco’s. If the Ravens had the confidence that Flacco could become their franchise quarterback in 2008, they have to be over the moon with Jackson. Jackson has Olympic worthy speed to go along with his talents as a passer. Jackson has strengths to counter balance his weaknesses. Flacco’s first touchdown may have been on a long scramble, but he wasn’t going to make it as a dual threat quarterback.
Jackson is an entry level NFL passer and throwing the ball in the NFL is the most underrated challenge in sports. Jackson is starting at a similar place as Flacco was in during the 2008 season. The difference here is that Jackson has seven games as a starter under his belt and he knows he can make a difference with his running ability one way or another. Jackson for all intents and purposes is still a rookie, but he now knows what to expect at the NFL level.
John Harbaugh used the start of the Flacco era to generate the best run the franchise has ever seen. The 2008 Ravens started out with a quarterback who was solid but needed a great defense and a great run game. When Flacco became a more NFL proven passer, the Ravens continued to take steps toward a championship. Five years later, the Ravens had been to five playoff trips and had hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. Harbaugh knows how to win with a quarterback learning the job and his team is equipped to win with the run game and great defense. This could be the start of another great run for the Ravens, this time with a super fast quarterback.
Putting it all together:
People forget that the beginning of Flacco’s career was filled with stability. Cam Cameron didn’t get fired until desperation kicked in during the 2012 season. Flacco went into his first five seasons with the same offense and he was able to grow within it. From that point on, the Ravens went through offensive coordinators like the cookie monster can go through cookies. Flacco was steadily brought up through the years. The Ravens have to do the same thing with Jackson. When they truly install Greg Roman’s offense, they have to hope that it’s the offense that can get Jackson through the first big chunk of his career.
Yesterday, I wrote that keeping expectations for Jackson realistic was the key. Jackson started off strong. The team won six out of seven regular season games with him under center. He made plays with his legs and he did more with his arm than he gets credit for. If Jackson shows steady improvement, the Ravens are investing their time and efforts in Jackson, not wasting them. Quarterback is not only the most important position but it is also the hardest position to master. First and second year quarterbacks all have similar issues and problems. The fact that Flacco and Jackson’s early passing stats are fairly similar is a reassuring thought.
While every young quarterback has challenges learning to become a true NFL passer, Jackson has shown flashes that he is one of the special ones. The team rallied behind him in 2019, and that is not something every young quarterback gets. Jackson is a winner. When Jackson hit Mark Andrews for a long touchdown that ended up being a game winner in Los Angeles, that was a big moment. When Jackson’s Ravens went toe to toe with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, that was a big moment (even in defeat). When Jackson heated up and gave the Ravens a chance for a playoff comeback, that was a sign that greater things were coming in the future. Jackson is a developing quarterback, but he could be the spark plug of the Ravens’ future.