Is "Flack" Ready for PrimeTime?

**RAVENOUS52** · 09-25-2008, 08:40 PM

My hopes were slightly dampened by the turnovers (and near turnover that was dropped) against Cleveland last week, but according to Ray Lewis, "Flack may make a rookie mistake, but he rarely makes the same mistake twice." (paraphrased)

I know the Pissburgh is dealing with numerous injuries right now, but I also know that Tomlin is a sharp young coach with a defense that possesses as much pride as the #1 ranked Ravens, which could spell trouble for the future of our franchise when they throw the kitchen sink at him Monday Night.

We'll find out a lot about:

*If he's benefitted from the two home warm-ups and is capable of running an NFL offense in front of a jacked up hostile crowd.

*How he reacts under true pressure and exotic looks.

*Whether his accuracy suffers from nerves or any of the factors listed above.

*His abiltiy to IMPROVISE when a play breaks down.

I personally have a gut feeling that he'll do well enough for us to win and avoid the turnovers that can spell doom for any team with our offensive profile.

I just think that to do it he'll have to deal with and overcome intense situations he has yet to experience against the Bungles and Browns.

Good luck, Flack...We'll be rooting hard for ya!!:ww: :happyanim

**StingerNLG** · 09-25-2008, 10:21 PM

I'm a little worried too, but not because of Flacco himself. The offensive line needs to make sure they are firing on all cylinders Monday night to protect Flacco. If they can keep him upright, Joe will be just fine.

As a bonus, I would like to see a touchdown pass.

**ravenfever_com** · 09-26-2008, 06:59 AM

Keep in mind that Flacco did play football in College and had to deal with loud stadiums that were not on his side, so I think he will handle it. The true test if to make sure we can get the full O line to move at the same time, protect Joe and not lose yards.

My only worry is that as Fans if we lose faith in Flacco if and when he has a bad game. As long as we all understand he is a work in process, and we the FANS support him, the team supports him and the coaching staff supports him, he will keep his confidence and be a great QB.

Keep the FAITH and lets Stay WACKO For FLACCO!

**Sports Steve** · 09-26-2008, 08:01 AM

I hope so becuase this is not a friendly place to play.

**HoustonRaven** · 09-26-2008, 08:09 AM

Just the opposite of Sting ...

I worry about Flacco because of those two awful pics he threw -- both in double coverage and in the trick play he held on too long.

The O line has been holding up great.

I just hope Ray is right and he doesnt have those same mistakes.

**Morbius** · 09-26-2008, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

Just the opposite of Sting ...

I worry about Flacco because of those two awful pics he threw -- both in double coverage and in the trick play he held on too long.

The O line has been holding up great.

I just hope Ray is right and he doesnt have those same mistakes.

The trick play was a rookie mistake in only that he should have thrown it away.

the play was slow to develop because of Magahee, not Flacco.

so he'll have turnovers, who cares?

as long as he keeps his head about him as he's done now he'll be one of the best things we've ever seen very shortly.

**Dave Lap** · 09-26-2008, 09:27 AM

If any rookie QB with 2 games of experience can be said to be "ready" for an away game against division rivals with an tough D, on national Monday Night TV, with the division lead at stake, it's Flacco.

He seems very even keeled emotionally and mentally no matter what the situation.

However, the spotlight and the stakes have increased dramatically. It's a lot of pressure for a rookie. I expect mistakes.

I agree with the other poster who said that if the offensive line protects he'll do all right.

**ExiledRaven** · 09-26-2008, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Dave Lap

If any rookie QB with 2 games of experience can be said to be "ready" for an away game against division rivals with an tough D, on national Monday Night TV, with the division lead at stake, it's Flacco.

He seems very even keeled emotionally and mentally no matter what the situation.

However, the spotlight and the stakes have increased dramatically. It's a lot of pressure for a rookie. I expect mistakes.

I agree with the other poster who said that if the offensive line protects he'll do all right.

Pretty much. The game is going to be won or lost by either team by the play of their respective offensive lines. I hope the Ravens are up to the task.

As for Flacco - he'll do what he can do and I don't expect him to get scared just because the game is on prime time. He appears above becomming rattled by something as minor as when a game starts.

**StingerNLG** · 09-26-2008, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

Just the opposite of Sting ...

I worry about Flacco because of those two awful pics he threw -- both in double coverage and in the trick play he held on too long.

The O line has been holding up great.

I just hope Ray is right and he doesnt have those same mistakes.

I just can't blame him for that second pick. Should he have run? Maybe. Maybe he fumbles getting hit and the Browns get the ball at midfield instead of the 20.

The Browns were not fooled.

And Flacco made some other GREAT throws Sunday. I'm not worried about his decision making just yet.

And no, I will not turn on him if he has a bad game.

**RAVENOUS52** · 09-26-2008, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by StingerNLG

I just can't blame him for that second pick. Should he have run? Maybe. Maybe he fumbles getting hit and the Browns get the ball at midfield instead of the 20.

The Browns were not fooled.

And Flacco made some other GREAT throws Sunday. I'm not worried about his decision making just yet.

And no, I will not turn on him if he has a bad game.

I expect Flack to have his share of "rookie-QB-thrown-into-the-fire" games and for me, unless he experiences a complete meltdown of Velveeta/Chris Redman proportions, I will still remain optimistic about his chances of becoming the best Baltimore-bred QB since Bert Jones.

I felt that given the TD he ran against the Bungholes after the play broke down, it was sort of a step backwards tossing up that second INT, especially to a vertically-challenged WR. Just a slight brainfart, but one that I don't expect to see again.

Hopefully, the kid can toss for a couple of scores Monday...Having that option being acknowleged by opposing defenses would REALLY open up the floodgates for our offense!:ww:

**MrPoeJangles** · 09-26-2008, 03:01 PM

On the second interception I don't know how much time he really had to make a decision. The play took so long to develop and McGahee's throw to him was poor. When he was watching the play evolve he probably saw Mason was open, but by the time he caught the ball and got his feet under him it was to late. He was just trying to get the ball off as fast as he could at that point without reading the defense.

I think when you use these gadget plays sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. He basically tossed the ball almost 70 yards in the air and it was underthrown. I don't know how much more time he could have taken.

**RAVENOUS52** · 09-26-2008, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by MrPoeJangles

On the second interception I don't know how much time he really had to make a decision. The play took so long to develop and McGahee's throw to him was poor. When he was watching the play evolve he probably saw Mason was open, but by the time he caught the ball and got his feet under him it was to late. He was just trying to get the ball off as fast as he could at that point without reading the defense.

I think when you use these gadget plays sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. He basically tossed the ball almost 70 yards in the air and it was underthrown. I don't know how much more time he could have taken.

I pretty much gave him a free pass on that one, but it just irked me a little.

I really think he has an excellent opportunity to mature into the Real McCoy behind what appears to be a resurgent offensive line...