Ravens vs Texans

This past Sunday’s game against the Texans was a win… so the Ravens move on to the AFC conference  playoff game against the Patriots. Yes it was a win. Celebration of the win should be short lived with a sigh of relief that we won a game with offensive performance that dictated that we should have lost. Texans offence was simply worse than that of the Ravens.  If not for the Texans beating themselves with turnovers… like the Ravens recovery at the Texans 2 yard line… we would have had 14 less points and lost the game. As always, defense and special teams saved the day and carried the offense. Stats aside, which were dismal at best for the offense… the only bright spot for Joe was 2 touchdown passes… and given that the Ravens offense got the ball handed to then by the defense so that they could start from being already in the red zone… just about any NFL quarterback should be able to do it. So that’s not much to brag about. The only uplifting news is that with the “Hot & Cold” performance that we have seen all season… the offense usually gets hot after a cold performance the week before. The offense will need to be hot next week in New England. Another dismal performance by the Ravens offense next week will give them a quick ticket back home to watch the Superbowl on tv like the rest of us… and we’ll be rooting for another team to win… rather then the home team that didn’t make it.

Before last week game it was said that Joe had a chip on his shoulder about not getting enough credit for his accomplishments. Next week will tell the tale… and if Joe doesn’t have a better performance next week… Brady, who came off a record setting week last week… well… Joe will get that chip knocked right of his shoulder rather quickly and decisively.

I never have liked the term "critic"... the high and mighty people that judge others… they have no vested interest in the team… they are critics, and that’s their job.  But as a Ravens Fan, I am entitled to my opinion... So the question was... "Do I think Joe Flako was elevate to the status of elite quarterback after the game this past Sunday?" Joe has a lot of great potential, makes a lot of great plays, and sometimes we're just not sure who is always to blame when things don't go right... Joe or Cam Cameron. Joe is hot and cold... great or dismal... just not consistent... the offense usually only shows up for half the game at best. So to answer the question... is Joe one of the "elite" quarterbacks... that’s a resounding … NO ... he is no Brady, Brees, Rodgers or Manning... maybe someday, but not yet. The press before last weeks game had Joe expressing that he didn't get enough credit for his efforts... perhaps a re-adjustment in self attitude is needed... Good = sometimes... Great or Elite = not yet! Maybe we can all find out where the dismal blame lies someday, with a new offensive coach calling the plays… maybe someday!  When the Ravens won the Superbowl… no one sang the praises of Trent as quarterback. I know… Trent who?

Hopefully, this coming week the offense will show up to play all four quarters against New England. Joe will be “hot” and Cam will come up with a good mix and variation of plays right from the beginning of the game…rather then some of the stale expected plays that go no where fast. New England will be ready for us… but will we be ready for them? I hope so. I’d like to see the Ravens and the 49er’s at the Superbowl…. a tale of two brothers.