Why Flacco is the greatest quarterback ever, a look at the history of the Ravens quarterbacks
The Baltimore Ravens in 2019 will look much different with a lot of key players moving different teams. The Ravens will be without quarterback Joe Flacco and linebacker Terrell Suggs for the first time in over a decade.
The question has to be asked, now that Flacco’s Raven career is over (for now at least) where does he rank in terms of greatest Ravens of all time? I will have that article coming soon.
It is easy to say that Flacco is the greatest Ravens quarterback ever. Lets take a look at the Ravens past quarterbacks that are of notoriety.
Vinny Testaverde, Trent Dilfer, Steve McNair, and Kyle Boller were the only other Ravens quarterbacks to do anything significant.
Vinny Testaverde was the first ever Ravens quarterback, he came over in 1996 as part of the Cleveland Browns roster. Testaverde had a Pro Bowl season in 1996, throwing for 4177 yards 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Testaverde also rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens however would still finish 4-12 that season.
Testaverde played in 13 games in 1997, he put up numbers but still threw 15 interceptions. Testaverde ran a great Ravens offense in the early days but that did not win them many games. The Ravens became a defensive juggernaut instead.
Trent Dilfer’s time with the Ravens was very short and very successful. Dilfer started eight regular season games and was the Ravens quarterback during their first Super Bowl victory. Dilfer only started a total of 12 games in a Ravens uniform. Dilfer road the greatest defense ever to a Super Bowl and only threw three touchdowns in the post season.
The Ravens opted not to re-sign Dilfer instead signed Elvis Grbac. Grbac was signed to a five-year $30 million contract but only lasted one disappointing season before getting cut. Grbac then retired after being cut by the Ravens.
McNair was aquired by the Ravens in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in 2006. McNairs tenor with the Ravens was short as it was late in his career. McNair was the Ravens quarterback during their best regular season, the Ravens finished with a 13-3 record. The Ravens had one of the best defenses ever put together that season with many key Ravens in their absolute prime. The Ravens had a first round bye in the 2006 playoffs, McNair bombed and ruined a great chance at a Super Bowl Championship at home to the Indianapolis Professional Football Team. The defense held Indy to only field goals.
McNair struggled to stay healthy in 2007 and shared time with Kyle Boller. The Ravens finished 5-11 in 2007, their worst record since their inaugural season. The Ravens fired head coach Brian Billick, hired John Harbaugh and drafted Flacco.
Boller was drafted by the Ravens with the 19th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft. Boller was the first quarterback the Ravens took in the first round and considered one of the biggest busts by many people.
Boller was actually the Ravens second longest quarterback behind Flacco. Boller started 42 games for the Ravens over the course of five seasons. Boller’s best season was his second season in 2004. Boller started all 16 games and threw for 2559 yards, rushed for 189, threw 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Boller’s 2004 season was far from great but showed promise.
Boller’s career as a Ravens was plagued with injuries and turnovers. Boller only had a 71.9 quarterback rating as a Raven. Boller’s Ravens career ended in the 2008 training camp when he got injured and then rookie Flacco took over.
Flacco, in my opinion, was not used to the best of his potential that often in Baltimore. Flacco at his best is a shotgun no huddle quarterback.
Flacco ended the trend of bad quarterbacks in Baltimore, Flacco was clutch on the road and in the playoffs. Flacco played 11 seasons for the Ravens and stayed healthy for most of it. Flacco did battle injuries in his later years.
Flacco’s final numbers are solid throwing for 38245 yards, 212 touchdowns and 136 interceptions. Flacco’s bread and butter was the playoffs where he has 3223 passing yards 25 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.
Flacco has elite playoff numbers and had a legendary run of 11 touchdowns with 0 interceptions on his way to winning the Super Bowl. Flacco, won the Super Bowl MVP in 2012.
Flacco’s worst seasons he put up better numbers than Boller did in his best season. That is not saying much but still Flacco is by fair the greatest Ravens quarterback. Flacco owns most of the Ravens passing records.
The Ravens will remember Flacco fondly and I personally disagree with the Ravens treatment of Flacco towards the end of his Ravens career.