He has “it.” Many others want “it.”“It” being an uncanny ability to remain calm and collected under pressure; the ability to make efficient and dependable throws; the ability to remain energetic and enthusiastic during game time but still make intelligent decisions on the field.
Rookie Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco (see right) is the very man who possesses “it,” so much so that he is now commonly referred to as Joe “Cool.”
That’s right Snoopy, step aside and let a new Joe “Cool” enter the spotlight.
This kid out of NCAA division I-AA Delaware State University has seemingly done all that is asked of him and more. Flacco has maintained his “it,” made big time throws all the while playing, for the most part, mistake free football.
His passing totals for the first two games read as follows: 20 for 45, logging 245 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions. Plus he has no fumbles and has rushed for a touchdown.
Not too mind boggling but it works, especially for the Ravens style of football—pound the football via the running game and hammer the opposition with their defense.
Let’s face it, becoming the first NFL rookie quarterback ever to win two playoff games—on the road nonetheless—is no easy task.
In fact, in 42 years only six rookie quarterbacks before these playoffs had ever set foot under center. And only three have ever won their first postseason start.
Guess who was last to do it? The very man Flacco will be facing off against this Sunday in the AFC Championship: Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger.
“Big Ben” was doing just what Flacco is doing this year back in 2004—keep his team in the game by not turning the ball over, make the right plays at the right time, and trust his defense to be the key factor in the game.
And although Roethlisberger lost the AFC Championship game to the eventual Superbowl champion New England Patriots, his efficient play transferred to next season as he helped the Steelers bring a championship to the city of Pittsburgh.
As the two quarterbacks face off Sunday there will be many intriguing factors and storylines.
The Steelers were victorious in the previous two meetings, 23-20 in OT and 13-9 but look out for the Ravens.
Both can be characterized as games of inches and questionable calls and I just do not think that things can go the way of the Steelers for a third time.
There have been 17 instances since 1982 of a team defeating another team three times, the last of which occurring in 2004—the St. Louis Rams over the Seattle Seahawks and the Greenbay Packers over the Minnesota Vikings.
The defenses involved are two of the staunchest defenses in the NFL.
With players like the Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs, and safety Ed Reed.
Or the Steelers defensive player of the year, linebacker James Harrison, linebacker James Farrior, and safety Troy Polamalu; how can anyone pick which defense they would rather have?
Assuming safety Polamalu’s calf strain limits him from being his normal, efficacious self the Ravens will have the advantage in this area.
Or how about whether or not Roethlisberger’s spinal concussion will cause him any trouble in this game?
He played well last game but it definitely still has to be a concern for the Steelers.
In addition, will Flacco be able to oust his mirror image of Roethlisberger?
He is playing so similar to the way “Big Ben” played in 2004-2005 and I am a firm believer that Joe "Cool" will get it done.
Also, what about the fact that a rookie quarterback is trying to lead his team to the Superbowl? What a great story that would be.
To sum it up, the rookie Flacco will pose a deep ball threat and play mistake free football.
He will be his calm and collected self as the Ravens will be victorious over the Steelers, 17-10.
Most quarterbacks take a couple of years to develop a comfort level (ask the Giants’ Eli Manning) that allows them to unleash their potential and become a legitimately dangerous quarterback.
Others just have “it.”
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Photo of Joe Flacco provided by DC Pro Sports Report
Photo of Ben Roethlisberger provided by NFL.com
"Efficacious"? Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteAre you suggesting Eli Manning doesn't have "it?" I imagine one would need some amount of "it" to elude the tackles that led to Tyree's catch, just saying.
That being said, I would have to agree. It should be the Ravens going for a 3rd victory over the Steelers, if not for some unfortunate circumstances. And, in Ed Reed the Ravens have the single best player in the game (as well as the best defensive player in the league). 2 picks in 5 of his last 8 games, are you kidding me?