When Joe Flacco took the field during the first day of training camp it was as if onlookers collectively took a long sigh of relief. If you didn’t know that Joe Flacco tore his ACL just 247 days prior, you might think that the Ravens franchise QB still sported a consecutive games played streak.
The only remnant of the devastating setback was the brace that decorated his left knee.
That’s how effortlessly Flacco’s movements appeared.
There was cause for optimism, particularly with all of the new weaponry added to Marc Trestman’s offense.
But lately reality has set in.
Flacco has been inconsistent during practice. He has forced passes and he’s regularly turned the ball over, including a few pick sixes. And without the benefit of preseason action, one has to wonder just how effective Flacco will be early on in 2016.
How might he adjust from practice speed to the fastest game of the season – Opening Day?
Players are fresh and at their peak on Opening Day. Nagging injuries, bumps and bruises haven’t yet affected the innate physical gifts of these athletes. That happens after opening day and grows progressively worse as players plow through the marathon that is an NFL season.
This season the Ravens must get off to a fast start. The schedule demands it because murderer’s row awaits during the final quarter of the season that includes road games in New England, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. So the Ravens can’t afford to stumble early. Not at home and not against an ailing Buffalo Bills team that will be without key defenders for the opener.
A look at Joe Flacco’s opening day record and stats reveals the following:
• (5-3) win/loss record
• (4-1) home record
• Overall opening day passer rating of 78.4
• Home opening day passer rating of 91.1
• A 3-game opening day losing streak during which his passer rating is 63.6
When you consider these recent trends and the first live competition since his injury, Joe Flacco just might need to lean on Messrs. Forsett, Allen, West and Dixon on opening day.
Currently the Ravens are listed as 3-point favorites.
All things considered, that seems about right, even for a novice bettor!
