Baltimore Ravens: How Can Joe Flacco Take the Next Step in 2011?

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco continues to make his progression as a franchise quarterback.

In his third season as starter, Flacco had career highs in all major passing categories, and for a three month span was statistically the second best quarterback in football behind Tom Brady.

However, Joe couldn't avenge Ben Roethlisberger and the rival Pittsburgh Steelers as the Ravens fell in the divisional round.

Here are the keys for Joe Flacco to take the next step as a quarterback in 2011.

 

I am a Ravens and NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport: Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/MattMiselis

Ravens Need To Bring Back Jared Gaither, Revamp Offensive Line

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Though Joe Flacco statistically improved as a quarterback in 2010, many people believed he had a down year.

One of the key issues this Ravens team needs to improve on in the offseason is the offensive line.

Left tackle Jared Gaither battled with injuries throughout training camp and missed the entire season. Michael Oher was forced to the blind side; however at times Oher showed he wasn't ready to take the big jump.

Marshal Yanda was moved to right tackle instead of playing his natural position at right guard.

The offensive line changes resulted in a running game that wasn't a huge threat on a consistent basis.

It also didn't help at times; it seemed Flacco became rattled from the constant pressure he was receiving.

The ideal scenario for success seems to bring back Gaither, and if this happens Flacco will continue to take the next step.

Ravens Need To Add a Downfield Threat For Flacco Next Season

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Last season, the Ravens offense came into 2010 with plenty of hype because of the "improvement" at the wide receiver position.

With Anquan Boldin, TJ Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth joining the offense, the Ravens offense was poised for top numbers last season.

However, it did not pan out as Baltimore hoped.

One factor to the mix was the inability to have a downfield threat. All of these receivers were solid; however they were all the same type of receiver.

A prime example was in the AFC divisional round when the Ravens receivers could not beat the Steelers single coverage.

A downfield threat is needed to accommodate Joe Flacco's big arm. Is Donte' Stallworth the answer? Stallworth was a non-factor this season due to the injury he sustained in the preseason.

Look for the Ravens to bring in quite a few speed receivers who can create a balanced attack.

Flacco Needs To Improve His Relationship With Cam Cameron

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During the 2010 season, it became discouraging to see Joe Flacco having major problems with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

Since I followed the Baltimore media closely, there was constant chatter of Flacco's inability to either call his own plays on an audible and players voicing their displeasure of the play calling.

With Cam Cameron taking more roles in the offense (according to John Harbaugh), Flacco needs to get on the same page with his coordinator in the offseason if he wants to continue his success.

Flacco Must Continue to Take Leadership of the Ravens Offense

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As Joe Flacco enters his fourth season as a starter, No. 5 should be ready to be the vocal leader of the offense.

At times last season we saw "Joe Cool" get fired up in the huddle and on the sidelines. In 201, I expect to see more of that and for good reason.

Flacco is an experienced quarterback who has been to the playoffs every season of his career, and should have hands-on control of the offense.

Ray Lewis has been the leader of the Baltimore Ravens for quite some time, and the team has always played up to his standards.

It is now time for Flacco to take the reigns of the organization for years to come.

Flacco, Ravens Must Overcome Rival Steelers

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Joe Flacco potentially being an elite quarterback will not be taken seriously until he defeats Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Flacco has not recorded one win against Pittsburgh when Roethlisberger is his counterpart and has zero playoff wins in two tries against the Steelers.

The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is the most intense rivalry in football today. Once Flacco leads the Ravens past the Steelers En route to a Super Bowl berth, he will continue to gain respect as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.