Ravens vs. Patriots: Baltimore's Dreams Rest on Arm and Mind of Joe Flacco

If the Baltimore Ravens wish to get to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2001, it's all up to Joe Flacco. 

The Ravens facing the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game has exactly what fans want to see: a superb offense against a stout defense. Lost in that mix, though, is Flacco, who has to use this game as a chance to show he can be an elite quarterback in the NFL. 

The Ravens continue to make the playoffs only to fail in the big moments. Flacco has been a major reason for that, which ruins all the stellar performances by Baltimore's defense. 

This game should be a close one, which means Flacco has to execute well and prove he has what it takes to carry Baltimore to the biggest game of them all. 

Reaching the Super Bowl is the goal for every team, and now that the Ravens are very close to it, Flacco must not falter. 

The Ravens have had their ups and downs this season, losing to teams they had no business struggling against. They did manage to shine against the top teams, which is a good sign for this coming Sunday. 

However, the NFL playoffs are a completely different atmosphere, meaning the Patriots' sorry excuse for a defense will be playing better than many expect. 

Flacco should still be able to put up good numbers, but it's the high-pressure situations that mean the most. On the 3rd-and-long plays, Flacco must come through to extend the drive to get more points. If the game comes down to a final drive, which is very possible, Flacco cannot fail. Too often has he let this team down.  

Tom Brady and company are going to score; it's just what they do. Sure, Baltimore has a stingy defense, but Brady is on a roll, which adds more pressure to Flacco. 

This season, Flacco threw 20 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. On Sunday, if he plays mistake-free football, the chances of the Ravens reaching the Super Bowl increases tenfold. However, if Flacco lets the moment get to his head, it could doom him and the team. He has to play smart, or else the Ravens' hopes of reaching the Super Bowl will be lost.