The Baltimore Ravens' Joe Flacco: Sophomore Slump or Comeback Kid?

For many Raven fans, we are sitting on the edge of our seats awaiting the future for young hopeful slightly experienced quarterback Joe Flacco. Many Baltimore fans in the heat of an economic struggle caught a case of the Wacko for Flacco flu.

No. 5 in the black and purple stole the hearts of many early in week one, by showing his ball-running ability by breaking off a long 37 yarder for his first score. After that run, the scores continued to pile in. Rookie Division 1A athlete Joe Flacco led us all the way to the AFC championship game.

Though the excitement its rocking among the Raven supporters, a big question we must now ask ourselves is what do we expect from him this year? Do we need a ring on the finger for it to be labeled as a successful year? Does he need to put up Pro Bowl-esque numbers?

No.

A successful year is improving. Improvement doesn't only reflect records. It involves numbers, confidence, and opening the playbook even more. In the AFC championship game, Flacco really struggled, he needs to gain poise and composure in the big game.

Though Joe put up great numbers for a rookie, we cannot forget the supporting cast he had. He had an excellent running game, a stellar receiver in Derick Mason, a special teams unit that put him in short field areas, a brilliant coaching staff, and maybe most importantly a dominant defense. With a great defense, the risks become more available.

A big question is did we get any better than a year ago on paper?

We solidified an offense line and gained an experienced WR Kelly Washington. But besides that gain, we lost alot of meaningful athletes.

We lost Bart Scott and Jim Leonard on the defensive side. Those two alone were key parts of an amazing defensive squad of 11 men. Mainly and most importantly, Joe Flacco will be a better quarterback for one reason, experience. Putting another year under that large belt can only show him the light to a great future. Joey Flacco has big shoes to wear, but I think "Joe Cool" is more than excited to put them back on.