No Longer a Raven

                            

Last week, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos. 

Not only was he being looked at by Denver, but the Washington Redskins showed interest as well. Denver was quick to make the deal so they did not miss the opportunity on getting Flacco. 

Being from Maryland and therefore a big fan of the Ravens, this news is bittersweet to me. Although I pretty much knew this would be Flacco's last season with the Ravens, hearing the official announcement that he will be traded was still a bit of a shock. Flacco has been the Ravens quarterback for a decade now. He is essentially the only quarterback I've grown up watching, since I was too young to understand football when Kyle Boller was quarterback. 

Joe Flacco is often debated on whether or not he's an "elite" quarterback, but instead of delving into this idea, we can simply state the fact that Flacco brought the Ravens a Super Bowl win in 2013 and was named MVP. 

Although Flacco has been a good asset to the Ravens, it's time for a change. Rookie Lamar Jackson replaced Flacco as starting quarterback halfway through the season after Flacco injured his hip. With Flacco as starter, the Ravens were struggling with a 4-5 record. The Ravens ended the season with a 6-1 record with Jackson starting. Their overall record of 10-6 landed the Ravens the title of AFC North Champions, the fifth division title in Ravens history. 

Things looked promising as Jackson led the team to the playoffs. The day before his 22nd birthday, Jackson started in the game against the Chargers, making him the youngest quarterback in NFL history to start in the playoffs.  Unfortunately, nerves seemed to get to Jackson in the first round, causing a disappointing defeat to the L.A. Chargers. 

Although it's hard to see a 10 year starter go, I'm excited to see where the 2019 season goes with Lamar Jackson. After this past season, things are looking up for the Ravens. 

Baltimore wishes you the best Joe Flacco, thank you for 10 years!