Falcons: Different QB for the Falcons

[Jesus]

(11-05-2012 08:30 AM)JDaveG Wrote:  Flacco. I wouldn't trade Ryan for him on a bet, but if we didn't have Ryan, I think Flacco is on a similar level and is a similar age. We wouldn't have the learning years of a Luck or Dalton, and we wouldn't have to replace him again in a few years like we would with Brady, Brees or Rodgers.

But yeah, the thread isn't really very sensible. The fact is we have Ryan, and I wouldn't trade him for any other QB in the league right now.

I don't get this line of reasoning. How is Flacco on the same level as Ryan. I've watched them both play this year and there is no way Flacco is near Ryan. He just doesn't have that next level aspect to his game. Flacco is fine but he can't go out there and will a victory like Ryan can. Next year the Ravens D will slide down too far and they will have a losing season.

[JDaveG]

(11-05-2012 08:48 AM)Jesus Wrote:  I don't get this line of reasoning. How is Flacco on the same level as Ryan. I've watched them both play this year and there is no way Flacco is near Ryan. He just doesn't have that next level aspect to his game. Flacco is fine but he can't go out there and will a victory like Ryan can. Next year the Ravens D will slide down too far and they will have a losing season.

I agree with all that. What I mean is, he's not a youngster and he's not an older veteran. I'm not saying he's as good as Matt Ryan. Flacco isn't Ryan and never will be. In fact, I said I wouldn't trade Ryan for him on a bet. But we don't know what the future holds for Luck or RGIII -- either could flame out after a good rookie season, and we've seen that happen too many times to mention. We know Bradford isn't very good. I think Flacco is better than Stafford or Dalton (though, if forced to change my vote, Dalton would probably get it). I just can't think of another QB that isn't either an unproven youngster or an older, but established veteran that's as good as Flacco is.

And Flacco, even at his level, still has a lot of upside. He has unreal talent, and while I don't think he'll ever have that ability Ryan has to put a stake in your heart in the 4th quarter by reading defenses and carving them up, he does have a ton of physical ability that, if coached properly, could get you to the dance. Take Flacco and give him our offensive talent (with hopefully an improved line) and a really good defense, and he could get us there. Ryan's better. But Flacco's good enough, and without the potential downside of some of the younger guys.

I may eat those words in 3-4 seasons. Luck, in particular, looks to be for real. But we just don't know yet.