NFL
Quarterback Controversy In Baltimore?
It seems like an eternity since the Baltimore Ravens’ dominant Week 6 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Following the win, Baltimore proceeded to go on a three-game skid against teams with a combined record of 12-5-1. The losing streak included an embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 8.
The following week, starting quarterback Joe Flacco suffered a hip injury. As a result, first round quarterback Lamar Jackson got his first career start. Although criticized for rushing the ball 27 times, the Ravens ran for 267 yards in the 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 100-yard rushing performances by both Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards marked the first 100-yard rushing games of the season for Baltimore.
Season-Defining Decision
Reports recently surfaced that quarterback Joe Flacco is still not practicing due to his hip injury. This means that coach Jim Harbaugh will get another look at Lamar Jackson in Week 12 against the Oakland Raiders. Week 12 is, in fact, where the quarterback controversy can reach new heights.
The Baltimore Ravens are currently the 6th seed in the AFC. However, with six games remaining in the season, Baltimore has a long road ahead if they want to sneak into the playoffs. Notably, Baltimore still has a duel with a dominant Kansas City Chiefs team at Arrowhead.
The quarterback that Baltimore decides to go with will have all the pressure of leading this team in the playoff hunt. So, who gives Baltimore the best chance to win: Joe Flacco or Lamar Jackson?
What Else is at Stake?
The Ravens organization has made it clear that coach Harbaugh will most likely be done in Baltimore if he fails to lead the team to the Playoffs. The Ravens have suffered a three-year playoff drought with Joe Flacco under center. The question, now, is whether starting Lamar Jackson can provide a catalyst to the offense — or if his inexperience begin to show.
A switch to Lamar Jackson almost certainly signals the end of Joe Flacco’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Essentially, Jackson will then become the starter of the team for the foreseeable future. Whether or not this becomes a reality may well lie on Lamar Jackson’s performance in his second career NFL start.
Photo Credit: kowarski via Flickr
Follow Khadeem on Twitter at @ReachingGod and TSJ’s NFL Department @TSJ101SportsNFL
Subscribe to get the latest news from TSJ at the TSJ 101 Sports TV YouTube channel!
Play And Win Weekly at ThriveFantasy!
