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Since entering the League in 2008, Joe Flacco's accuracy has flirted anywhere from 59 to a hair above 63 percent. His 63.1 completion percentage took a nosedive in 2011, plummeting five percent, most likely due to the glaring losses of wide receiver Derrick Mason and tight end Todd Heap.
After the departure of Anquan Boldin in 2012, the quarterback has built chemistry with his new toys and from the looks of his 2013 campaign, we know that the gunslinger is comfortable -- shameless -- going to the air.
Again, Steve Palazzolo of PFF put on his laboratory coat and goggles to examine NFL quarterbacks, this time focusing on how they do when they look at targets directed at the left, middle and right portions of the field.
Ravens fans won't be pleased with Palazzolo's discovery.
Almost-the-worst throwing left
Chad Henne indisputably took the crown with a -7.2 PFF final score. Flacco was awarded the runner-up's bouquet, with his 3.8 yards-per-completion, 54.2% accuracy, and a PFF grade of -6.0.
Middle to the middle
Flacco knocked on the doors of 4,000 yards passing this season (but still didn't open) flinging the ball and completing them to his receivers between the numbers for 2,426 yards. While you never want to see Flacco's name between Thaddeus Lewis and Brandon Weeden, that's where No. 5 landed with his 0.4 PFF grade. Although he threw 10 touchdowns in the middle of the field, 10 of his pass attempts were also intercepted, and 18 of them were dropped. His 76.5 percent accuracy is relatively high, and we should hope that offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak sends more of his weapons on crossing routes behind the linebackers and between the safeties in 2014.
Right is not alright
Four touchdowns and eight interceptions occurred when Flacco threw to his strong side. He holds the ball for .04 seconds more than he does going to the left and nearly seven percent more accurate.
Ravens fans can expect these numbers to improve this year under a new offensive coordinator and a set of pieces that the team didn't possess last year. Flacco will hone his footwork and techniques to put on a better quarterbacking performance come September.