/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46871402/usa-today-8724328.0.jpg)
In 2013, I wrote under the alias "Eli Park" and was penning a "plucky projections" column on Football Nation. I conducted an in-depth analysis on Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and predicted his final stat sheet.
2013 Park's Plucky Projections Totals: 283/449, 63%, 3863 YARDS, 8.6 YPA, 28 TD, 12 INT, 71 RUSHING ATTEMPTS, 568 YARDS, 8 YPR, 8 ruTD, 5 FUMBLES
Compared to his actual stats (NFL.com):
Year 2013 |
Washington Redskins |
G 13 |
GS 13 |
Comp 274 |
Att 456 |
Pct 60.1 |
Yds 3,203 |
Avg 7.0 |
TD 16 |
Int 12 |
Sck 38 |
SckY 274 |
Rate 82.2 |
RuAtt 86 |
Yds 489 |
Avg 5.7 |
TD 0 |
FUM 11 |
Lost 4 |
Of course -- I assumed that he wouldn't miss a game, and that he would rush for eight more touchdowns than he actually did, but to be frank, I'm content with where my edumacated guessing skills stand.
I also blogged in 2014 that RGIII would suffer an injury and the world would be introduced to Kirk Cousins. Both of them happened. Now that we're talking about the second best team in the DMV area, let's divert our attention back to who really matters ... in this case, our main man Joe Flacco.
I won't go overboard with these predictions, but one thing I do want every reader to understand is that one: Marc Trestman will mold this offense to his liking, regardless of what he said three months ago and two: Flacco has a legitimate shot of breaking the 4,000-yard mark for the first. Time. Ever. (Man was 14 yards shy of doing so in 2014.)
SEP 13 -- 4:25 PM AT BRONCOS
The noodle-armed quarterback in Denver is incapable of handling the pressure applied by former Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil and seasoned Ravens Terrell Suggs. This translates to more time for Flacco and Co. to take the field. Park's Plucky Projections: 36/51, 366 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 0 rush attempts, 0 yards
SEP 20 -- 4:05 PM AT RAIDERS
Beautiful day in California brings back memories of the time the Ravens rocked out in Tampa. Park's Plucky Projections: 26/39, 384 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT, 1 ru. attempt. 4 yards
SEP 27 -- 1:00 PM BENGALS
Division rivals drop by M&T and try to cash out. Flacco pays up. Park's Plucky Projections: 23/48, 323 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 2 ru. attempts, 10 yards
OCT 1 -- 8:25 PM AT STEELERS
Kicking off October with a win? Yes sir, Flacco finds his touch on the ball and shreds the Steelers secondary in this high-octane shootout. Park's Plucky Projections: 22/39, 297 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 2 ru. attempt, 6 yards
OCT 11 -- 1:00 PM BROWNS
Winning streak activated. Trestman's goal for Flacco: save the inflated numbers for next week. Today is about fuel efficiency. Park's Plucky Projections: 18/32, 213 yards, 1 TDs, 0 INT, 3 ru. attempt, 8 yards
OCT 18 -- 4:25 PM AT 49ERS
Flacco shows Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith he's OK without them. Joe Montana's ghost takes over Flacco at Levi's Stadium. Park's Plucky Projections: 23/31, 288 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 1 ru. attempt, 2 yards
OCT 26 -- 8:30PM AT CARDINALS
Tough matchup calls for Trestman to recoil and revert back to a similar game plan used for the Browns. Park's Plucky Projections: 16/32, 224 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 0 ru. attempt, 0 yards
NOV 1 -- 1:00 PM CHARGERS
San Diego's defense is underrated. A lot of us forget that they were ranked in the Top 10 (ninth) last season in total yards allowed per game (338.3). Park's Plucky Projections: 24/35, 248 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 2 ru. attempt, 5 yards
NOV 15 -- 1:00 PM JAGUARS
Fresh after a bye week the Ravens are mentally preparing for the 2015 NFL Playoffs. Check out their aggressive, strategic style of play ... all because of this Jaguars' Tweet sent back in July. Park's Plucky Projections: 33/46, 401 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT, 3 ru. attempt, 3 yards
NOV 22 -- 1:00 PM RAMS -- FLACCO HITS 3,000
Short pass completions keep the chains moving. Park's Plucky Projections: 26/42, 256 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INT, 2 ru. attempt, 0 yards
NOV 30 -- 8:30 PM AT BROWNS
Trestman does the unexpected and has Flacco air it out three times to cap off a prolific month. One pass is overthrown to Steve Smith, while the other two are hauled in for 64 yards and a touchdown. Park's Plucky Projections: 24/36, 335 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 0 ru. attempt, 0 yards
DEC 6 -- 1:00PM AT DOLPHINS
Tough matchup to decipher. This is where the Ravens offensive linemen make their money. Park's Plucky Projections: 19/34, 201 yards, 1 TDs, 2 INT, 2 ru. attempt, 7 yards
DEC 13 -- 8:30 PM SEAHAWKS
With four games to go in the 2015 campaign, Flacco and Co. better play in perfect pitch. Park's Plucky Projections: 20/36, 198 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INT, 1 ru. attempt, 4 yards
DEC 20 -- 1:00 PM CHIEFS
Since dueling St. Louis, the Ravens offensive line has not caught a break. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston's Chiefs are probably in a funky predicament at this time of the season, especially with the playoff scenario unfolding. Both teams are in "Win At All Costs" mode. Park's Plucky Projections: 17/29, 210 yards, 1 TDs, 1 INT, 1 ru. attempt, 2 yards
DEC 27 -- 8:30 PM STEELERS - FLACCO BREAKS 4,000! @4,144
A primetime, marquee matchup at M&T, third game in a row the Ravens play as hosts. This final four stretch is an excruciating one. If the Ravens possess a winning record here, Trestman will turn to the ground attack to secure a lead. Park's Plucky Projections: 19/26, 200 yards, 1 TDs, 0 INT, 1 ru. attempt, 1 yard
JAN 3 -- 1:00PM AT BENGALS
Considering that the Ravens are 10-5 at this point (knock on wood), Trestman starts Flacco if the team earns a bye week in playoffs with a win. Park's Plucky Projections: 16/23, 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 ru. attempt, 9 yards
Final Park's Plucky Projections: 344/558, 4,338 yards passing, 30 TDs, 15 INTs