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It is a well known fact that Joe Flacco is a competitive guy, who has high expectations for himself and for the Ravens as a team. Entering his 8th season, his statistics have steadily climbed, with his win total fluctuating between 8 and 12 wins. Following last years season where the Ravens were on the cusp of reaching the AFC championship game before blowing two 14 point leads to the Patriots despite a decimated secondary, expectations are high in Baltimore.
While most would not be so bold to express this sentiment out loud, Flacco has no problem raising the bar for himself and his fellow Ravens. With this proclamation today to PSL owners, Joe set a lofty goal for the team:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Flacco also made sure to mention that only 10 wins this season would be a disappointment.</p>— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/636290044303683588">August 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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While the Ravens last won 11 or more games in 2011, this goal is completely realistic. Last year's team would likely have easily hit 11 wins if not for the injury to Jimmy Smith, so the key this year would be health. The schedule this year is more challenging, with the tough AFC and NFC West divisions replacing the softer AFC and NFC South division, but the result will be a more battle tested Ravens team come the playoffs.
Although the Ravens accomplished a first in 2014 by beating the Steelers for the first time in the playoffs, they have their sights set higher after last years disappointing loss to the Patriots. Winning more than 10 games would be a good start, with home field advantage and possibly a bye being helpful for the Ravens to make a run, despite Flacco being the most accomplished road quarterback in NFL history. This Ravens team has the skill and ability to make it happen, so the hope is that they pull it off.