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What’s up Ravens fans! My name is Evan Mazza, this is my first article writing for Baltimore Beatdown and I would like to thank editor in chief, Kyle P. Barber, for allowing me to give my thoughts and opinions on the many topics surrounding the Baltimore Ravens as we gear up for another season of Ravens football.
So I figured, what better way to kick things off than with everybody’s favorite NFL debate, quarterback rankings. It’s the most wonderful time of the year when training camp is just around the corner and we fans talk about where each team and quarterback ranks. But for Ravens fans, Joe Flacco’s spot in each and every list always is a topic of discussion. Whether he’s top 10, top 15, top 20, or even top five, it’s always fun to talk about our quarterback’s spot among the league’s signal callers.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco decided to give it his take and rank every starting quarterback and who he believes is in the top 10 heading into the new season coming off their 2015 campaigns.
Here is Prisco's top 10.
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Aaron Rodgers
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Tom Brady
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Ben Roethlisberger
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Cam Newton
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Carson Palmer
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Drew Brees
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Andrew Luck
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Russell Wilson
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Philip Rivers
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Eli Manning
You’re going to have to scroll down to number 15 to find Flacco's place on his list. "Flacco had to deal with a ton of injuries on offense when he did play last season and then went down himself with a torn ACL. He’s said to be making a nice recovery and should be back for the start of the season" Prisco stated.
Flacco is above the likes of Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jay Cutler and Alex Smith. Below the likes of Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Andy Dalton, and Blake Bortles. Some might say that this is a fair spot for Flacco, and I’ve heard many say throughout his almost nine-year career that he is a top 15 quarterback. Right in the middle of the pack.
I personally believe that Flacco is a top 10 quarterback in this league and he has proven it time and time again. Even in a year like 2015, when he dealt with a lot of injuries on offense and a struggling defense, he was still able to put the team in position to win games during a tumultuous season for him and the franchise. He even stayed in the game against the Rams after tearing his ACL to lead the team on the final drive of the Ravens 16-13 victory. That’s heart and guts.
It’s up to Flacco and offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, along with receivers that are returning and new, to show the NFL world that he is still among the best in the league today and a major threat come playoff time, and that is when it really counts.
So, what do you guys think? Is Joe Flacco the 15th best quarterback heading into the 2016 season? Is he top 10? Maybe Top 5? Comment below and discuss. Hope you guys enjoyed this piece and there will be much more to come.
Go Ravens.