Ravens training camp positional preview: Quarterback

With training camp set to open in just a few days, now is the perfect time to look over the Ravens roster by each position and determine it’s outlook for 2017. Naturally, we’ll start with the most important position which is, of course, quarterback.

Honestly, there isn’t much to say here other than the fact that training camp and the preseason will be a good way to gauge just how good (or bad) Joe Flacco looks after a pretty subpar 2016 effort. Coming off of a major knee injury, the nine year pro didn’t look quite right, especially in the early going last year, so it will be interesting to see if a full season and offseason now removed from the ACL and meniscus tear that he suffered is all the way behind him. His supporting cast will be key to getting him over any potential hurdles that he might face with it, so here’s to hoping that the offensive line is able to effectively protect him and the receivers are on the same page.

As far as what’s behind him, Ryan Mallett was re-signed to back Flacco up for yet another season, and we essentially know what we’re getting with him. Mallett was once thought of as a promising prospect but due to poor play and inability to keep his head on straight, that time has long since passed. He’s kept himself out of the news since coming to Baltimore which is a good thing for a backup, and he’s shown that he can play competent ball in a pinch. He’s nothing to get excited about in terms of the future though, so don’t be surprised to see the Ravens start looking in a different direction when they have to execute a Flacco succession plan.

All in all, we’re back to where we were with this position in 2016, which is a good thing to hear. Hopefully it stays that way throughout the season.