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The Ravens are 2-1 and Joe Flacco has lead his squad to two victories over the past three weeks. In those games, he’s thrown six touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s come through and completed big-time throws to his three new wide receivers and also the tight end unit. These three games feel refreshing as the offense continues to score time and time again, therefore I felt obligated to compare his impressive 2018 start to the seasons’ prior, dating back to 2012.
Joe Flacco season comparison
| Year | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
| Comp/Att | 82/129 | 42/69 | 76/118 | 82/126 | 75/122 | 72/119 | 71/110 |
| Comp %age | 63.5 | 60.8 | 64.4 | 65 | 61.4 | 60.5 | 64.5 |
| Yards | 889 | 366 | 774 | 863 | 728 | 744 | 913 |
| TDs | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| INTs | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Sacks | 7 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 5 |
Looking over the numbers you realize Flacco’s playing some of his best football since 2012.
Joe’s completion percentage is middle-of-the-pack for the seven seasons being compared but that’s fine when you’re throwing for more yards. The only three-game start with more yards is his 2012 season, which is only 24 yards greater than 2018. Keep in mind, Flacco didn’t finish the first game in 2018 as the Ravens blew out the Buffalo Bills 47-3, keeping Joe from more yardage.
This is also the most touchdowns Flacco’s thrown for in a three-game opening stretch since 2012. Notice, he’s tied his lowest interception total for this measurement, with two. His average over the six prior years sits around 2.8 interceptions.
The worrisome stat coincides with the sacks; only the 2013 season featured more, which shows this offensive line isn’t always keeping Flacco upright and protected. Hopefully, the offensive line will tighten it up as they develop over the season.