Both Cassel and Flacco proved to be able players and leaders and though their stats maybe not be the same when compared to the gaudy numbers of say Drew Brees or Jay Cutler (both teams were 8-8 and failed to make the playoffs are were often dogged by inconsistent offense) or Philip Rivers (also 8-8 but clinched divisional berth). The Cassel led Patriots also did not make the playoffs but finished 11-5. The justice of a system which allows 8-8 Chargers to proceed into the playoffs should be questioned and will be a subject of another post. Flacco's Ravens also finished 11-5 and clinched the final wild card spot. As the season draws to a close with the Superbowl two weeks away, only Cardinals QB Kurt Warner and possibly league MVP Colts QB Peyton Manning can stake claim to have the big numbers alongside playoff prowess.
But boy did Flacco have a great year for a rookie QB playing his first year in the NFL. He would've won the rookie of the year if not for a certain other awesome young rookie QB - Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. But I personally I admired Flacco's game more than Ryan, perhaps cos I had the opportunity to watch Flacco in action more often, being in DC and all.
But there is subtle difference between the drafting of Ryan and Flacco and that being the Falcons had made a conscious decision to start Ryan as their QB when they made their pick. They were in the process of re-building a broken team around Ryan. A process which yielded amazing results within a short span of time, given where the Falcons finished last season.
Kyle Boller was to be the starting QB for the Ravens followed by Troy Smith. Flacco was drafted to be a third string QB with the expectation to be groomed into the starting role in the years to come. A season ending injury to Kyle Boller and freak illness to Smith later, Flacco found himself in the starting position and he came out in flying colors. The Ravens offense was never a threat, but under Flacco they found direction and menace and as the season progressed they gave enough chances for the Ravens defense to close out the games.
Here is a quick look at his season stats and comparison with fellow rookie QB Matt Ryan. And just to get an idea I compared with two QB's who had fantastic year.
Being in a more conservative natured team, with primary emphasis on defense, Flacco's numbers might appear a little pale when compared with QB's in a more pass-happy offense. But nevertheless they gain significance when looked as a whole, since his steady, minimal error approach let the defense do what they do best and together as a cohesive team they got the job done. Compare that with Brett Favre, a legend of the game who had 22 interceptions compared to his 22 touchdowns which killed any NY Jets playoff aspirations. Also keep in mind Flacco had 3 interceptions in the final AFC Championship game. Probably his worst game of the season. So he had season low 9 turnovers going into his final game.
In addition to his numbers - Flacco showed remarkable poise and precision in his passing and play-calling, and displayed those intangible qualities which can never usually be discerned from
mere stats ; like how he never seemed to lose his cool when the pressure was brought on. In fact more often than not, he rescued his team with pin-point bullet throws on 3rd and long positions, keeping the play alive and displaying his arm strength. He has good pocket presence. He played well in bad weather and passed every test thrown at him with a quiet temper. In quick time and under the careful guidance of Ravens coaching he has possibly become one of the more exciting players to watch out for and barring any injuries has effectively taken over the starting QB position. I'd be terribly disappointed if the Ravens organization toyed around with the idea of bringing back Boller for the starting position.Flacco reminds me a younger, better version of Eli Manning. I pray and hope he finds football success soon.
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When Patriots QB Tom Brady suffered a torn ACL in game 1 of the regular season, all eyes fell on unknown back-up Matt Cassel. Patriots were favorites to repeat their Superbowl appearance after running through every team last year. Without Brady they suddenly looked susceptible and beatable. And how could Matt Cassel possibly replace the charismatic Brady? As the season progressed, Cassel blossomed splendidly under the wily coach Bill Belichik's tutorial and progressed as one of the offensive stars of the season nearly leading the patriots into the playoffs with 11-5 record. A more than worthy replacement.
With 21 TD's, total of 3,693 passings Yds, 270 rushing yds, a pass completion of 63.4 pct, and a manageable 11 interceptions, Cassel ensured the Patriots offense kept moving and fantasy owners smiling. However with Brady expected to return next season, Cassel may have to surrender the spotlight and settle for the bench or test free agency waters.Nav
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