Ravens coach John Harbaugh wants to make it perfectly clear.
He no longer views Joe Flacco as a rookie, referring to the 18th pick in this year’s NFL Draft simply as “our quarterback.”
Still, Flacco is acting very much like a first-year player. He’s thrown four interceptions in the past two games, including a pair in a 13-10 loss to Tennessee on Sunday.
His last came with a minute, 32 seconds remaining when cornerback Nick Harper halted the Ravens (2-2) as they drove toward a game-winning touchdown.
Harbaugh, who last week said backup Troy Smith would play at some point this season, maintained his faith in Flacco. The former University of Delaware standout has completed 62-of-106 passes (58.5 percent) for 603 yards and a touchdown.
“It’s not going to be like he’s never going to throw another interception again because he threw an interception and you say, ‘He learned from that one play,’” Harbaugh said. “What plays are these guys capable of making? I think until you get out there and you experience that for yourself, there’s no way to know it.”
Flacco took responsibility for the loss to the Titans (5-0).
“I should’ve known to just get rid of the ball, and I just didn’t use good judgment on those plays,” he said. “I’ll obviously learn from that, and we just have to move on and get ready for next week. We let two games the last two weeks get away from us, and eventually, we’re going to have to find a way to win those games.”
Against the Titans, Harbaugh attributed Flacco’s interceptions, which occurred when he rolled out of the pocket, to inexperience.
“I think sometimes with young quarterbacks, their vision isn’t quite as wide as you want it to be,” Harbaugh said. “He didn’t see some of those coverages, but I’m sure he will see it next time.”
The Ravens will need strong quarterback play in the coming weeks, as Sunday’s game against the Colts (2-2) in Indianapolis begins a stretch in which they will play five of their next six away from M&T Bank Stadium.
It will be a stretch that likely will define their season.
“Now, we’ve just got to get better on a team, and Joe is a part of it,” said receiver Derrick Mason, who has made a team-high 21 catches for 261 yards. “So what are you going to do, tell the guy not to throw the ball anymore? He’s trying to make plays.”
Note
Nose guard Kelly Gregg was expected to undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee on Tuesday. Gregg, 31, would likely be out until at least May after the surgery, which was to be performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Justin Bannan has started in Gregg’s place and has 15 tackles, a sack and an interception.
BEST COMPLETION Pct.
Rank Name Team Pct.
1. Brett Favre Jets 70.2
2. Kurt Warner Cardinals 69.4
3. Drew Brees Saints 68.6
4. Matt Cassel Patriots 67.3
5. Chad Pennington Dolphins 67
21. Joe Flacco Ravens 58.5
WORST STARTING QB RATING Rank Name Team Rating
1. Tyler Thigpen Chiefs 41.8
2. Derek Anderson Browns 49.6
3. Matt Hasselbeck Seahawks 49.2
4. Joe Flacco Ravens 58.5
5. Brian Griese Bucs 57.1
6. Carson Palmer Bengals 58.1
