This is a strange question to answer.  At the beginning of the week, I probably would have shrugged my shoulders at this question, however after Ray Lewis announced his retirement, I suddenly have a different mentality, which can only mean Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens are going through the same thing.  I was concerned about the matchup against the professional team at Indianapolis, because the team had “something to play for” when it came to coach Chuck Pagano returning from a stint with leukemia.  Lewis’ retirement may not be as serious as Pagano’s condition, however it sure as hell is something to play for; someone to play for, and that someone is the face of the Baltimore Ravens.

Lewis news aside, you have to put in consideration the Ravens as a team.  Flacco may not be the most influential player, but he has been in the NFL long enough to have proven himself a playoff quarterback.  His first year as a starting quarterback for Baltimore he threw for 2,971 yards and 14 touchdowns, and even lead the team to two road wins in the 2008-09 playoffs making him the first rookie quarterback in league history to win two playoff games.  He has improved over the years quite well.  This year he has 3,817 yards under his belt and 22 touchdowns.   This is impressive for a quarterback who is always in the shadows and rarely talked about. 

When you add ingredients like Ray Rice and Torrey Smith to the mix, you whip up a spectacular concoction of offensive rushing and catches that sometimes end up web gems.  Flacco’s arm is accurate and he does his job in the pocket.  Ravens defense has not been as wonderful as the Tony Siragusa days, but don’t let that change your attitude towards the team.  The Ravens did not make it all this way just to join Michael Vick at the bar to watch the playoff games.  Flacco will continue to push the Ravens to victory.  They have to.  There’s no way Ray Lewis should end his year without a some bling.  As Beyonce’ said: “If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it.”  I like it, a lot.  Put a damn ring on it would you Flacco?