Super Bowl 50: Top 15 quarterback performances of all-time
By John Buhler
12. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl XLVII
The Baltimore Ravens won their second championship in (Baltimore) franchise history at Super Bowl XLVII, narrowly defeating the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers, 34-31. The Ravens had a 21-6 lead over the 49ers at halftime, but were able to hold on the second half thanks to the composure of their franchise quarterback Joe Flacco.
Flacco was a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Delaware, and was one of two franchise caliber passers in that draft class, along with Boston College’s Matt Ryan who went No. 3 to the Atlanta Falcons.
During the regular season was typically a quarterback that liked to take deep shots down the field early and often, relying on his usually stellar defense to have his back. However during the AFC Playoffs he ratcheted it up a notch, channeling his inner Joe Cool from possibly the likes of Joe Montana and Joe Namath. With a large contract potentially looming in the future, Flacco played out of his mind in the postseason that year.
In Super Bowl XLVII, he went on to complete 22-of-33 passes for 287 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Going against a terrific 49ers defense led by linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, it’s amazing that Flacco went the entire 2012 postseason without turning the football over once!
Keep in mind that in Super Bowl XLVII the power went out in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for 34 minutes, making the Blackout Bowl. Beyoncé gave such a powerful halftime performance that the New Orleans power grid just couldn’t handle it. Nevertheless, Flacco remained poised, won the Ravens the Super Bowl, and allowed franchise linebacker Ray Lewis to retire hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
The Ravens may be picking in the top 10 of the 2016 NFL Draft, but that 2012 Ravens team was a complete team that finally had a great quarterback under center in Flacco. If his defense improves in the next several years, don’t be surprised to see Flacco win another Lombardi Trophy. He’s that good in the postseason.
Next: 11. Super Bowl XXXVIII