Fansided

5 bold predictions for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws on the run against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, Dec. 23, 207. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws on the run against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, Dec. 23, 207. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Lamar Jackson opens his Gucci Jacket on the Red Carpet prior to the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Lamar Jackson opens his Gucci Jacket on the Red Carpet prior to the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Joe Flacco will get benched

Depending on what Ravens fans you talk to, this may or may not be a bold prediction. When the team made the surprising decision to draft Lamar Jackson at the back-end of round one, it was clear that Flacco’s days as QB1 in Baltimore were numbered.

The bold part of this prediction is that Jackson will ascend to the starting spot this season. He clearly is going to need some patience from the coaching staff to grow into becoming an effective starting quarterback. Right now, his ability to tuck the football and run is well ahead of his ability to make plays inside the pocket.

Despite his inexperience, he just provides this Ravens offense a lot more upside than Flacco. Even if the veteran quarterback has a reasonable bounce back season, it’s not going to ignite this offense into a dangerous unit. Only Jackson’s athleticism can really do that.

Look for the Ravens offense to struggle early and for the cries to see Jackson on the field to get loud in a hurry. Eventually, Harbaugh will get frustrated with Flacco’s low ceiling and he’ll roll the dice with the rookie. Flacco needs to enjoy every start he gets this season, Lamar Jackson is coming for him. He’ll finish the year as Baltimore’s top signal caller.

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