As the second half of Super Bowl XLVII was drawing to a close, it seemed as if the Baltimore Ravens’ magical run through this year’s playoffs was going to come to a screeching halt. The younger, more athletic San Francisco 49ers had run up an impressive 25 points since halftime. They were looking like the more aggressive and assured team at that point. But then the Ravens did what they have always done… they kept the faith and showed a resiliency that only veteran-laden teams with a true leader can do.
Yes, this would be the last game for legendary Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis, who is unquestionably the leader of the franchise. However, quarterback Joe Flacco was a guy hand-picked by Lewis and the team, and he will be the next face of the Ravens. And that night, on the biggest stage in all of sports, he turned in a signature play that will not be mentioned as much as the three touchdown passes he threw in the game. Nevertheless, it had an equally important part in the outcome of the game.
With 7:14 left in regulation and the momentum clearly in favor of San Francisco, Flacco and Baltimore faced a third-and-six situation. If they didn’t convert ,the 49ers would be in great shape to keep the game’s momentum shift in their favor. On this key play, Flacco — known, by the way, for being laid-back and calm — found pro-bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin for a clutch, back shoulder catch that restored law and order for their fast sinking team. The play was indicative of the ability that Flacco has displayed over the past four seasons for making big plays at crucial times.
Even in the losses against the Pittsburgh Steelers (2009) and the New England Patriots (2011) in AFC Championship games, Flacco showed impressive poise and this year’s run through the Denver Broncos and New England on the road were like a coming out party for him. To put things in perspective, he threw 11 touchdowns in this year’s post season and had zero interceptions. That’s called “being in command of your craft.” He has learned to compete against the best signal callers of a generation and has more than held his own in the process.
The Ravens’ quarterback has positioned himself well as a champion and Super Bowl MVP. He is now a free agent and will no doubt be given a hefty raise by the Baltimore ball club. Whether he is an elite quarterback remains to be seen but it’s safe to say he is putting himself in the position to be talked about in that category. For the record, I now have him on my list as the sixth best quarterback in the NFL. He trails only Tom Brady (Patriots), Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), Aaron Rogers (Green Bay Packers) and the (Peyton — Denver Broncos, younger sibling Eli — New York Giants) Manning brothers. If you compare his body of work with those ahead of him, only Brady and the more youthful Manning have accomplished more in the postseason. So, it’s not too far off to think that Flacco, with one or two more productive seasons and continued success in the postseason, might not eclipse the elite status.
One thing is for sure, the Ravens are going into a new era of football with a new franchise player and leader (albeit it a less animated one than his predecessor). Flacco — like Lewis — has shown his teammates and organization that he is up to the task of being “The Man.”
Lake Lewis Jr., President and CEO of the Sports Journey Broadcast Network, is accredited media for the NFL and NBA, and a former syndicated host for ESPN Radio. Watch his daily national sports broadcast live on Mondays from 3-6 pm on SportsJourney.com. Begins November 12