It’s official, there is no quarterback drama between Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson. The Twitter-fueled storyline of Joe Flacco ignoring Lamar Jackson’s calls and texts is fake. It’s apparent to anyone paying attention to the Baltimore Ravens that Joe Flacco has been very accepting of Lamar Jackson. The two have been all slimes in practice, as Flacco wants to “welcome Lamar with open arms.” Joe Cool has never created lockerroom problems, that’s not his style. It’s refreshing to see a quarterback be so open to his heir apparent, as many others have been less than kind.
The hyped up drama between Flacco and Jackson spawned when Jackson was asked if he had spoken to Flacco earlier this month. “No, I haven’t.”. That was all, they simply had not talked yet. Immediately people started claiming that Flacco was ignoring Jackson in a malicious manner. This was obviously not the case. In reality, Flacco has nothing to worry about. He is focused on getting ready for the season, and he knows that he will be the signal caller in his 11th NFL season.
The Ravens took Lamar Jackson in the first round for a reason, they wanted the fifth year option. This gives Baltimore the option to have Jackson for five years as opposed to just four if he was taken in the second round. This gives the Ravens extreme flexibility moving forward. Say Flacco cannot continue as the starting quarterback, either because of injuries or a drop in play. Then the Ravens have Jackson ready to at any point. The ideal situation for Flacco, the Ravens, and even Jackson is the alternative scenario. If Flacco returns to form in 2018, the Ravens will have no need to turn to Jackson in 2019. This gives Jackson more time to develop and gives the Ravens more time to win with a veteran quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers sat behind Brett Farve for three years, and Steve Young sat behind Joe Montana for four years. Each turned out to be some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. A scenario like this for Lamar Jackson would allow him to refine his passing ability, and learn behind a Super Bowl MVP quarterback. This opportunity for Jackson, a project quarterback, is a dream scenario, and it can happen on the current landscape of the Ravens. He knows it, the Ravens know it, and Joe Flacco knows it.
