Joe Flacco Isn’t Going To Hear Criticism From The Texans

(credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

HOUSTON (CBS Houston) â€" It seems that when you hear about the elite quarterbacks around the league, you don’t hear about Joe Flacco.  Thorughout his career, Flacco has thrown for no less than 2,971 yards and averaged 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions a year.

Yet, he seems to get a lot of criticism for the way he has played in some big games.  An Associated Press column cites that his mobility has been questioned.  Plus, his decision making when he’s under pressure.  His career regular season record is 44 and 20, plus a playoff record of four and two.  With a trip to the AFC Title Game in his rookie season out of Delaware.  That’s the only criteria that Gary Kubiak is concerened about entering Sunday.

“I think he’s dang good,” Gary Kubiak said.  “He’s won a lot of football games, and that’s the bottom line in this League.”

The aforementioned criticism of the Ravens QB are just some of the slants that have been levied against the QB.  Heated rival Lamarr Woodley of the Steelers was even quaoted in the column of saying they won’t win a Super Bowl with Flacco in ‘this life time.’  So, when you hear some of these critiques against the fourth year QB.  Doesn’t it sound kind of familiar?  Don’t we hear some of the same words thrown at Matt Schaub?  Yet, the numbers prove that Schaub has been an unwarranted target of these critics.

This has been one of Flacco’s worst seasons from the standpoint of interceptions (12), six fumbles lost, & a completion percentage of about 58 percent. 

Connor Barwin is among the Texans players who are surprised that Flacco receives the criticism he does. 

“I think he does a lot of good things for them,” Barwin said.  “I mean we just watched a tape today and I mean he throws a great ball. He can throw the ball over the field; his scramble tape is really good.”

In the Texans meeting with Flacco back in October, the Ravens QB threw for 305 yards on 20 of 33 completions.  But, he did throw one interception with no trips to the endzone threw the air.

Brian Cushing knows just how good Flacco has been against the Texans in his career, because the QB is 3-0 lifetime against them.  Pointing to the fact that his career-record speaks for itself.

“He’s done it the entire time he’s been in the NFL and he’s got a lot of big-play ability, too and that’s something we obviously have to take care of and be aware of,” Cushing said.

The point that needs to be made about Flacco, is that he is an overwhelmingly successful QB.  Remember, Peyton Manning at one time was criticized for his performance in big games.  Before his injury this season, the future hall of fame QB has been regarded now as one of the most feared signal callers in the NFL.  Wade Phillips went even further back to prove that point about Flacco not receiving the kudos.

“(John) Elway, what, you know they said he was never going to be a Hall-of-Famer even back when I was there and then at 38 and 39, he wins two Super Bowls, so you know, it takes maturity sometimes, Phillips said. “It takes experience. Just like anybody.”

The truth at the end of the day, is that Flacco is a multi-game winner in the postseason.  There are not too many current QB’s in the league that can say that.