Seemingly everyone is expecting a big breakout year from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco
. The latest vote of confidence came from the man standing directly behind him on most plays, running back Ray Rice.
"In pecking order, this is Joe's offense, then everyone else," Rice said Thursday to the Baltimore Sun. "And he's proven that this preseason with how he's played, his tempo, how vocal he is, and the quiet Joe phase is pretty much over ... I think he's going to prove to everybody why he's a top quarterback in the league.
"I just can't wait to get out there with the guy so we can go out there and show guys what he's really capable of doing."
Fantasy Analysis:
I'd like to see it before buying into it. Flacco was really good this preseason, completing more than 70 percent of his throws. He has a nice set weapons in Rice, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin, and the no-huddle offense should mean a higher volume of passes. But as I've said before, this team went 1-4 during the 2011 regular season when Rice didn't get 20 touches. He should be the go-to guy in this offense if the Ravens want to win consistently. Perhaps the Ravens can find a way to make that happen while showcasing Flacco, who is a promising QB2 in fantasy. But I think it's a reach to say he will finish in the top 12 at the position.
