(This blog brought to you by Atlantic Remodeling. Visit www.atlanticremodeling.com to learn about their Red Cent Guarantee!)
A day after Joe Flacco compared the Ravens’ offensive wrinkles to that of a high school team, coach John Harbaugh wasn’t tipping his hand in reacting to his quarterback’s criticism.
Flacco made his feelings clear Tuesday about his dislike for the wildcat offense and lining up as a wide receiver, and the Baltimore coach appeared uncomfortable in addressing the sixth-year signal-caller’s words, instead wanting to focus on Thursday’s prime-time meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“My reaction would be my reaction. I’ll just leave it at that,” Harbaugh said. “One thing about Joe — and I think any great player — is they want the ball in their hands. And he’s always been that way. He’s always felt that way. I want him to have the ball in his hands.”
Perhaps the most interesting development from Harbaugh’s response on Wednesday came when he was asked whether Flacco’s words would impact whether or not they run the novelty formation in the future.
The quarterback said he didn’t anticipate the Ravens running the wildcat formation much after sharing his feelings with the coaching staff. Harbaugh acknowledging liking that Flacco is willing to speak out with conviction without wanting to expand on the matter, but he made it clear that the wildcat offense will remain a possibility moving forward.
“We’re going to do everything we can do to move the ball offensively,” said Harbaugh, who acknowledged the need to way injury risk whenever Flacco isn’t lining up at quarterback. “We’ve got guys that can play that we’ll put on the field in different spots, wherever we feel like we need to, and all of our guys support that.”
Harbaugh guarded in response to Flacco's criticism of offense
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
Podcast Audio Vault
Right Now in Baltimore
Twelve Ravens Thoughts following Week 16 win over Pittsburgh
Marlon Humphrey provided the cathartic moment that slammed the door as Baltimore beat the Steelers for just the second time in the last 10 meetings.
Ravens finish strong for 34-17 win over Pittsburgh to pull even in AFC North
Lamar Jackson threw three touchdowns and Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards, but Marlon Humphrey's pick-6 allowed Baltimore to pull away.
ColumnNes: Big plays, big hits and Ravens showed no quit against Steelers
The Ravens talked all week about being locked in, and in the end, they were. Creating turnovers. And even landing on your own fumbles. It all matters this time of year. Turnovers turn over games. The Steelers made too many…