Bring back ugly Joe

Max Herbkersman, Reporter

For any Ravens fans who are down in the dumps lately, you’re not alone. The Ravens have been quite lackluster this season. Our pass offense ranks second to last, and with a record of 5-5 we aren’t the same team from years past.

However, I think I’ve found the solution to the Ravens problems. It’s simple. Bring back ugly Joe.

Now for anyone who doesn’t understand who I’m referring to, I’m talking about Joe Flacco. Joe Flacco was once an elite quarterback.  Flacco this season is anything but.

Coming into the league Flacco was a goofy looking, tall, awkward quarterback with a funky unibrow. He certainly wasn’t the most attractive player, but he got the job done, leading us to the playoffs in 2008, and was awarded the 2008 Rookie of the Year award.

For the following years Flacco’s subpar hygiene resulted in numerous playoff victories. Flacco was shaping into a good, reliable NFL quarterback.

In 2011 Flacco sported a legendary Fu Manchu. The ‘stache once again led the Ravens in an impressive season. Flacco led the Vens to the AFC championship game against the Patriots. Flacco played an impressive game, and it was down to Billy Cundiff to attempt a 32 yard attempt that would send the game into overtime.

The kick went up, wide left. Cundiff soiled our Super Bowl hopes.

The next year the team made barley any roster changes (besides cutting Cundiff). That same year Flacco threw for 3,187 yards and 22 touchdowns, and led us to the AFC championship game for a second year in a row.

Once again it seemed that late in the fourth quarter the ravens would come up short. But with less than a minute left in the game Flacco launched a 70 yard bomb to Jacoby Jones that tied the game. The ‘vens went on to win the game and make their first Super Bowl appearance since 2001.

Flacco had a monster game in the Super Bowl. He threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, earning him MVP honors for the game. Flacco’s 2012 season was one for the record books. Particularly his post season play. Flacco threw for 11 touchdowns in the post season with no interceptions. The only other quarterback to match that record? Some guy named Joe Montana.

Now what does any of this have to do with Flacco’s looks? After the win Flacco became the face of the franchise. Flacco was forced to freshen up a bit, making him into a new man. After Flacco had his makeover the Ravens have never been then same team. All I ask is that we bring back ugly Joe.