The Baltimore Ravens might be without Joe Flacco in 2013 and Alex Smith could be a possible trade option. Nothing is set in stone, but Flacco could be out of Baltimore and heading somewhere else if the team is not willing to pay up.
Smith would bring veteran leadership to the Ravens. He took the San Francisco 49ers deep into the playoffs in 2011 as they were just one game away from the Super Bowl.
For Ravens fans who might be a little upset at the possibility of this change, Smith's numbers aren't too far off from Flacco's numbers when healthy. But that's the key in Smith's production, he has to be healthy in order to get his numbers up.
When Smith took the 49ers deep into the playoffs, he was healthy during the regular season playing in all 16 regular season games. He threw for 3,144 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He had the 49ers 13-3 in the regular season. Flacco has never posted a 13-3 season in his five-year career. Last season, Flacco went for 3,610 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
When you compare it, Flacco had about 500 more passing yards, three more touchdowns, but seven more interceptions proving Smith is an efficient quarterback.
Smith lost his starting job in 2012 because 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a different vision for the team's future. Colin Kaepernick took over the starting role after Smith went down with a concussion. As we know, the rest is history. The 49ers took it all the way to the Super Bowl where they lost to the Ravens.
The Ravens have the key parts that will allow Smith to have a decent season. Ray Rice is a great running back who went for over 1,600 yards in 2012, they have great receivers with great hands in Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones while their tight end Dennis Pitta has potential to have big numbers as well.
The Ravens are a defensive minded team, similar to how the 49ers succeeded in 2011 when they won the NFC West. They will not have Ray Lewis, but he was on the decline regardless and missing for a good portion of the year.
Smith isn't an outstanding quarterback, but he's savvy and has led his team to victory in pivotal moments.
Do you think Smith should be the guy to replace the Super Bowl MVP if Flacco doesn't get offered the money he wants and decides to go elsewhere?
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