John Harbaugh has always had high praise for Joe Flacco.
The Ravens head coach has stood behind his quarterback for the last six seasons, and on Friday he re-emphasized the high expectations he has for the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
"I think Joe is going to become one of the premier quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League," Harbaugh said. "I've said that many, many times."
Flacco has been one of the most debated and scrutinized quarterbacks in the NFL throughout his career, and that discussion has continued this year after he won a Super Bowl and signed a $120 million contract this offseason. Some have criticized Flacco for his start to the season – he has 573 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions – but Harbaugh is confident Flacco will prove people wrong once again.
"In the end, that statement will prove to be correct and all the naysayers out there, they will be wrong, as usual," Harbaugh said. "I'll be looking forward to them when they say, 'I was wrong.'"
Flacco views his coach in the same regard.
"I think the same thing about him as a head coach," Flacco said.
Harbaugh and Flacco have enjoyed tremendous success together in Baltimore. They are the only head coach and quarterback to make the playoffs and win at least one playoff game in their first five seasons, and they have won the last two AFC North titles.
"Me and John are kind of tied at the hip," Flacco said. "We came in together. I was his first draft pick. It's always cool to hear your head coach, the guy that is out here and has seen a lot of football players, say something like that about you.
"We have a great relationship and it's grown into a pretty special thing. It always means a lot when he says something like that about me."
