ESPN released its ranking of the top 100 players, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was not among them.
Some will call it a snub, such as ESPN's John Clayton. But based on what Flacco has done since the Ravens won the Super Bowl after the 2012 season, it's understandable.
Flacco has built a reputation for being a winning, durable and big-armed quarterback. During the last three seasons, the Ravens have a 21-21 record with Flacco as the starter. He missed the last six games of 2015 with a knee injury and ranks 13th with 31 completions on passes that have traveled at least 25 yards.
His uneven performances aren't all his fault. Left tackle Eugene Monroe proved unreliable. His favorite target, tight end Dennis Pitta, fractured his hip twice. Speedy first-round pick Breshad Perriman has yet to play a game. And Ray Rice, the franchise's all-time leader in yards from scrimmage, suffered a major decline before a high-profile domestic-violence incident led to his release.
When focusing on Flacco's performance, he hasn't come close to reaching the same level of the 2012 postseason. Since the Super Bowl, Flacco has thrown the third-most interceptions (46) and has a 82.0 passer rating, which is 31st in the league.
An argument can be made that Flacco deserves to be on the list because Tony Romo (No. 62), Philip Rivers (No. 77) and Eli Manning (No. 78) made the cut. Still, it's not like Jay Cutler or Sam Bradford were put on there ahead of Flacco.
That being said, Flacco has a very good shot at making the top 100 next season. He has more weapons in the passing game than in previous seasons with the free-agent signings of Mike Wallace and Benjamin Watson along with the return of Steve Smith Sr. and Pitta. He will be protected by Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens' first top-10 pick in 13 years.
The bigger slap in the face is actually ESPN's fantasy rankings. Flacco is ranked No. 243, and there are 14 kickers ahead of him.
