FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco just finished a conference call with the Atlanta media. I’ll have much more on Flacco and Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, who were selected in the 2008 draft and have had similar careers, later in the week as we get ready for the Falcons and Ravens to play Thursday night.
But Flacco had one pretty good quote on another topic. Talking about Atlanta’s defense, Flacco had a funny line about cornerback Brent Grimes. Before anyone goes viewing this as a shot at Grimes, let’s make it clear that Flacco’s intent certainly didn’t sound like a slap. It sounded more like a compliment.
“They have one guy,’’ Flacco said. “He’s pretty short. But he can go out and play. He can be a little aggravating too.’’
Grimes is listed at 5-foot-10, but I’ve stood next to him and can assure you he’s not that tall. But Grimes, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent, has carved out a nice career. That’s largely because, as Flacco said, Grimes is an amazing athlete and an intense competitor.