A left tackle’s job is to protect whoever is playing quarterback, no matter the name on the back of their jersey.
But with Joe Flacco stepping back onto the field following knee surgery, the importance of being his blindside protector isn’t lost on rookie sixth-overall pick Ronnie Stanley.
“Protecting Joe, he’s a very valuable man,” Stanley said. “We know how much worth he is to this team and how valued he is.”
Flacco said his biggest hurdle remaining will be mentally getting over defenders coming at his legs. Stanley will be responsible for keeping them away and giving his quarterback peace of mind.