Aw, Joe, say it ain't so that your contract talks will drag on
and you and the Ravens won't be able to reach a long-term
agreement ("Flacco talks to begin at combine," Feb. 12).
Baltimore loves you and we're so proud of your play for the last
five years.  You've shown us you're a blue collar Joe just like
the rest of us — only with a lot more talent — and we don't want
to believe you could hold the Ravens hostage for millions of
dollars your great- grandchildren will never be able to spend.
Does it always have to come down to money? You didn't strike us
as someone whose ego was willing to hold out to become the
highest-paid quarterback in history.  Whether it's Eli, Peyton,
Tom or Drew money, you know you would be very well compensated
within the top tier of the NFL. After the way you performed in
the playoffs and Super Bowl, you have nothing left to prove and
you deserve the respect you've earned.  You and the Ravens have
created so much goodwill and pride in our city. We Baltimoreans
have long memories, an