John Harbaugh declared this offseason that "job one" for the Baltimore Ravens is to help quarterback Joe Flacco play at a higher level.

It's simple mathematics, really. Flacco is the fourth-highest paid player in the NFL with an average of $22.1 million per season, but he finished No. 24 in passer rating this season.

At this compensation, Flacco accounted for 15 percent of Baltimore's entire cap. The only way the Ravens improve is if Flacco's production matches their financial commitment to him.

Joe Flacco's 20 TD passes and 15 interceptions in 2016 don't stand up well to the rest of the $20 million club. Mitch Stringer/USA TODAY Sports

"We have a quarterback, and he is in that level of compensation, so we need to get him playing at that level," Harbaugh said.

Of the other 11 quarterbacks who average over $20 million per season, Tom Brady and Matt Ryan are battling for NFL Most Valuable Player. Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Russell Wilson and Eli Manning guided their teams to the playoffs. Andrew Luck and Drew Brees were among the top-10 rated passers.

The Ravens relied heavily on Flacco's strong arm this season. Only Brees threw more passes than Flacco. But the inefficient results for Flacco and the offense were a major factor in the 8-8 season.

Flacco averaged 6.4 yards per attempt (27th in the NFL), throwing 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His 83.5 passer rating was better only than three benched starters (Case Keenum, Brock Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick), two struggling veterans (Cam Newton and Blake Bortles) and one rookie (Carson Wentz).

"We need our quarterback to be playing at a level that changes the game in positive ways for us and makes a big difference," Harbaugh said.

Not all the blame can be put on Flacco. He was let down by the inconsistent hands of his receivers and the constant shuffling of a banged-up offensive line. His receivers dropped 29 passes, sixth-most in the NFL. Flacco was pressured on 183 dropbacks, seventh-most in the league.

The $20 Million Club Here's a look at the 12 players who average $20 million per season, all QBs, listed in order of average annual salary: Quarterback Team Avg. per year Rating Andrew Luck Colts $24.5M 96.4 Carson Palmer Cardinals $24.3M 87.2 Drew Brees Saints $24.2M 101.7 Joe Flacco Ravens $22.1M 83.5 Aaron Rodgers Packers $22M 104.2 Russell Wilson Seahawks $21.9M 92.6 Ben Roethlisberger Steelers $21.8M 95.4 Eli Manning Giants $21M 86.0 Philip Rivers Chargers $20.8M 87.9 Cam Newton Panthers $20.7M 75.8 Matt Ryan Falcons $20.7M 117.1 Tom Brady Patriots $20.5M 112.2

Flacco, though, was affected by his surgically repaired left knee. One year removed from taking a season-ending hit, he rushed his throws at times (opting for checkdowns) and didn't see the field as well as he did in previous seasons (which was evident on some of his interceptions).

"He is coming off a knee injury, and [next year] he is going to be that much further along because he is going to have an offseason of training this year," Harbaugh said. "Putting the group around him and putting the scheme around him that puts him into that place – that is where we are at. That is what we have to get done, because we are paying our quarterback."

The Ravens know Flacco can deliver a Super Bowl when surrounded by the right supporting cast. In 2012, he threw 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the postseason on his way to being named the Super Bowl MVP.

Flacco still remains Baltimore's best barometer for success. When he has a rating of at least 100, the Ravens are 37-6 (.860).

"This guy is a motivated guy," Harbaugh said of Flacco. "I know sometimes that people feel like his demeanor or whatever -- they criticize that. I understand all that, and that is OK. Joe is tough. Joe is mentally tough. But it matters to Joe. Joe is very highly-motivated to play at the highest level."