News Summary
The Baltimore Ravens marked their 30th anniversary in the city with a commanding 41-17 win over the Cleveland Browns during their home opener at M&T Bank Stadium. Despite trailing 10-3 at halftime, the Ravens scored 31 points in the second half, showcasing their improved offense and defense. Star quarterback Joe Flacco, now with the Browns, faced pressure throughout the match. With this victory, the Ravens improved to 1-1 for the season, while the Browns fell to 0-2, adding to the storied rivalry between the teams.
Baltimore – The Baltimore Ravens celebrated their 30th anniversary in the city with a resounding 41-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns during their home opener at M&T Bank Stadium. The game, which kicked off at 1 p.m. local time, showcased the Ravens’ determination to bounce back after a narrow defeat in their season opener.
Returning to Baltimore as an opponent, Joe Flacco, the famed quarterbacks from the Ravens’ past and MVP of Super Bowl XLVII, made headlines as he started for the Browns. Flacco’s presence added extra excitement to a matchup between two teams with a storied rivalry, where the Ravens now lead the all-time series against the Browns, 37-15.
The Ravens entered the game looking to avoid starting the season 0-2 for the second consecutive year, after losing to the Buffalo Bills (41-40) in Week 1. Conversely, the Browns were eager to bounce back from a narrow loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, aiming to avoid an 0-2 start after finishing the previous season with a 3-14 record.
Game Highlights
The first half of the game was a struggle for the Ravens, as they trailed 10-3 at halftime. However, they turned things around dramatically in the second half, scoring 31 points to secure their victory. This turnaround was marked by a range of scoring plays, including a touchdown following a Jake Hummel blocked punt. A standout defensive performance, featuring a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown by Nate Wiggins, highlighted the Ravens’ dominance in the latter half.
Offensive and Defensive Statistics
Flacco’s performance included 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he faced significant pressure from the Ravens’ improved defense throughout the game. The Ravens’ special teams, which previously faced criticism, notably showed improvement with significant contributions from both Hummel and new player acquisitions. Baltimore’s offensive unit was marked by balance, with six different players scoring touchdowns.
Context of Rivalry and Coaching
Head Coach John Harbaugh’s impressive home opener record now stands at 13-4, underscoring the Ravens’ strong performances at home. The last time they faced the Browns at home was in 2020, a game played without fans due to the pandemic, where the Ravens also prevailed decisively, winning 38-6.
Leading up to the game, both teams engaged in trash talk, with Cleveland players expressing confidence against their rivalry opponents, creating an electric atmosphere. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reflected positively on Flacco’s mentorship during his own rookie season, adding an emotional layer to the match-up.
With this win, the Ravens improved to 1-1 for the season, while the Browns fell to 0-2. The performance not only boosted team morale but also showcased the potential for the Ravens as they continue their season. Their next challenges lie ahead, but the home opener against the Browns will be remembered as a celebration of both past glories and renewed vigor.
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Additional Resources
- Baltimore Ravens News
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- ESPN Game Boxscore
- Google Search: Baltimore Ravens
- CBS Sports Game Recap
- Google Scholar: NFL Rivalries
- Fox 8 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Football
- Dawgs By Nature Analysis
- Google News: Cleveland Browns
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
