Ravens prepare for emotional homecoming as Joe Flacco returns to Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens returned to practice Wednesday in Owings Mills, shifting focus from their challenging Sunday night defeat to the Buffalo Bills as they prepare to host AFC North rival Cleveland Browns and welcome back a Baltimore football legend, Joe Flacco.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Flacco's significance to Baltimore football history. “He's iconic, I think, in Baltimore football history, you know, and so respect that and admire that and still keep in touch with him,” Harbaugh said. “Except not this week.”

For Flacco, returning to Baltimore is especially meaningful after more than a decade with the Ravens. “I mean, listen, I got to play them a couple of years ago, but going back to Baltimore is definitely a little bit different story,” Flacco shared. “It is somewhat surprising, honestly, that I've been gone for a decent amount of time now. So, the fact that I haven't had a chance to go back is a little surprising. I have nothing but love for the people in that facility and the people in that city.”

Despite his age and mileage, Flacco remains a formidable opponent as the Ravens prepare to face him. With him in his 18th season at age 40, the team recognizes his high-level play. Coach Harbaugh commented, “He operates the passing game really well. He does a good job with all the play action stuff. He's going to get them in the runs they want to get in. Props to cool Joe.”

Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy also praised Flacco's playing. “I mean, he's still cool Joe in the pocket. He still has a beautiful spot-tight spiral,” Van Noy said.

Defensively, the Ravens know they need to bounce back from a difficult Week 1 performance where they allowed 497 yards of total offense to the Bills. “You have a lot of guys that care about football, and for myself, it wasn't my best performance personally, so I just want to do whatever I can to get better this week and get back out on the field,” Van Noy added.

Safety Malaki Starks highlighted the team’s desire to improve. “We got a really good team, and guys want to play football. We got a bunch of guys who want to be a part of one program, and I’m blessed to come to a place like this,” Starks said.

The Ravens face a tough challenge on offense, as the Cleveland Browns' defense was dominant in Week 1, allowing only seven yards in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tight end Mark Andrews acknowledged the difficulty ahead. “This is a tough matchup. They've got a great defense, and we got to be ready to go to be able to play against that,” Andrews stated.

Harbaugh recognized the Browns' defensive prowess, describing it as aggressive and versatile. “Watching the tape, obviously they bring it like they always do—heavy pass rush, very talented defense,” he explained. “They mix up man coverage with zone, try to disguise their looks, and they play very aggressively.”

Both teams are currently seeking their first victory of the season. The game is scheduled for Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium with kickoff at 1 p.m.

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