Week 2 is shaping up as a massive test for the Baltimore Ravens. Not just any test, but one loaded with history and expectations. This year marks the Ravens’ 30th season in Baltimore, a milestone anniversary that’s heating the atmosphere at M&T Bank Stadium. To add a spicy twist, their opponent is none other than the Cleveland Browns, the franchise from which Baltimore originally blossomed after the controversial 1996 move by Art Modell. Decades-old grudges and recent disappointments make this divisional showdown a battle where pride, past, and playoff hopes collide.

Both teams stumbled out of the gate, losing their season openers, setting the stage for an intense showdown. Ravens fans and analysts alike expect Baltimore to be motivated, even desperate, to avoid another meltdown. To them, this isn’t just about football. It’s about proving something in a game laced with personal history and high stakes. Browns’ HC Kevin Stefanski said, “Our players know the history of our franchise. Our focus really is on this week, on this opponent.” Meanwhile, the Ravens aim to turn frustration into fuel.

Some harsh truths are coming from inside the Ravens’ locker room. OC Todd Monken laid it out clearly when asked what the biggest area of improvement was from Week 1. “When we got in the red zone and we had lost yards plays, I mean, let’s say it like it is. We had a third and two on the very first drive, penalty, and then a lost yards play made a long field goal.” And he isn’t wrong; that is a stark drop from their reputation as one of the NFL’s most efficient red zone offenses last season.

“And then right before half, we had the fumble that we lost 15 yards, basically took us out of, everything after that was trying to get us in manageable field goal range, where at that moment when you talk about the swing before the half, it went from possible touchdown,” he added. The Bills capitalized, scoring just before halftime and swinging the scoreboard from a possible Baltimore lead to a Buffalo advantage. Monken’s analysis underscored a bigger truth: the Ravens’ inability to muster more than one red zone TD. And allowing the Bills to score five red zone TDs contributed significantly to the heartbreaking 41-40 loss.

So, for the next game, the focus is not to have negative plays when in the red zone. “Now we have to get a field goal, and then they get a field goal coming back. That was a huge, now luckily we start the second half. We scored to kind of take that momentum back, but those were the things that we need to improve on, is when we get in the red zone. Like, we can’t go backwards, we can’t put ourselves in those positions, where you’ve done everything right up until that point,” Todd said. Ravens allowed Buffalo to rally from a 40-25 deficit, with Josh Allen weaving a miraculous comeback masterpiece. But the drama last Sunday wasn’t limited to the scoreboard.

No fine for Lamar Jackson’s shove

After the Ravens scored a touchdown in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game, a Bills fan slapped quarterback Lamar Jackson on the helmet. The incident occurred during the celebration when a fan reached over the railing and made contact with both Jackson and teammate DeAndre Hopkins by slapping their helmets. Jackson’s reaction, a shove back, prompted questions on whether punishment loomed for the Ravens’ star QB. It was initially unclear whether the NFL would punish Jackson for his reaction, but serious discipline was not expected.

On Aug. 11, the NFL delivered its verdict: no fines, no suspensions for Jackson. According to the league, the circumstances clearly warranted leniency. The fan, however, received a harsher fate, being banned from all NFL stadiums for his inappropriate conduct. The Ravens, too, are managing the situation internally but reportedly won’t discipline Jackson.

Jackson addressed the episode publicly, apologizing for his reaction and conceding he’d handle future provocations differently. “Just chill next time. You can trash-talk and stuff, but keep your hands to yourself.” With the incident behind him, Jackson and the Ravens turn their focus sharply back to bouncing back on the field, starting with a crucial Week 2 clash against the Browns.