Joe Flacco, returning to Baltimore, wasn’t just another road game. It was a homecoming of sorts. After 11 seasons with the Ravens, including a Super Bowl MVP run. His name remains linked with the Baltimore Ravens. But Sunday’s game was anything but nostalgic for the Cleveland Browns and Flacco. Baltimore dominated the Browns and beat them 41-17 in the matchup.
Background: Flacco’s Return & Expectations
Many hoped his return would spark Cleveland’s offense, but instead it showed the gulf between a true contender and a team still searching for rhythm.
Flacco rejoined Cleveland on a one-year deal in April 2025 to provide veteran stability while Deshaun Watson recovers.
The Week 2 matchup marked Flacco’s first time playing in Baltimore since leaving the Ravens in 2018, adding emotional weight.
Lamar Jackson put on a show against the Browns. He carved up Cleveland’s defense with an efficient and explosive performance. He completed 19 of 29 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Lamar finished with a stellar 128.6 passer rating.
The Game: What Went Wrong
- Offense Out of Sync: Flacco completed 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards, 1 TD, and one interception. The Browns failed to establish the run, finishing with under 80 rushing yards.
- Turnover Trouble: A Flacco interception and a costly fumble turned into Baltimore points. The Ravens’ defense even scored on a return after a blocked punt.
- Defense Overworked: Cleveland’s defense hung in early but collapsed as the Ravens racked up touchdowns from Lamar Jackson (4 passing TDs) and multiple big-play strikes.
Coaching & Locker Room Talk
- Stefanski Stays Loyal: Head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is not considering a QB change, despite the lopsided loss and 0-2 start.
- Frustration Mounts: Players admitted in postgame interviews that the turnovers were “deflating” and that the team must “clean up mental mistakes.”
- Pressure from Fans & Media: With rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders on the roster, Stefanski’s patience with Flacco will be scrutinized if the losing continues.
🎙️ Fan Reactions
- On social media, Ravens fans cheered: “Welcome back, Joe—but thanks for the turnovers.”
- Browns fans were less forgiving: “Flacco looked old, slow, and washed. Time to see the rookies