In This Story
Baltimore Ravens
Sep 10, 2025 8:13 PM EDT
One of the Week 2 storylines in the National Football League is Joe Flacco heading to Baltimore to take on the organization he started and played 11 full seasons with. Joe Flacco went seven straight seasons and played in all 16 regular-season games as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. In fact, Flacco missed just six starts in 2015, and then the final seven of the 2018 season.
Since then, Flacco has spent time with the Broncos, Jets, Browns and Colts. Now, he is back for another season with the Cleveland Browns. Following a one-point loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland will look to upset the Ravens and force them into an 0-2 start.
On the other side is 28-year-old Lamar Jackson, who took over for Flacco as the starting quarterback in 2018. Jackson was able to play in all 16 games, albeit limited, and tossed six touchdown passes to three interceptions.
Before the Sunday game, Flacco was asked about Jackson and had some positive thoughts about his former teammate.
“We don’t stay in touch, but we saw each other a couple years. I think we put a smile on each other’s faces. I enjoy being with him. When we see each other, it’ll be like right back in 2018.”
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That 2018 Ravens team saw them go 10-6, win the AFC North, but eventually fall 23-17 to the Chargers in the postseason. The very next season, Jackson won the MVP, leading Baltimore to a 13-2 record, but losing in the divisional round to Tennessee.
Flacco, now 40 years old, has one title under his belt and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XLVII. Jackson has yet to win one, or even get to one.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and Cleveland Browns’ Joe Flacco were once teammates, and Flacco is now reflecting on their relationship. — Source: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jackson will come into this game hungry as ever following the Week 1 debacle by his team. The Ravens blew a big lead and lost to the Buffalo Bills 41-40 on “Sunday Night Football.” The quarterback completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Jackson also rushed six times for 70 yards and a score.
Flacco, on the other hand, threw the football 45 times for 290 yards. He also threw a touchdown pass, but it went with two interceptions by Cincinnati. Not known for his legs, he was able to run the ball twice for six yards in the game.
With both teams starting 0-1, there is extra pressure on both quarterbacks, as both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh won their Week 1 game. The Browns, following the Ravens game, will host the Packers in Week 3 and travel to Detroit in Week 4. Baltimore plays “Monday Night Football” against the Lions in Week 3, and they are on the road at Kansas City in Week 4.
About the author
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Rodney Knuppel is a contributing writer to the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.