NFLYesterday
Ravens Prepare for Motivated Monken in AFC North Showdown
Baltimore players expect their former coordinator to bring extra intensity when the Browns visit on Sunday.
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The Ravens enter Sunday's matchup at 4-1 while the Browns sit at 3-2, setting up an early test for first place in the AFC North. Cleveland's head coach spent the prior three seasons as Baltimore's offensive coordinator before taking the Browns job in January. Ravens players anticipate he will approach the game with strong motivation to secure a win despite his public comments downplaying any personal stakes.
Offensive History and Recent Trends
Under Monken, the Ravens offense reached new levels in 2023 and 2024 before finishing 2025 with 311.8 yards per game, its lowest total in eight years. That season ended at 8-9. Monken has guided the Browns to their strongest start in five years. Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is not expected to play because of an ankle injury.
Views From Both Sides
Ravens players described Monken as competitive and focused on defeating his former team. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman noted the respect remains mutual and stressed the importance of treating the contest as a standard football game. Baltimore coach Jesse Minter called any perceived advantage from shared history overblown, saying both staffs know each other's tendencies well enough that neither side gains a clear edge.
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