Previewing the game: Let Luke and Nestor get you ready for Flacco homecoming and Browns chances against Ravens

Joe Flacco is coming back to Baltimore as a starting quarterback and a decided underdog to the angry Baltimore Ravens, who are reeling from a stunning loss in Buffalo and a tough week at The Castle. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the emotions of 30 years of Browns-Ravens “rivalry” and the Browns’ chances against a Ravens team that needs a win.

Nestor Aparicio and Luke Jones discussed the upcoming Baltimore Ravens game against the Cleveland Browns, highlighting Joe Flacco’s return to Baltimore and the Browns’ defense, which performed well against the Bengals. They noted the Ravens’ struggles in the fourth quarter against the Bills and the need for improved discipline and execution. The conversation also touched on the Ravens’ 30th anniversary celebration, featuring former Baltimore Colts players, and the importance of responsible gambling. They emphasized the Browns’ potential threats, particularly through their tight ends and running backs, and the Ravens’ need to maintain focus and consistency.

• [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Reach out to Lydell Mitchell to have him on the show this week.
• [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Attend the 75 Colts reunion event on Saturday.
• [ ] Cover the Ravens vs. Browns game on Sunday from the press box.

Flacco’s Homecoming and Browns’ Chances Against Ravens

• Nestor Aparicio introduces the show, mentioning the upcoming victory over the Cleveland Browns and the wagering community’s confidence.
• Nestor highlights the Maryland lottery tickets and responsible gaming month, referencing a previous conversation with a gambler.
• Nestor discusses the Maryland crab cake tour and his craving for coconut shrimp.
• Nestor and Luke Jones discuss Joe Flacco’s return to Baltimore as a starting quarterback for the Browns, reflecting on his career and past experiences with him.

Joe Flacco’s Career and Browns’ Strategy

• Luke Jones recalls covering Joe Flacco’s first training camp in 2009 and his career trajectory since being traded by the Ravens.
• Nestor and Luke discuss Flacco’s unexpected return to high-level play with the Browns in 2023 and his personal life.
• Nestor mentions the Browns’ strategy of honoring former players and teams, comparing it to the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
• Luke expresses mixed feelings about the Browns’ decision to honor former Colts players during their game against the Ravens.

Recognition of the 1975 Colts and Upcoming Event

• Nestor shares details about an event honoring the 1975 Colts, including a list of expected attendees and the significance of the event.
• Luke Jones emphasizes the importance of remembering the old Baltimore Colts and the Ravens’ decision to honor them.
• Nestor mentions the upcoming event at Union Craft Brewing and encourages listeners to attend.
• Luke and Nestor discuss the significance of the 1975 Colts and the impact they had on the Baltimore sports community.

Browns’ Defense and Ravens’ Offense

• Nestor and Luke analyze the Browns’ defense, noting their strong performance against the Bengals and their potential to disrupt the Ravens’ offense.
• Luke highlights the Ravens’ ability to score points and the challenges the Browns’ defense might face.
• Nestor and Luke discuss the importance of running the ball effectively and the potential impact of the Browns’ defense on the game.
• Luke mentions the Browns’ use of tight ends and running backs in their passing game as a threat to the Ravens.

Ravens’ Defensive Struggles and Player Adjustments

• Nestor and Luke discuss the Ravens’ defensive struggles in the fourth quarter against the Bills and the need for improvement.
• Luke shares comments from Marlon Humphrey and other players about the need for better execution and teamwork on defense.
• Nestor and Luke speculate on potential changes to the defensive lineup, including the role of Jair Alexander and the impact of limited practice time.
• Luke emphasizes the importance of disciplined play and the need for the defense to earn back the fans’ trust.

Browns’ Offensive Strategy and Key Players

• Nestor and Luke analyze the Browns’ offensive strategy, focusing on Joe Flacco’s strengths and the role of tight ends and running backs.
• Luke highlights the importance of the Browns’ ability to convert on third down and the potential impact of their passing game.
• Nestor and Luke discuss the Browns’ use of rookie tight end Harrison Fannin and the potential for a strong performance from him.
• Luke emphasizes the need for the Ravens’ defense to be prepared for the Browns’ offensive threats and to execute well in key situations.

Ravens’ Preparation and Game Plan

• Nestor and Luke discuss the Ravens’ preparation for the Browns game, including the importance of running the ball effectively and controlling the clock.
• Luke shares insights from players and coaches about the team’s focus on improving their fourth-quarter performance.
• Nestor and Luke speculate on potential adjustments to the defensive lineup and the impact of limited practice time on player readiness.
• Luke emphasizes the need for the Ravens to play disciplined, assignment football and to earn back the fans’ trust.

Browns’ Key Matchups and Potential Outcomes

• Nestor and Luke analyze the key matchups between the Browns and Ravens, including the impact of the Browns’ defense on the Ravens’ offense.
• Luke highlights the importance of the Ravens’ ability to score points and the potential for a high-scoring game.
• Nestor and Luke discuss the potential impact of the Browns’ offense on the game and the need for the Ravens’ defense to be prepared.
• Luke emphasizes the importance of the Ravens’ execution and discipline in key situations to secure a victory.

Ravens’ Roster Construction and Defensive Adjustments

• Nestor and Luke discuss the Ravens’ roster construction and the potential impact of limited practice time on player readiness.
• Luke shares insights from players and coaches about the team’s focus on improving their defensive performance.
• Nestor and Luke speculate on potential adjustments to the defensive lineup and the impact of limited practice time on player readiness.
• Luke emphasizes the need for the Ravens to play disciplined, assignment football and to earn back the fans’ trust.

Browns’ Offensive Threats and Ravens’ Defensive Response

• Nestor and Luke analyze the Browns’ offensive threats, including the potential impact of tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
• Luke highlights the importance of the Ravens’ ability to execute their defensive game plan and to be prepared for the Browns’ offensive strategies.
• Nestor and Luke discuss the potential impact of the Browns’ offense on the game and the need for the Ravens’ defense to be disciplined and focused.
• Luke emphasizes the importance of the Ravens’ execution and discipline in key situations to secure a victory.

Luke Jones and Nestor discuss …wns chances against Ravens.mp4

Thu, Sep 11, 2025 6:52AM • 29:09

SUMMARY KEYWORDS

Browns vs. Ravens, Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, NFL matchups, responsible gaming, Maryland crab cake tour, 75 Colts, Ozzie Newsome, Marlon Humphrey, defense maturity, fourth quarter, Josh Allen, David Njoku.

SPEAKERS

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Luke Jones, Nestor Aparicio

Nestor Aparicio  00:01

Welcome home. We are W, N, S T. Am 1570 task of Baltimore. We are Baltimore positive. We are taking the show out on the road after what we think will be a victory over the Cleveland Browns. Certainly, everyone in the wagering community seems to believe that, speaking of wagering, we have Maryland lottery tickets and it’s also responsible gaming month, had a great conversation with will Hindman, a long conversation with a real gambler. I mean, a guy who went to the bottom of the earth and comes back and now if you call 800 gamble, it’s the guy you get. So just want to point that out as we get ready for week two of the NFL matchups, and, of course, college football all weekend long, I will have Raven scratch offs on Tuesday at the Beaumont in Catonsville for the Maryland crab cake tour. Tastiness is counting down. I think we’re down to then number five right now, which is the coconut shrimp. Makes me want the coconut shrimp to go over to Coco’s right now. Might have to get back over there this weekend. Get some ribs and some coleslaw coconut shrimp. And I would advise you do the same thing. Luke Jones can do that, except can’t do that on Sunday. He’s got game day duty in the Kevin Byrne press box up in the corner, where they have one seat for w, N, S, T, apparently, one seat for some other media entities as well. And we will witness something, I guess Luke that I you know Joe. I know Joe. We’ve seen Joe throw were you around here when Flacco was drafted? Did you came like an oh eight into my life? Maybe the summer, spring of oh eight, like I think you two have been in my life the exact period of time you’re almost the same age as well as my kid. This is an unlikely scenario, that seven, eight years ago, three, four years ago, one, two years ago, that we would see Joe Flacco come into Baltimore as a starting quarterback again.

Luke Jones  01:53

Yeah. I mean seven years ago, I don’t think there was much surprise there if he were to come back into Baltimore, but just how his career has gone. And just to clarify, 2009

Nestor Aparicio  02:03

nine, so fracking came first. Yeah, he came first

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Luke Jones  02:08

in spring of 2009 and training camp 2009 and at McDaniel was my first training camp that I covered. I mean, I’ve been to plenty of training camp practices prior to that, but as a media but you

Nestor Aparicio  02:19

knew no training camp before Joe No,

Luke Jones  02:23

no, and just that experience of going to Westminster and all that. But it is wild to think about it, because you think of how Joe Flacco, his career has played out since being traded by the ravens, since being replaced by Lamar Jackson, he had the year in Denver, which did not go very well. Remember he got hurt, had the neck, what a neck issue, and ended up finishing the year on IR, I believe. And since then, he’s mostly been a backup quarterback, right? I mean, he’s not that he hasn’t made starts, but until the end of that 2023 season, with that crazy run he had with Cleveland, where he literally was on his couch at what right around Thanksgiving, and then he’s starting games and playing at a high level and helping the Browns make the playoffs,

Nestor Aparicio  03:08

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but passes to his father and his kids in the

Luke Jones  03:11

backyard, literally, exactly so. So this is very one. It’s surprising, even looking at it through the lens of him just coming back as a member of the opposition in Baltimore, of course, the Ravens went up to the Meadowlands a few years ago, and he started that opener for the Jets at that point. But it’s different when he’s coming back to town. It’s different when you have the 30th it’s not the 30th anniversary, it’s the 30th season being celebrated on Sunday with some of the former teammates and former ravens players and all.

Nestor Aparicio  03:46

What are they? You got to tell me what they’re doing. I don’t get the press releases from Chad Steele anymore, so I literally don’t even know. I was informed by like, a Cleveland reporter. They’re like, yeah, they’re bringing Ozzy out. They’re going to stuff it back at Cleveland this week in the same way that the Oilers, you know, and the Texans, they wear their jerseys when they play each other. It’s sort of like, why would he just put arts bust up onto the screen too, which, I’m sure it’s going to be a part of it. So, you know, doing this at a Cleveland game is a little, I don’t know, you know, yeah, I actually

Luke Jones  04:15

wanted to bring that up to you, because I was even debating that with some of the other, you know, the other ravens reporters on the beat.

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Nestor Aparicio  04:22

We stole their team. It’s in poor taste.

Luke Jones  04:26

I don’t love it at the same time, I’m not going to see I’ll push back right away at this is nowhere in the stratosphere of the Tennessee Titans wearing old Houston Oilers jerseys against the Texans. I i trashy. Yeah, this is not even close to that. I think it’s the first game of the season, which is a logical time to do that. However, I’m not going to sit here and say, Well, you, you couldn’t have done it against Detroit next week for Monday Night Football, right? A national TV game all that. So Ray Lewis added half. Of time and do, I mean, I don’t think it’s, I don’t think it’s something that they did deliberately, as much as it’s the first game of the season, and generally speaking, over the history, when they’ve celebrated the 10th season, the the 15th, the 20th, whatever, they’ve generally done it the first game of the season. So, but at the same time, I’m not going to sit here and diminish what people in Cleveland felt like when I had a father and grandparents who cried the morning the Colts left town, and maybe two of us one years ago. So So I always want to be sensitive to that. Do I think it’s the end of the world? Do I think it’s like the most classless thing, or anything? No, I think that’s hyperbole, but I know what they’re doing. So I like, literally, they’re doing a thing. I don’t know what the film even is. They’re, they’re recognizing the 30th season. And, you know, going back to the 2005 season, they’ve always done this for the 10th season,

Nestor Aparicio  05:52

not the 10th Anniversary. They had a big X with my PSL, when they said that, when I did the same

Luke Jones  05:56

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thing in 2015 I the way it’s, it seems. I mean, at least in week one, they did not wear that. I wonder, if you go back and say, well, 2005 say, well, 2005 was a dud of a season, 2015 was a dud of a season. Let’s not do that again. But there’s nothing I mean that they are recognizing the 1975 Colts. They’re actually going to be wrecked. Well, I’ll

Nestor Aparicio  06:15

be recognizing them because ladle Mitchell’s coming on this weekend. And also just, you know, I was a 75 colts guy. So Clark judge, if you’ve been listening the last couple weeks, we’ve talked about Bert Jones and The Legend of Bert Jones. And, you know, anybody sees Bruce Laird around town or Stan white, or any of those guys, Howard Stevens, through the course of our lifetime? You know, I’m, I am thrilled to be spending Saturday with the 75 Colts.

Luke Jones  06:39

Thrilled. Yeah, very cool. I mean, it’s an awesome opportunity. I like that the ravens are recognizing the 75 colts, right? I mean, I think it’s important to always remember the old Baltimore Colts, right? I mean, can

Nestor Aparicio  06:52

I give you a list of the names? Because I haven’t done a plug for them, and I’ve been trying to get bird on, and it’s, it’s a bull roast. It’s Saturday afternoon, if you’re interested in going, it’s Babe Ruth. Birthplace is Bay Museum is a part of this. It’s over at Union craft right on 83 right next to where Joe Washington used to work. Expected attendees. Let me give you some names here for anybody who’s my age or older who would appreciate this. And Luke, I don’t know if you know this, I have like, a colts hat that was the helmet hat that had the stripe in it from like 1981 82 never got the oiler one. I always wanted it, but I have the Colt one, and I took it out to the last colts reunion, which my wife doesn’t remember being a part of, which might mean it was longer than 22 years ago. I do remember Lenny Moore’s son had just passed, and he did a fundraiser. And it was around the Colts. It was corral in the Colts, I think it was called, and a lot of guys came back, but I’m talking about like, way before I knew you. I don’t know if it was 20 years ago or 20, because it’s all running together for me, but I took that hat out and I had a bunch of guys sign it. I think our Donovan signed it that night, because he was alive in there and well, but this is where we are in 2025 so the 75 colts, Roger Carr, Fred Cook, Dan Dickel, John Dutton, whom I’ve never met, Joe Ehrman, whom I love. Ken Huff Marshall Johnson, who I always loved as a kickoff returner, number 80, Bert Jones. I mean, Burt Jones, George Coons, was my my dad’s favorite player. My dad loved George. My dad loved offensive lineman. He loved Ken Mendenhall too, but Ken Mendenhall is not coming. Bruce Laird, Darryl loose Tom McLeod Don McCauley, give the ball to McCauley at the goal line. Lydo Mitchell, Doug nettles, Howard Stevens, David Taylor, Bob van, doing Rick Volk, who I haven’t seen recently, and Stan white. So there you have it. It’s Saturday afternoon, three to six. It says dress is casual, but I’m wearing my Baltimore Colts belt buckle. So I love that’s casual or not, Luke, but no, but I want to throw that in, because we haven’t done anything with the 75 colts, and I wish we had done more, but they’re being honored on the field as well on Sunday. So this is going to be something, right? Yeah, and,

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Luke Jones  09:06

and just to follow up, because you had mentioned, what are they doing? I mean, you mentioned Ozzie Newsome is a legend of the game. I mean, there’s no I don’t care who’s coming into Baltimore, the browns, whoever Alabama could come into like Ozzy is a perfectly acceptable legend of the game at any given Sunday, but at halftime, then they’re having a number of ravens legends. There is going to be a mixed reality show on the video boards. The band’s going to perform. And look, I mean, they’re doing a celebration for 30 years of the Ravens being in Baltimore, the Browns are on the other side. Again. I want to come. How much are tickets? Well, you’d have to look in the secondary market for that. I mean, I mean, look, there’s a lot of frustration this week, and we’ll get into that part of it here as you and I are breaking this one down. But you know, it’s also amazing to kind of think about this, because it’s about. Especially me. I mean, as someone who, I mean the Colts left when I was an infant. I was literally five months old, whatever it was, you know, March of 1984 and to think about those years as a kid hearing the stories of the Old colts, like the 75 Colts. I mean, yeah, it was more Unitas and Lenny Moore. And my grandfather loved Raymond Berry and all of that. But you know, those mid 70s teams with March of Rhoda and, I mean, how fun that was, and I think it’s important to celebrate those teams as well that okay, they didn’t win a Super Bowl, right? One of my favorite teams with the Orioles as a very young, young kid, was the 1989 Why not team, right? I mean, they didn’t even make the playoffs, but that was so unexpected. And when you look at the beginning of that colts run in the mid 70s, that was unexpected. I mean, you know, that’s, it’s fun to celebrate that, and especially when you’re talking about a franchise that, yes, the franchise itself left in 84 but we all know older fans, and they’re, you know, I don’t want to let myself in that I experienced it, but I was the generation after the generation that absolutely loved the Colts. And this is a little weird to be like the rams and the Cardinals getting together in St Louis. Yeah, you know, the Bermuda Triangle of the Colts and the browns and the Ravens kind of all coming together on Sunday in some way, now that they’re bringing all the 75 colts back, because virtue has got nothing to do with the ravens and nothing to do with the browns, sure, sure, so. But, I mean, that was, I think that’s what was always so important when the Raven, you know, when the Browns came to Baltimore and became the ravens, They that we did not take that brown helmet, right, right? I mean, I never, I think back to it now, and that’s why, like to me the Tennessee Titans wearing the Oilers gears beyond It’s neat seeing it because it’s a gorgeous uniform. It’s in poor taste. And the thought is, if you’re someone living in Nashville, what link do you have to Earl Campbell, right? What link do you have to Warren Moon, other than just maybe, but they did wear Steve McNair’s jerseys when they got there, and they didn’t jersey. So that’s fair. Eddie George wore that jersey, right? So that’s also the prop. That’s the problem, though, with correct taking that. You know that’s the problem with Jack Youngblood being on the wall in St Louis when I’m there and saying, What the hell is he doing on the wall, exactly? And it’s why, why it’s weird now, like for Ernest minor, Kurt Warner suddenly is recognized in LA, right? I mean, it just doesn’t make sense. So, so again, the Cleveland perspective, I get that, do I? But I do. I think it’s this over the top class lists like, Oh, you shouldn’t be doing, you know, it’s the nature of the league.

Nestor Aparicio  12:41

It’s classless to pull your team out of St Louis, if you’re from Missouri, and move it to LA but we, you know, we just get by

Luke Jones  12:47

classless every day. You know what I mean? So, but I just, but at the same time, I also understand it’s first game of the season. You know, I don’t put it this way. I don’t think there was any premeditated idea of, hey, let’s look at the calendar. When are we playing the browns? Oh, that’s when we want to do our

Nestor Aparicio  13:03

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I’m just telling you. I’m three for three. We’re talking to Cleveland people this week, and I’ll do a Kenny Rhoda show in Canton later on. And they’re all like, I understand this is a Ravens being classless 30 years later. Why? You know, like, what’s the Yeah, I mean, I especially when Cleveland, I’m won anything. But that being said, let’s get onto the field. Joe Flacco could come back up here and kick sand and John Harbaugh’s eyes and steal a football game. They’ve had problems with their kicker, but they played a really good game. On Sunday. I watched the game. They’re not their defense played well. Their defense played well. I would say this. Munch said there are three or four win team. Four and a half’s the number in Vegas. And he’s like, I’m taking calls all day from gamblers that are betting the over because they’re just like, How can we not win five games? You know what? I mean, if you’re a Browns fan, you put 100 bucks on a year. By the way, it is Responsible Gambling month. So, you know, do it? Do it responsibly. But I’m saying from a if you’re a Browns fan, what do you got? You ain’t winning the Super Bowl, you know that, but you might beat the Ravens on Sunday, and you almost beat the Bengals last week.

Luke Jones  13:58

I mean, I think if you’re a Browns fan, I mean, and I say this with no disrespect to Joe Flacco, but he’s 40 years old. You’re kind of looking at this thing and you’re saying, okay, when are we gonna when’s it going to be time for Dylan Gabriel? When’s it going to be time for shador Sanders, right? I mean, or are we just going to tank so badly that, okay, we’re going to draft a quarterback next April, because we’re the browns, and that’s what we typically do at least every other year, right? I mean, that’s just kind of the way it works. But their defense played very well. I mean, if you watch Cincinnati in that game, they I mean, especially the second half, they did nothing. I mean, go, Look, they literally, the yardage total was just nothing. So this is a Browns defense that when it’s healthy, and they have a couple guys banged up this week, but, you know, they’re limited practice, so I would assume you’ll see them play, but they’ve got a really talented defense. And put it this way, that’s not me suggesting they’re going to shut down this ravens offense, because I you know, again, until the final couple drives on Sunday. Night, we were talking about a Ravens team that scored 40 points, right and ran all over the place, and Lamar Jackson when he did throw through very effectively, and zay flowers had a career night. And all if they score 40 on Sunday, they’re not going to lose Well, there’s that, but I guess the point I was trying to make is the Browns aren’t going to shut them down. This isn’t what I’m implying whatsoever, but the Ravens is going to have a much more difficult time trying to score 40 on Cleveland unless Joe Flacco throws them a ball, the ball a couple times their running backs put it on the turf, that kind of scenario, because I think Cleveland has a more talented, you know, every you know, first level to third level defense than what Buffalo has. Which buffalo had, you know, and Oliver was amazing and made huge plays. But let’s face it, that buffalo defense was, as I said to you, even before the game and even breaking it down after on paper, that’s not a good matchup, because they’re undersized. They kind of play. They’re built for the more traditional style of 2025 NFL offense, whereas the ravens, you know, they want to play heavy. They’re going to give the ball to Derrick. Henry Lamar is going to keep it all that so and Cleveland’s also a team that is used to seeing the Ravens offense twice a year. Again, that doesn’t mean they’re going to shut them down. I think the Ravens will score plenty of points, but

Nestor Aparicio  16:14

that’s the biggest case. Here is our boy, Jimmy Schwartz, over and Arbutus put stuff together and having chess pieces like miles Garrett to wreck key plays, right? I mean wrecking a play and getting the ball back. Wreck, you know, just have six plays where you wreck them on third down and force them into a punt, force them into a field position game, force them into it’s 1713, at halftime, and

Luke Jones  16:40

it’s a game, um, and then see if the Ravens do what they did last week. Then, right? I mean,

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Nestor Aparicio  16:44

look, the ravens are capable of boat racing anyone but good defenses. And familiar defenses usually create closer games. Closer games create who’s our kicker, or, you know, are we going to, are we really going to be able to run the ball? We have to, yeah, we have Derek, Henry. We have Lamar? Yeah, we punted, fumbled and punted in the fourth quarter in Buffalo when it mattered, with a 15 point lead. So, you know, you could talk we run heavy, yeah, well, then run heavy in the fourth quarter, or run so heavy early that you don’t need to worry about it. But this team’s had a real problem with the boat race and then falling asleep in the fourth quarter.

Luke Jones  17:22

Yeah. I mean, even several days later, I’m still struggling with this because, I mean, and there’s a lot that’s been said from the fan base, from the media, some points are better than others. I think some of it’s irrelevant to the conversation. I mean, I’ve seen people bringing up the 2014 playoff game. It’s like, let’s go. Let’s not use revisionist history here. I I don’t put that on John Harbaugh that that was kind of Ozzie Newsome, because they entered that season with two off injured starting corners, and their number three and number four corners on paper, the plan was shocky Brown and ASA Jackson, and then the injuries piled up and, oh, you’re facing Tom Brady in the divisional round. Yeah, he’s probably going to chuck the ball all over the field on you at that point. So and they did have a two touchdown lead gen game they Joe would point out. So they did, but they also had Rashawn, Melvin and guys like that playing corner. So I want to you know, for me, let’s stick to the last few years, because there’s plenty of meat on the bone to talk about the last few years,

Nestor Aparicio  18:18

right? I only want to talk about Marlon Humphrey and Ronnie Stanley, Lamar Jackson and Mark

Luke Jones  18:23

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Andrews. You know, one of the more interesting comments that I heard on Wednesday, you know, we had a chance to talk to Marlon Humphrey, who, at times, is not the easiest guy to get to talk in the locker room, but when he does, generally, he’s good talking about this kind of stuff. And he made the comment. I thought it was very interesting, the wording that he used that John Harbaugh said they haven’t matured yet as a football team, and more specifically, Zach or talking about them needing to mature as a defense. And when I say maturity, I don’t think the connotation here is guys character or guys that aren’t. I think it means maturing, knowing how to play together as 11 on the field at one point in time. And Humphrey went into, you know, the the mentality that everyone has on the defense in that spot is everyone wants to make the play to win the game, or to seal the game, or to shut the door, however you want to categorize it, right? However, whatever semantics you want to use for finishing out a lead when you have a lead in the fourth quarter, and implied that some guys were kind of not doing freelancing might be too, too strong a word, but not necessarily playing their assignment in the way that you’re trying to complement one another, right in the way that the pass rush, yeah, you want to get to Josh Allen, but not in a way that’s going to allow him to leak out and you lose contain, and he’s able to extend plays the way that he did. So they do a lot of the cage rushing right, which is, you know, close the pocket, but do it in a way that’s going to keep him in the pocket, right? So, you know, obviously, on the back end of the defense. And. And the different coverages that they played that didn’t work. And we know what happened with Jair Alexander. I thought Marlon did not bring him up by name, so I don’t want to put words into his mouth, but he made a comment that Zach or said, guys, we’re not going to go through this again like we did last year, where guys are going to be getting second chances and all that. I think the the implications talking about Eddie Jackson and Marcus Williams. You know, Eddie Jackson didn’t make it through last year. Marcus Williams, of course, was cut after the season, but I think, and Kyle Hamilton was pulled off the line and called to play in the back. I mean, yeah, all the adjustments, you know, they bet they benched Trenton since Simpson post by by week, and used a timeshare. Malik Harrison,

Nestor Aparicio  20:39

Darius Washington, you know, into a position.

Luke Jones  20:42

Yeah, so, but, but I just thought it was interesting to hear that, and, you know, to hear him speak, to hear a couple of the other guys speak. I thought a couple days later we would hear much more of a tone of guys. It was one game. The Buffalo Bills are really, really good look. That’s true. If you would ask me my assessment of the Ravens on Sunday night, the Ravens defense with 10 minutes to go on Sunday night, I would have told you this. Yeah, the defense definitely has some work to do. There’s no doubt about that. But you know what? They’re going up against, Josh Allen and the bills, right? I mean, you’re talking about one of the very best in the league at quarterback and one of the best offenses in the league. So we also have to understand, you’re not going to shut them down as though you’re the 2000 ravens, and it’s Spurgeon win in the 2000 Cleveland Browns, right? So, but the final 10 minutes of that game, and, you know, really the fourth quarter, but specifically the last few drives. I mean, my goodness, you can’t have that. And you could tell there for week two, this felt a little bit, you know, as far as the response even, and hearing these guys reflect on Wednesday. I mean, Kyle van Noy even acknowledged. He said, Look, normally, it’s a 24 hour rule. This was a 48 hour rule kind of game for us, because that’s how below the bar it was for us in the fourth quarter, and we’re doing everything we can to get back on track. We will get back on track. But I think it was so jarring for them, because it was the first game of the season, because it was against buffalo again. I mean, look, this Buffalo game was very different than the one back in January, the one in January, they led for they had a lead in that game for about five minutes total, right? They were playing from behind in that game, that that entire night in Buffalo, whereas

Nestor Aparicio  22:27

this game, I think that made it easier to accept that they lost, yeah, they lost this game as a playoff game at home. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. It would have been Oilers bills 35 years ago.

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Luke Jones  22:41

No question about so. So that’s where, you know, again, everything kind of gets lumped together. And look, I mean, the Ravens have to wear it, right? I mean, when you lose a game like that, you have to wear it. It’s a long week. There’s no doubt about that. But I do. It was interesting to hear the reaction that usually by Wednesday, guys are like, guys that was last week. You know, we’re on the Cleveland you know the proverbial you know Belichick saying on to Cincinnati a decade ago, and how that’s become a cliche for teams to to not have to look back at the previous game. But I think there was very much a sense of like guys we we prepared all spring and summer to face the bills the first night, opening night, and our offense did everything they did, and we go out there and play like that in the fourth quarter. I mean, that’s just, you know. I mean, Hamilton said after the game, you know, when he saw the statistics, you know, up on the scoreboard, and he said he wanted to throw up seeing how many yards Josh Allen had. So, you know, this Cleveland offense does not, you know, Joe Flacco is not Josh Allen, especially at this point in his career, he’s not going to run around like Josh Allen can, so it’s a much different matchup. That said, you still need to go out there and play good football, and you need to play a good, disciplined assignment football, which very much the implication hearing Marlon Humphrey and a couple other guys talk they weren’t doing at the end of the game, right? I mean, Marlon Humphrey, it was interesting for for everyone that just wants to blame the coaching staff. And look, the coaching staff has to wear this too. Let me be clear about that. But you and I have talked about this a lot. My this isn’t a raven or an Orioles thing. This is a sports fandom in 2025 and I’ll throw media in there as well. You know, at least a segment of what’s left of us well that that always wants to praise the players for wins, blame the coaches for losses, right? And there’s way more nuance, but, but Marlon Humphrey went out of his way to say he thought the calls that were made in crunch time he had no issue with. He thought the calls were right. He said they had gone over those same scenarios in practice, and he said they didn’t execute it. So it’ll be interesting to see what happens this week in terms of think it’ll be drastic changes, but I will say this, I’m interested to see what is going to happen with Jair Alexander this week, because he struggled so badly, and John Harbaugh even acknowledged the lack of practice. Time, and that probably playing a role. I wouldn’t be shocked if Jair Alexander has a far diminished role compared to what he and in fairness, he didn’t play a whole lot in the first half. Well, it’s Can you trust him? And that’s the thing. But at the same time, and this goes back to the roster construction. You heard me talk a whole lot about one of my concerns on defense was, what the number three safety spot they at this point in time, Sanusi Kane is their number three safety now. Maybe he’s out there more on Sunday, right? I mean, did not have a presence on, you know, other than playing special teams, also how they want to play the browns and stop in the run, because, and that’s, that’s a different part of it as well. But at the same time, I will be interested, because they did so much for cornerback dime. So when they went into dime, which means you have six defensive backs, they played much more four corners on the field. So it was Wiggins and Alexander on the outside, Marlon Humphrey at the nickel, as he typically is, and then they had a Wu Ze a at the dime spot. So that’s how they approach their dime package. And then they still had two safeties. Well, if you’re going to scale back, Jair Alexander for the time being, and I’m not saying, I’m not implying, he’s going to be benched permanently, but I do wonder if it’s kind of take a step back and pump the brakes with him for the next week or two until he gets acclimated and practices a little bit more. Well, who’s that guy? Then are you putting TJ Tampa out there? Are you going more three safety looks and Sanusi Kane is out there? So that’s another chess piece that you have to kind of move around and figure out, hey, is this going to work for us? So as far as Cleveland goes, I mean, they didn’t do a whole lot against the Bengals offense. They couldn’t run the ball at all. Joe Flacco made some good throws. Well, they’re gonna be in third and 6/3, and 8/3, and 10, and then they’re gonna have to make a play, and Joko, you know, like they’re gonna have to move the chains that way. Oh, and I think the interesting you mentioned David and Joko, who was a absolute target monster two years ago when Joe Flacco took over a quarterback for them down the stretch, he was throwing to him and Amari Cooper, who just announced his retirement really recently, you know, instead of playing for the Raiders, but the guy to watch, besides Njoku, is also their rookie tight end, Harold Fannin, who he was very involved with what they did on Sunday. So you’re looking at tight ends, I think they’re going to throw to their backs. You know, Dylan Sampson was pretty active in terms of a receiver out of the backfield.

Nestor Aparicio  27:35

Everything Joe did well 10 years ago, he kind of still does well. And how you build around that you get four down, four yards on first down running the ball.

Luke Jones  27:43

Sure, sure. So, so, you know, I mean, I, I, is this a Browns offense that the Ravens should fear? Absolutely not. But the ravens are in no position right now to be puffing out their chest on defense whatsoever, right? I mean, you’ve got to earn that, right?

Nestor Aparicio  27:57

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Yeah, go get your four downs and get the ball back, and we’ll talk about it on Saturday.

Luke Jones  28:01

So So you know, they should win. They better win. But I would have I said the same exact thing about the Las Vegas Raiders coming into town week two last year, and we saw how that turned

Nestor Aparicio  28:13

it’s never easy with the Cleveland Browns. Luke is here. He is Baltimore. Luke. He’s out in Owings Mills. We’re going to have you covered for game time one o’clock on Sunday. We’ve been doing a lot of baseball this week, as well as getting you ready with the Cleveland Browns. You have that 75 colts coming to town. Lido Mitchell is going to be on the show here this week. You find it all out of Baltimore positive. You can also find me on Tuesday doing the Maryland crab cake tour. We’ll be at the Beaumont and Catonsville. My man, Pat young, coming by, Councilman Pat young, running for Baltimore County Executive. So I’m going to catch up on some things southwest side. Also a military guy, so I’m going to talk to him about military stuff and occupations of American cities by our military. It’s been a lovely week around here, starting with the the loss on Sunday, although Saturday night was okay, but the Orioles are still in last place, and Paul Skeens pitched on Wednesday night, and I missed it. I am Nestor. He is Luke. We are WNS. The am 1570 TAs, Baltimore, getting you ready for football at home and 30th anniversary in the Browns coming to town. Stay with us. You.