2023-10-14 08:14:00
In 2017, John Harbaugh loudly railed once morest the guest appearance in London. Now the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens is back – and wants to drive away the old ghosts with a special plan.
Tom Offinger reports from London
“Coach, I’m very sorry, but we have to talk regarding 2017 once more.”
It’s usually not a good sign when journalists apologize for initiating a question.
Because although John Harbaugh on the question of ran laughs loudly, you can tell the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens is showing a certain amount of tension.
The game once morest the Tennessee Titans (on Sunday in the live ticker) has been haunting the franchise’s environment for months and has not given the 2013 Super Bowl champion much peace.
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Because there has been an emotional ice age between him and the city of London since 2017.
The memories are too painful; the now 61-year-old had made his rejection of the British metropolis too clear.
Six years later, everything is supposed to be better.
John Harbaugh: The Ravens’ last visit to London is a disaster
“I’ll probably get in a lot of trouble for this, but to be honest I don’t necessarily plan on doing so in the coming years AND “To play once more,” said the experienced head coach in October 2017: “Someone else can take on this job.”
A few minutes earlier, Harbaugh had suffered the worst defeat as head of the Baltimore Ravens (you can find an overview of the biggest defeats of ALL 32 NFL head coaches here). With a whopping 7:44, the Jacksonville Jaguars sent the team around then franchise quarterback Joe Flacco back across the pond.
The slap was completed by an incredible 52 passing yards (36 of which went to backup Ryan Mallett, who had to play the final minutes), two interceptions by Flacco and a lost fumble. The only touchdown for the then undefeated Ravens came with just under three minutes left.
“We were really blown away,” said then-safety Jimmy Smith harshly.
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Baltimore Ravens: Big change as the key to success?
Over 2,200 days following the dramatic experience, the franchise is now back in London. Joe Flacco is a thing of the past, and Lamar Jackson, one of the biggest stars in the NFL, is now leading the Ravens onto the field. Of the 53 men humiliated by Jacksonville, only five are still on the current roster.
The biggest change from 2017, however, can be traced back to Harbaugh himself – and at the same time underlines his willingness to leave London with a positive feeling this time. Unlike back then, the Ravens built their transition nest early.
While Baltimore landed on British soil on Monday, the Tennessee Titans only arrived on Friday morning. Almost a full week to get used to the familiar strains.
“Of course, this can be attributed to the fact that we were not so lucky in 2017,” emphasized Harbaugh, who helped order the unusual measure, at the beginning of the stay.
It was a monumental task to bring more than 200 people to London and at the same time create a feeling of home, admitted Bud Reinecke, the “Director of Team Services”, to “The Athletic”.
NFL in London: Baltimore Ravens seem perfectly prepared
A relatively simple and sensible decision – but one that is already having an impact. There is a lot of laughter during the sessions on the spacious grounds of Tottenham Hotspur, and even the typically gray British weather doesn’t seem to dampen the atmosphere.
“The atmosphere within the boys is fantastic,” enthuses Marisol Renner, the Ravens’ PR director, in an interview ran: “Sure, at the beginning of the week there were some difficulties here and there, especially with the tiredness. But now everyone is in a good mood, I have a very good feeling.”
“I personally sleep very well,” said linebacker Roquan Smith on Thursday. “At the beginning of the week some of the guys were bitching regarding the flight,” revealed cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who also played for the Ravens in London in 2017, “but now we’ve all found our rhythm.”
John Harbaugh: Old ghosts don’t leave head coaches in peace
The only one who can’t seem to calm down is still Harbaugh, who has held the reins in Baltimore since 2008.
“Everyone keeps reminding me of it. During the offseason, during training camp, three weeks ago, last week and since Wednesday here in England. I feel like it’s kind of a really big deal,” smiles the 61-year-old Year-old is almost tormented when he is called back to 2017.
September 24, 2017 is still bothering him; it is noticeably eating away at his pride. The frustration is palpable, believable, as if Harbaugh himself wanted to run onto the field and score a touchdown.
“That was six years ago, of course you don’t forget it, something like that stays in your memory,” he summarizes his thoughts before pausing for a moment and making the next declaration of war: “On the other hand, you also have to dedicate yourself to the next challenge – and that are the Tennessee Titans.”
That was six years ago, of course you don’t forget it, something like that stays in your memory.
John Harbaugh, on the biggest defeat of his career
Baltimore Ravens in London: “It’s a great trip”
Far from the black and white thinking and the bold declarations of war, one thing also stands out: no matter who you ask, the Ravens seem to be enjoying their week in London.
“We also had time to finally see a little more of the city,” says Marlon Humphrey, for example. “The people here are fantastic, I’m enjoying London to the fullest. It’s generally a great experience, a great trip,” added star tight end Mark Andrews, who was visiting Europe for the first time, later.
That’s how often NFL teams played abroad
Since 2007, the NFL has hosted regular season games abroad with the International Series. It all started in London, then Mexico and Germany were added. Only two franchises played (or are playing) at all three locations. But which teams have visited foreign countries particularly frequently since then? ran provides an overview. (As of October 13, 2023)© 2023 Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2013; 27:34 vs. Minnesota Vikings)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© USA TODAY Network
Dallas Cowboys (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2014; 31:17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2014 Getty Images
Washington Redskins / Football Team / Commanders (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2016; 27:27 vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© UPI Photo
Cleveland Browns (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2017; 16:33 vs. Minnesota Vikings)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2017 Getty Images
Philadelphia Eagles (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2018; 24:18 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© UPI Photo
Carolina Panthers (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2019; 37:26 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2019 Getty Images
Green Bay Packers (1 game abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2022; 22:27 vs. New York Giants)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© UPI Photo
Denver Broncos (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2010; 16:24 vs. San Francisco 49ers / 2022; 21:17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico:
– Games in Germany: -© 2010 Getty Images
Chicago Bears (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2011; 24:18 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers / 2019; 21:24 vs. Oakland Raiders)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© ZUMA Wire
Detroit Lions (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2014; 22:21 vs. Atlanta Falcons / 2015; 10:45 vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© Action Plus
New York Jets (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2015; 27:14 vs. Miami Dolphins / 2021; 20:27 vs. Atlanta Falcons)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2015 Getty Images
Buffalo Bills (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2015; 31:34 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars / 2023: 20:25 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2015 Getty Images
Indianapolis Colts (2 games abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2016; 27:30 vs. Washington Redskins)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: 1 (2023 vs. New England Patriots)© 2016 Getty Images
Cincinnati Bengals (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2016; 27:27 vs. Washington Redskins / 2019; 10:24 vs. Los Angeles Rams)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© UPI Photo
Houston Texans (2 games abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2019; 26:3 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico: 1 (2016; 20:27 vs. Oakland Raiders)
– Games in Germany: -© USA TODAY Network
Baltimore Ravens (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2017; 7:44 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars / 2023 vs. Tennessee Titans)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2017 Getty Images
Arizona Cardinals (2 games abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2017; 0:33 vs. Los Angeles Rams)
– Games in Mexico: 1 (2022; 10:38 vs. San Francisco 49ers)
– Games in Germany: -© 2017 Getty Images
Seattle Seahawks (2 games abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2018; 27:3 vs. Oakland Raiders)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: 1 (2022; 16:21 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)© 2022 Getty Images
Tennessee Titans (2 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2018; 19:20 vs. Los Angeles Chargers / 2023 vs. Baltimore Ravens)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2018 Getty Images
New York Giants (3 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 3 (2007: 13:10 vs. Miami Dolphins / 2016; 17:10 vs. Los Angeles Rams / 2022; 27:22 vs. Green Bay Packers)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2007 Getty Images
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (3 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2008; 32:37 vs. New Orleans Saints / 2018; 20:19 vs. Tennessee Titans)
– Games in Mexico: 1 (2019; 17:24 vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
– Games in Germany: -© students
New Orleans Saints (3 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 3 (2008; 37:32 vs. San Diego Chargers / 2017; 20:0 vs. Miami Dolphins / 2022; 25:28 vs. Minnesota Vikings)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© students
San Francisco 49ers (3 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2010; 24:16 vs. Denver Broncos / 2013; 42:10 vs. jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico: 1 (2022; 38:10 vs. Arizona Cardinals)
– Games in Germany: -© Action Plus
Minnesota Vikings (3 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 3 (2013; 34:27 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers / 2017; 33:16 vs. Cleveland Browns / 2022; 28:25 vs. New Orleans Saints)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© ZUMA Wire
Atlanta Falcons (3 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 3 (2014; 21:22 vs. Detroit Lions / 2021; 27:20 vs. New York Jets / 2023; 7:23 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2014 Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs (3 games abroad)
– Games in London: 1 (2015; 45:10 vs. Detroit Lions)
– Games in Mexico: 1 (2019; 24:17 vs. Los Angeles Chargers)
– Games in Germany: 1 (2023 vs. Miami Dolphins)© 2015 Getty Images
New England Patriots (4 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 2 (2009; 35:7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers / 2012; 45:7 vs. St. Louis Rams)
– Games in Mexico: 1 (2017; 33:8 vs. Oakland Raiders)
– Games in Germany: 1 (2023 vs. Indianapolis Colts)© ZUMA Wire
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 3 (2009; 7:35 vs. New England Patriots / 2011; 18:24 vs. Chicago Bears / 2019; 26:37 vs. Carolina Panthers)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: 1 (2022; 21:16 vs. Seattle Seahawks)© 2011 Getty Images
St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (4 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 4 (2012; 7:45 vs. New England Patriots / 2016; 10:17 vs. New York Giants / 2017; 33:0 vs. Arizona Cardinals / 2019; 24:10 vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2012 Getty Images
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (5 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 3 (2014; 14:38 vs. Miami Dolphins / 2018; 3:27 vs. Seattle Seahawks / 2019; 24:21 vs. Chicago Bears)
– Spiele in Mexiko: 2 (2016; 27:20 vs. Houston Texans / 2017; 8:33 vs. New England Patriots)
– Games in Germany: -© Panthermedia
Miami Dolphins (6 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 5 (2007; 10:13 vs. New York Giants / 2014; 38:14 vs. Oakland Raiders / 2015; 14:27 vs. New York Jets / 2017; 0:20 vs. New Orleans Saints / 2021; 20:23 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: 1 (2023 vs. Kansas City Chiefs)© 2007 Getty Images
Jacksonville Jaguars (11 games abroad)
– Spiele in London: 11 (2013; 10:42 vs. San Francisco 49ers / 2014; 17:31 vs. Dallas Cowboys / 2015; 34:31 vs. Buffalo Bills / 2016; 30:27 vs. Indianapolis Colts / 2017; 44:7 vs. Baltimore Ravens / 2018; 18:24 vs. Philadelphia Eagles / 2019; 3:26 vs. Houston Texans / 2021; 23:20 vs. Miami Dolphins / 2022; 17:21 vs. Denver Broncos / 2023; 23:7 vs. Atlanta Falcons / 2023; 25:20 vs. Buffalo Bills)
– Games in Mexico:-
– Games in Germany: -© 2023 Getty Images
“It’s a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons,” Harbaugh sums up aptly when asked regarding the positive aspects of the strenuous week: “On the other hand, we’re also growing closer together: We travel together, we spend a lot of time in the hotel or on the bus together. The boys are just having fun – we’re all having fun here together.”
John Harbaugh: Declaration of war on the Tennessee Titans
On Sunday, Harbaugh, who has been in office since 2008, might finally put a stop to one of the most tragic chapters of his head coaching career.
His team is rested, seems to have grown even closer together over the past few days and, above all, is fit: With Odell Beckham Jr., Marlon Humphrey and tackle Morgan Moses, three important starters have disappeared from the injury report. The conditions for an important victory might hardly be better.
“I can’t remember my exact emotions, but it must have been a very wild mix,” admits Harbaugh ranfollowing his laughter dies down at the aforementioned introduction.
For a moment he seems to give some space to his frustration, as if his mind was back to that one day in September 2017: “Usually you want to give your best in every game and this game was very important for us.”
But suddenly the thoughtfulness disappears from his face. “This week’s game is no less important,” he points out clearly, before a slight smile crosses his lips, “but I hope that I’ll be a lot happier on Sunday than last time.”
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