Baltimore Ravens: The M&T Bank Stadium Advantage
By Brandon Suir
Dec 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens players are introduced prior to the game against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have earned a fierce reputation in their brief history. Valued at $1.15 billion dollars, the Ravens are the 19th richest sport franchise in the world. And it all comes to a head when visiting teams set foot inside M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore is coming off the toughest part of their schedule, having played four of their last five games on the road. After back-to-back losses against divisional opponents, a return to M&T is in order.
More from The Baltimore Wire
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29
This coming Sunday, the Ravens, now playing with an “every game is crucial” mindset, host the Tennessee Titans. Now I am interested to see Michael Oher make his first appearance at M&T as an opponent (I’m sure former teammates will be giving him a hard time about his history with false starts), but I’m more excited about how home-field advantage can get Baltimore back on a winning track.
The Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL at home. 3-1 at home this year, Baltimore has won 33 of its last 39 at M&T. In fact, since John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco arrived in 2008, Baltimore is 42-10 at home, second only to the duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
The winning record matches the atmosphere. M&T boasts a loud, tough crowd. Fans are excited and behind the team from the moment they come out of the tunnel to the time they return to the locker room. No visitor has had great success at M&T in the Flacco/Harbaugh era.
Every home game is a must win for the Ravens, as they have continued to struggle on the road since 2013. So far they have just four road wins since last season and are 25-28 on the road under Harbaugh.
The Ravens have only three road games left this season: against New Orleans, Miami, and Houston. But before Baltimore gets back on the bus, all the focus is on defeating the Titans Sunday.