From cornerback Chris McAlister’s 107-yard touchdown return off a missed field goal in a win over Denver in 2002 to allowing five first-half touchdowns in a 38-7 loss at Pittsburgh last season, the Ravens’ performances on Monday Night Football have given viewers a reason to stay up late.
And this Monday should be no different. The Ravens (2-0) make their lone appearance on Monday Night Football on ESPN at 8:30 when they visit Heinz Field to face Pittsburgh (2-1) in a huge AFC North Division game.
“It’s going to be loud [in Pittsburgh],” Ravens tight end Todd Heap said. “Monday night is just a different atmosphere, let alone in Pittsburgh. We know what to expect going in there, we know how loud it’s going to be, we know what we’re going to hear out there. So now, it’s just time to go out and play football.”
But the Ravens haven’t gone out and played very well during their recent appearances on Monday Night Football.
The Ravens have lost four straight Monday games, and six of their past seven. The Steelers, however, have seized the national spotlight, as they have won 14 straight home games on Monday Nigh Football, the iconic program that began in 1970.
For rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, Monday’s game is his first road game as a starter after going 28-of-48 passing for 258 yards with two interceptions and a 38-yard touchdown run collectively in victories over Cleveland and Cincinnati at M&T Bank Stadium.
“I don’t know if it’s set in yet,” Flacco said when asked about playing on Monday Night Football. “I’m sure once it gets closer, maybe I can tell you a different answer.”
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has played in eight Monday Night Football games, tallying 107 tackles. His best game came on Sept. 30, 2002 when he had 20 tackles and an interception in a 34-23 win over the Broncos, the same game that featured McAlister’s touchdown return.
But Lewis isn’t worried about the past — all he wants out of the game is for the Ravens is to improve to 3-0 for just the second time in franchise history.
“We don’t want no coming out party,” Lewis said. “All we want to do is play football. It doesn’t matter, man. With me being in the league for so long, I’ve been through that. I’ve told the guys in our Super Bowl year we weren’t picked one time to win a game. So, who cares? Just go play 60 minutes of football, no matter who is watching.”
