OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey is embracing the upcoming cold weather with a strong defensive mindset. He expressed a desire to compete in heavy snowfall, where running the ball would be a team’s main strategy. As the Ravens gear up for their playoff match against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday night, he mentioned, “It won’t be that snowy… I know they’re used to the cold, but it gets cold enough in Baltimore, so I don’t think it will be much different.”
The weather forecast indicates a possibility of snow and frigid winds, adding to the challenge of facing the Bills in a packed and rowdy stadium. However, the Ravens have a history of thriving in challenging environments, making them well-equipped for this crucial match.
Last weekend, the Ravens secured a significant victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking only their fifth playoff win at home in franchise history, which is notable given their two Super Bowl triumphs and consistent playoff appearances. Their playoff record stands at 5-5 for home games and 11-8 while on the road. Under head coach John Harbaugh’s leadership for 17 seasons, Baltimore has excelled on the road, winning eight playoff games, outpacing all competitors in this regard.
The Ravens’ upcoming game offers them an opportunity to further enhance their road playoff record. If victorious, they may be set for another away matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. This path contrasts with the previous season, where the Ravens were the top seed but faced defeat against the Chiefs at home.
To prepare for the cold, the team practiced indoors due to frozen practice fields on Wednesday and Thursday, though they utilized open doors to allow cold air circulation. The focus on preparation is crucial, as Coach Harbaugh emphasized the need to perform well under various types of pressure—whether from the opposing team or environmental factors, particularly noise levels affecting play.
Historically, the Ravens’ Super Bowl victories in 2000 and 2012 featured only one home playoff game each. In 2000, they triumphed over Tennessee in the divisional round before proceeding to defeat the Raiders for the AFC title. In 2012, the team staged a remarkable comeback known as the “Mile High Miracle” at Denver, followed by a win against New England in the AFC championship.
While the altitude in Denver presents unique challenges, Buffalo poses its own difficulties with icy conditions and passionate fans eager for a championship. Although the Chiefs managed a victory in last year’s playoffs in Buffalo, the Bills have gone undefeated at home since that clash. Regardless of the daunting conditions, Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith remains resolute.
He stated, “It’s about us as a defense doing what we do, regardless of where it’s played or how cold it is. Nobody cares about any of that stuff. It’s about playing ball. It can be on a cement track, wherever it may be. I don’t care if it’s negative. We’re going to be ready, and trust me, the cold will not be a factor at all.”
