During his first training camp practice with the Ravens, new running back Willis McGahee fumbled when he received a jarring hit from rookie linebacker Prescott Burgess.
A fan greeted the former University of Miami star by yelling from the stands: "Hey, Willis, this is Ravenstown. It ain't South Beach."
Judging by their fan base and their players, it's apparent that expectations are already running high.
In front of a cheerful crowd announced as 3,008, the Ravens formally kicked off training camp yesterday at McDaniel College, but the players considered it a continuation of a larger mission.
After a quick playoff exit after a 13-3 regular season, the Ravens are motivated by what they call "unfinished business."
"We came up short last year," quarterback Steve McNair said. "Anybody that says the [playoff] loss to the Indianapolis Colts is not in the back of their mind, they wouldn't be telling the truth.
"At this point in time, we got to realize that it's not about having the best record in the NFL. It's about going to the Super Bowl and winning it. That's our goal right now."
History says flopping in the playoffs isn't always enough motivation to get back there again.
In the 10 seasons before last season (1996-2005), there were seven teams that won 13 or more games in the regular season but failed to win a postseason game. Only three of them returned to the playoffs the next season, but two went on to win the Super Bowl.
"It's no secret. We're not looking past any team, but the bottom line is [the Super Bowl in] Arizona," linebacker Ray Lewis said. "We're not caring about anything else. Playoffs are cute, and it's great to make it there. But Arizona is definitely our destination."
The 15-6 playoff loss to the Colts is one that could haunt a team.
How many times have the Ravens relived moments such as McNair throwing an interception at the goal line, tight end Todd Heap fumbling for the first time all season and Lewis tipping away a would-be interception?
"We know we got unfinished business, but we're not bitter," linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "It happened last year, and last year is gone."
Ravens coach Brian Billick acknowledged that the loss "still hurts," but everyone now must put that game emotionally behind them.
"We're a 13-3 team, and there's no hiding from that," Billick said. "We have a right to be optimistic, but the challenge remains the same: Can we build on that? This team believes in that. Our intention is to pick up where we left off."
Many fans attending the start of training camp were as positive as the players. They believe yesterday was the first step toward another championship march.
"They did well last year, but hopefully they can do a little bit better and make it to the Super Bowl," said Dennis Felts, 31, of White Marsh, who was wearing a throwback University of Miami jersey with Ray Lewis' number. "There are a lot of teams out there that are good, so we'll have to see."
Victoria Dixon, 41, of Kent Island was more bold with her prediction.
"We're going all the way," said Dixon, who was sporting a purple Suggs jersey. "I think that we've got something good going on."
The first practice of training camp was a crisp one.
McNair immediately found his rhythm in the passing game, connecting frequently with Heap over the middle. McGahee began meshing with his new teammates and looked sharp in making his cuts.
And the NFL's reigning top-ranked defense was still swarming to the ball, showing no signs of dropping off with Jarret Johnson replacing All-Pro linebacker Adalius Thomas.
"Even when we won the Super Bowl, we didn't have that certainty going into the season that we would be that type of team. But right now, we have that," Lewis said. "I think that's why everybody is so energetic."
jamison.hensley@baltsun.com
Sun reporter Patrick Gutierrez contributed to this article.