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Baltimore Ravens Greatest Games Part 3 (12-9)

May 17, 2013 in NFL HISTORY, Ravens Greatest Games, Super Bowl XLVII

By Alan Zlotorzynski: Welcome to the third installment of the 20 Greatest Games in Baltimore Ravens History. With the Ravens offseason in full swing and the NFL Draft complete, I decided to dig into the brief 17-year history of what is steadily becoming one of the model franchises in not just the NFL but in all of professional sports.

The first part of the series ranked games 20-17 and last week I delivered 16-13. With just 12-games left to rank, most of the regular season contests are out of the way. Tonight, we start to dive into some of the memorable playoff games during Ravens history. Speaking of the playoffs, the Ravens have become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history during the post season. The Ravens moved to Baltimore in 1996 and failed to qualify for the playoffs during their first four seasons in the Charm City. Under Head Coaches Ted Marchibroda and Brian Billick, the Ravens posted a four-year record of just 24-39-1.

Since the 8-8 season in 1999 under first year head coach Brian Billick, the Ravens have become one of the winingest teams in the NFL. Billick and now John Harbaugh would guide the Ravens to a combined 126-82 mark since 2000—posting 10 winning seasons, tied for third with Green Bay and Pittsburgh during that span.

The Baltimore Ravens are one of four franchises (New England, NY Giants and Pittsburgh) to win multiple Super Bowls since the year 2000 and are the only NFL team to play in multiple Super Bowls and win each game (2000 & 2014).

Ted Marchibroda

The Ravens have earned nine postseason berths – including a current NFL-best five straight – in their 16-year history (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2003, 2001, 2000). Baltimore’s nine berths since 2000 rank third most in the AFC and tie for third in the NFL. They have also won three AFC North division titles, including the last two.

Since arriving from Cleveland, the Ravens have appeared in 21 playoff games, which is second only to New England’s 24. The Ravens are also second to the Patriots in playoffs wins with 14. The Pats have won 17 post-season games since the 2000 season. However, with only seven playoff losses, the Ravens own the best playoff winning percentage (.667) in NFL history (since 1970 AFL/NFL merger), compiling a 14-7 mark.

Even more impressive is how the Ravens have become one of the best playoff teams in the past 13 years. Baltimore has done most of their damage away from the Charm City. The Ravens are 9-5 on the road all time in postseason play, posting the second-best road win percentage (.643) since the 1970 merger. The Ravens are 6-4 on the road during the John Harbaugh Era.

Defense has always been the mantra in Baltimore during the regular season and it is the main reason why the Ravens organization can boast such impressive playoff numbers. The Ravens have allowed 15.5 points per game in postseason play, the best playoff mark since the 1970 merger. Limiting the Colts to nine points in the 2012 Wild Card win, it marked the ninth playoff game Baltimore has allowed 10-or-fewer points since 2000. Amazingly, no other team has more than four such games during this span.

In their 21 all-time playoff games, the Ravens have only allowed 192.5 passing yards and 96.3 rushing yards per contest. Baltimore’s 288.8 net yards allowed per game since 2000 (minimum five games) rank as the NFL’s third-best mark during this span.

In 21 playoff games, the Ravens’ “D” has forced 40 INTs, including 28 thefts in their last 15 postseason contests. Baltimore’s 40 INTs rank as the most in NFL postseason play since 2000, while the 679 INT return yards also stand first. In their playoff history, the Ravens have dominated the turnover battle, registering a +25 mark in 21 games.

Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens have forced NFL-best 38 turnovers in 13 playoff games. Still not impressed, how about this—– Baltimore has allowed only two 100-yard rushers in its playoff history, holding opposing RBs under the century mark in 19 of 21 contests.

So before we dive into some of these defensive gems from the past, here is a recap of 16-13.

No.16 November 23, 2003: Ravens Wright Ship in Come From Behind win Vs. Seahawks:

Led by QB Anthony Wright, the Ravens stage their second biggest comeback (first at the time) in team history. The Seattle Seahawks led the Ravens early in the fourth qtr. 41-24 but Wright directed the comeback, as the Ravens salvaged a 5-5 start to the season with a dramatic 44-41 overtime win.

No. 15 September 14, 2003: Jamal Lewis Breaks Single Game Rushing Record

Behind running back Jamal Lewis, who broke Corey Dillon’s single game (278 yards) NFL rushing record on this day, the Ravens trounced the Cleveland Browns 33-14. Lewis wasted little time rushing for the record. On the second play of the game, Lewis took a hand-off and ran for an 82-yard touchdown. He followed that up with a 63-yard rushing TD run early in the fourth quarter, and broke the record on a 3-yard run with 6:55 remaining in the game. Lewis finished the day with 295 rushing yards on 30 carries to break the record, which stood for just four years until its current holder, the Vikings Adrian Peterson, broke it as a rookie in 2007. Peterson rushed for one more yard than Lewis in a game against the San Diego Chargers during a November contest that season.

No.14. December 10, 2000: Happy Berth Day

With the holiday season in full swing, PSI Net Stadium was a “Festivus” place to be on Dec 10 2000, as the Ravens dismantled Ryan Leaf and the dismal 1-12 Chargers to earn their first ever playoff berth.

No.13 November 12, 2000: Ravens End Titans Win Streak at Adelphia

The Ravens with Trent Dilfer at quarterback jumped out to a 14-0 lead but behind Steve McNair, the Titans would come back to tie the game at 17 early in the fourth quarter. The Ravens looked to be driving down the field for what would become the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. Instead, Dilfer made a bad read on the play, and threw the ball right to Titans safety Perry Phenix, who ran the ball 87-yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

The play, which seemed devastating to Baltimore's chances to win the game, was not as bad as it could have been. Known as Automatic Al throughout his 17-year NFL career, Titans kicker Al Del Greco missed the extra point, and in the process rejuvenated a down Ravens sideline. The miss opened the door for the Ravens to win in regulation and unfazed by the pick six he had just thrown, Dilfer came back onto the field and promptly led the Ravens on a nine-play, 70-yard drive.

The final play was a Dilfer pass to Patrick Johnson just over the goal line for the game-tying touchdown. After the replay upheld the call on the field, and Matt Stover added the game winning extra point, the Ravens became legitimate AFC contenders.

Sit back and enjoy, as I deliver numbers 12 through 9 in the Ravens Greatest Games of All Time:

No. 12 December 20, 2008 Ravens Run over Cowboys in Texas Stadium Finale

Le'Ron McClain two steps to a late long TD

The Ravens performance in the final game at Texas Stadium may have been fueled by the rumor that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones handpicked them to close out the 37-year old venue. If in fact this was true, Jones obviously thought, as did many, that after a 5-11 record in 2007 and firing head coach Brian Billick, the Ravens may not be much of an opponent be in 2008.

Jones and 10 other teams were wrong in 08, in fact and even with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback, the Ravens were damn good in '08, as Baltimore surprised the NFL with an 11-5 record.

The Ravens came into Texas Stadium not intimidated by the pomp and circumstance of the evening, but ready to play Ravens football.

Both teams entered the game with identical 9-5 records and very much alive in their respective conferences playoff race. The game began just as Owner Jerry Jones had envisioned. Joe Flacco turned the ball over on a fumble for only the second time during the season when NFL sacks leader DeMarcus Ware sacked and stripped the rookie quarterback of the ball.

It was the first of five sacks in the first half by the Cowboys, tying the most allowed by the Ravens during an entire game that season.

Cowboy’s rookie running back Tashard Choice converted the turnover into a 7-0 Dallas lead when he scored on a third-down draw. From there, the Ravens defense buckled down and following three Matt Stover field goals, led 9-7 at halftime.

The play of the game, and perhaps the 2008 season, occurred late in the third quarter. Ravens kicker Matt Stover again lined up for a 40-yard field-goal attempt, but instead of placing the ball down for Stover to kick through the uprights, Ravens punter, and Stover’s holder, punter Sam Koch had other ideas. Koch took the snap and ran 9-yards to convert a fourth-and-six to give the Ravens a first down on the Cowboys 13-yard line.

Two plays later, Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason hauled in a Flacco pass to extend the Baltimore lead to 16-7. After the teams traded early fourth quarter field goals, Dallas receiver Terrell Owens cut the Ravens lead to 19-17.

The Ravens decided it was time to perform a little Texas two-step to finish off the Cowboys and two-step the Ravens did indeed. With just 3:40 remaining in the game and the Ravens offense trying to kill the clock, Willis McGahee took a hand-off from Flacco and promptly ran 77-yards for the longest touchdown run of his career.

McGahee, who had not had a run longer than 17-yards that season prior to the touchdown, gave the Ravens a 26-17 lead. However, if the operator of the Texas Stadium scoreboard thought he had put the final points on the boards’ 38-year history, he was very badly mistaken.

The Cowboys managed to storm back down the field on QB Tony Romo’s arm. With 1:36 left in the game, Romo found his favorite target, Jason Witten, for a 21-yard TD pass. The score made the situation uncomfortable for the Baltimore offense, as they would need to get a first down to close out the Cowboys and Texas Stadium.

They would get a little more than the required 10 yards needed in order to take a knee and run out the clock. In fact, fullback LeRon McClain took a Flacco hand-off and promptly skirted 72 extra yards for an 82-yard touchdown run. McClain made history on the final TD at Texas Stadium.

The Ravens leading rusher during the season, whose longest run of the 08 season was 28 yards, scored the longest rushing TD by a visiting back in the stadium's 37-year existence. The win moved the Ravens to 10-5 and after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars the following week, clinched a playoff berth.

The Ravens became only the third visiting team since 1996 to beat an NFL team closing out its old stadium.

No.11 November 6, 2011: Flacco One More Time in the Steele City:

Entering the 2011 season NFL pundits and experts said Joe Flacco could not beat the Pittsburgh Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger playing QB. After all, Flacco had never beaten the Steelers with Big Ben under center.

Not only did Joe Cool clear this hurdle during the 11’ season but he did twice, as the Ravens swept the Steelers for just the second time in franchise history. In the first meeting to kick off the season in Baltimore, Flacco threw three touchdown passes, Haloti Ngata led an inspired defense that forced a team-record seven turnovers, and the Ravens rolled to their most lopsided victory in a hotly contested series that began in 1996 with a 35-7 win.

If this were a list of 30 games, this one may be somewhere between 21 and 25 but the second game between the teams in Pittsburgh proved to be Flacco’s coming out party and makes the list as the last regular season game before the playoff games round out the top 10.

Behind three Billy Cundiff field goals and a Ray Rice four yard touchdown run, the Ravens led the Steelers 16-6 heading into the fourth quarter. This game was being broadcast on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and was not going to end as the dud it appeared to be in the first half.

Ben Roethlisberger saw to that personally during the fourth quarter. Trailing by 10, Rashard Mendenhall scored from 1 yard out to pull Pittsburgh within 16-13. On the next Ravens possession, deja vu set in as James Harrison swatted the football ball out of Flacco's hand and William Gay from the Steelers recovered.

Only die hard Ravens fans could stomach to watch from that point because all of them knew what was coming next. They knew because just the year before in Baltimore Troy Polamalu did the same thing to Joe Flacco eventually allowing the Steelers offense to score the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter and once again snatch victory from the beak of a Ravens win.

On this night, Roethlisberger needed just six plays to find Mike Wallace in the end zone to give the Steelers a 20-16 advantage with just 5:08 to play. Things looked even worse for the Ravens when Flacco threw three incomplete passes and the Ravens were forced to punt back to Pittsburgh with only 4:30 to play.

The Ravens defense held but the Steelers offense managed to kill a little clock and after a Roethlisberger, third and five pass fell short to Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh punted to the Ravens eight-yard line.

If Joe Flacco was going to prove he was growing into the upper echelons of the NFL QB ranks, then he was going to have to take his offense 92-yards and do it in just 2:24. He was also going to have to rely on his receivers to help him. Of course, Anquan Boldin would not let No.5 down but rookie Torrey Smith would be the wild card. Smith was having an up and down year and an up and down game.

Smith’s night began night began with a penalty that wiped out a long Baltimore touchdown and got worse when he dropped two critical passes but it would end a lot better than it started. Flacco began the drive completing four of seven passes for 53-yards. By this point, the ball was just across midfield at the Steelers 49 yard line.

From there, Flacco was not great but he was poised in completing three more passes for 23-yards to get the Ravens to the Steelers 26 yard line with .28 seconds to play. A filed goal was no help trailing by four and running the ball was not an option against the Steelers stout defense.

If the Ravens were going to win, then Flacco’s arm was going to be the reason. However, Joe Cool threw two quick incompletions and now faced third and ten.

With the Steelers defense showing and then bringing the blitz, Torrey Smith lined up wide right, as Flacco read Steelers D-coordinator, Dick Lebeau’s call perfectly. Smith, the speedy wideout from Maryland, had single coverage and ran right past William Gay following the snap. Flacco did not miss the throw. He laid the ball perfectly into his arms and as Smith fell to the Heinz Field turf with the game-winning touchdown, Flacco and the Ravens offense celebrated triumphantly.

There was a flag in the end zone but the call was defensive pass interference on Gay. Following the wild celebration and a Billy Cundiff extra point, it was the Ravens who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on this night with a 23-20 win.

Flacco finished with 300 yards passing and Baltimore, who moved to 6-2 on the year, swept the season series from the rival Steelers (6-3) for the first time since 2006. "This Steelers-Ravens game is a game for men," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "This is a game for big men. You've got to shine bright in this game if you want to win this game. And nobody shined brighter than Joe Flacco in this game."

No.10 January 13, 2002 & January 4, 2009: Fish Food for the Ravens (Two for One Deal)

STARTING THE TITLE DEFENSE:

Grbac and Billick win first Miami playoff game

While many of the Ravens regular season victories have been huge throughout their 16 years, every win in the playoffs is bigger than any regular season win. Many may argue that point using the theory of what came first, the chicken or the egg. I say if a team loses a big regular season game, they usually have the chance to bounce back. Lose in the playoffs, and your team is done for the year. Also, I'm giving you a two-fer on this one and I promise, all of the really important ones are yet to come.

The Ravens have met the Miami Dolphins twice in the post season, and while both games were blowouts so to speak, they still came in the playoffs. The first of those two playoff meetings came in January 2002 as Baltimore traveled to Pro Player stadium on Wild Card Weekend to begin defense of their Super Bowl title.

The Dolphins led 3-0 after the first quarter, but that was it for Miami as the Ravens scored 20 unanswered points to knock the Dolphins out of the post season. Although the Ravens defense returned many from their 2000 team that won the Super Bowl, they were not quite as good. However, they did hold the Dolphins offense to just 151 total yards for the contest.

Jamie Sharper, Peter Boulware, and Anthony Mitchell all sacked Miami QB Jay Fiedler. Ravens cornerback Duane Starks intercepted Fiedler, as Miami turned the ball over three times to the Ravens.

Despite the average play of Ravens QB Elvis Grbac, Baltimore still managed 347 yards of offense, with 214 of those yards via the ground. With Jamal Lewis out for the year with a torn ACL, he suffered in training camp, veteran Terry Allen and Jason Brookins combined for 198 of them. Grbac did connect on a 4-yard TD to Travis Taylor and Allen scored on the ground from the same distance.

The Ravens would go on to lose the following week in Pittsburgh, ending the defense of their Super Bowl title.

THE ROOKIES WIN THEIR FIRST:

The Ravens would need to return to Miami in order to win another playoff game but it would come almost seven years to the day of their last playoff victory. The Ravens had not won a postseason contest since beating Miami in the above game. This time the Ravens came to town with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback. While John Harbaugh had his team prepared to play, Joe Flacco managed the offense well during his first ever playoff victory. He let the Ravens do what they did best back then, win with defense.

Flacco and Harbaugh get second playoff win in Miami as rookies

Flacco was only 9-for-23 for 135 yards and one rushing TD, but he committed no turnovers and let the Ravens' defenders control the game, and control the game they did.

With the score tied at three in the second quarter, Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington threw a terrible pass downfield into double coverage. Pennington's intended receiver, Ted Ginn Jr. fell down allowing all world safety Ed Reed to make an over the shoulder catch interception. After the interception, Reed, as he usually does, began the long drawn out process of returning it for a touchdown.

He headed toward the left sideline, eluded a tackler, reversed his field, and sprinted for the right corner of the end zone, scoring and completing the pick six only after Terrell Suggs leveled Pennington at the 5-yard line. That made the score 10-3 and the Ravens never trailed again in the game.

Things got much worse for Pennington and the Dolphins offense from that point. The Ravens' intercepted Pennington four times, including another by Reed, and forced five turnovers total during their 27-9 triumph.

The five turnovers and four interceptions tied a playoff team record, both coming in the 2000 AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XXXV.

No. 9 January 10, 2009: Ravens Stun the Nashville Faithful Yet Again

Stover with the winner

For the second time in their franchise history, the Tennessee Titans had the inside track to the Super Bowl with home field advantage as the No.1 seed, and the for the second time, the Baltimore Ravens derailed those chances by beating the Titans in Tennessee.

If the Titans organization, and their fans, were still sick over their 2000 playoff loss to Baltimore, then they must have been looking for the tallest building in Nashville to leap from following this loss.

Despite out gaining the Ravens, 391-to-211 in the game, Baltimore not Tennessee would advance to play for the AFC Championship. The two teams traded first quarter touchdowns, Chris Johnson scored for the Titans, and Derrick Mason on a 48-yard pass from his rookie QB, Joe Flacco, tied the score.

One of many Titans blunders

The Ravens hung around but the Titans allowed them to by committing bad penalties and failing to convert on numerous chances in Ravens territory. Tennessee, a plus 14 in turnover margin while winning the AFC South, wasted a half-dozen scoring opportunities with errors. One came when former Titans CB and now Ravens DB, Samari Rolle intercepted Collins at the Ravens 12. Another was Collins' fourth-down fumble in Baltimore territory, which the quarterback recovered. The third was LenDale White's fumble at the Baltimore 17 in the final minute of the first half.

Baltimore led the league with 34 takeaways during the season and won the turnover battle the previous week in a 27-9 wild-card victory at Miami. They did so with authority in this one as well. Perhaps the biggest Tennessee turnover came with about nine minutes to play when Alge Crumpler fumbled near the Baltimore goal line. Fabian Washington recovered, preventing the Titans from taking a late lead.

The biggest play of the game may have been one that should have never happened. After the Titans tied the score at 10, Joe Flacco converted a big third down pass play to tight end Todd Heap for a first down in Tennessee territory. It was this play that set help set up Matt Stover’s game winning 43-yard field goal with 53 seconds left in the game.

However, the play clock had expired by a couple of seconds, but referee Terry McAulay failed to blow the play dead. He tried to offer an explanation following the game, but nobody in Nashville wanted to hear it.

"When [the clock] hits zero, which is high here, [the back judge] goes to the ball," McAulay said after the game. "So there is going to be a natural delay from zero to getting to the ball." On the next third down, Flacco connected with Mark Clayton for an 8-yard pass, which was a yard short of the first down but set up Stover for the game winning kick.

The 13-10 win was unexpected by many Ravens fans but greatly welcomed. In a scene reminiscent of the 2000 playoff victory in Tennessee, a few thousand Ravens fans flocked to BWI Airport to welcome the team home from Nashville later that evening.

You will not have to wait long for part 4 in this series. Log onto Fanspeak.com on Saturday to see which games came in at No.8,7,6 and 5. Be sure to join myself and Fanspeaks resident NFL expert, Stephen Shoup, next Friday night at 8:30 p.m. for the return of the FRIDAY FOOTBALL FRENZY.

Tags: Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens, Ed Reed, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Torrey Smith No Comments »

by alanzlot

Baltimore Ravens Greatest Games Part 2 (16-13)

May 12, 2013 in Ravens Greatest Games

Last week, I began a five part series in which I plan to unveil the 20 greatest games in Baltimore Ravens franchise history. As noted in the first article, these games were selected because of importance and significance.

In order to qualify and be on the list, the games had to meet the following criteria. First, the game had to be important to the outcome of the season in terms of winning a division title, playoff game or in two instances, the Super Bowl.

Vinny Testaverde gives the ball to a lucky fan after first ever Ravens TD

Second, if the game made the list and did not meet the first criteria, then it must still have some sort of relevance in team history. Examples of that would be if a player broke an NFL record (there’s a hint), or the Ravens did something as a team that stands to this very minute.

Lastly, I decided the order and while I’m sure you may or may not disagree on exactly where each of these games belong, one thing I think we can all agree on is the fact that happened at all.

Before I give you numbers 16-13, let us recap 20-17.

No. 20 September 1, 1996: The Return of the NFL to Baltimore: Football returns to Baltimore after 13 seasons. Vinny Testaverde scores first ever touchdown as Baltimore Ravens defeat Oakland Raider 19-14

No.19 November 29, 1998: The Colts Return to Baltimore: Former Indianapolis Colts QB and current Ravens QB, Jim Harbaugh lives up to his nickname of Captain Comeback as he led the Ravens back from a 24-10 deficit to beat rookie Colts QB, Peyton Manning 38-31. Following the game, Harbaugh delivered the game ball to Baltimore’s greatest all-time signal caller, Johnny Unitas as he watched the victory from the Ravens sidelines.

No. 18 September 10, 2000: Ravens Get First Ever Victory over Jaguars: Ravens QB Tony Banks throws five touchdown passes, including the final one to new Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe with 35 seconds to play to give the Ravens a 39-36 come from behind win. This win was significant on two fronts. The Ravens and Jags played in the same division at the time and this was the first ever win over Jacksonville. The victory also gave the Ravens their first 2-0 start in their brief five-year history. It also help set the tone for a year that culminated with the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl Championship

No. 17 October 3, 2010: Flacco Finally Wins a Big One in Pittsburg: Ravens QB Joe Flacco get his first big win in the Steele City in come from behind fashion as he hit TJ Houshmandzadeh with 33 seconds to play to give the Ravens a 17-14 come from behind win.

As you can also see, any win over Pittsburgh, regardless of season relevance or significant contribution to team history is apt to make the list as well. This installment has two games from the 2003 season and two games form the Super Bowl winning season of 2000. So without further ado, here are the next four games to make the list.

No.16 November 23, 2003: Ravens Wright Ship In Come From Behind win Vs. Seahawks:

Up until Oct 30, 2011, which is when Joe Flacco led the Ravens back from a 24-3 first half deficit to beat the Arizona Cardinals, the 2003 Week 16 contest at home, Vs. Seattle, was the largest deficit the Ravens had overcome in franchise history to win a game. It still represents the largest fourth quarter comeback in franchise history.

The Cardinals game did not make the list but this game—–simply could not be left off any list when talking great Ravens games. Not only because of the comeback could it be left off but considering where the team was at the time and who was playing quarterback, this game had to make the list.

The Ravens were quickly becoming a locker room divided during the 2003 season and the second greatest comeback win in franchise history (first at the time) could not have come at a better time for the Ravens and their fans.

Baltimore dropped to a disappointing 5-5 after losing their previous two games and the frustration was starting to become very apparent. The Ravens third ranked defense and special team was again carrying the Ravens offense and their last ranked passing attack.

Following an injury to the Ravens unimpressive QB, Kyle Boller during a week nine contest against the Rams, Baltimore turned to Dallas Cowboys reject backup QB, Anthony Wright.

The Ravens "D" finally made a stand against the Hawks "O" late in the game

As expected, Wright fared no better after taking over for Boller. The week before, during an overtime loss to the Dolphins, Wright threw for a measly 112 yards and two interceptions in leading the offense to just six points.

Therefore, it was understandable when a third of the 64 thousand in attendance at PSInet Stadium walked out after halftime of the Seattle game with the Ravens trailing 17-3. A Ravens comeback win seemed out of the question and just plain impossible.

Things really appeared bleak, as Wright and the Ravens offense could not reach the end zone in the first half, and the vaunted Ravens defense could not keep the Seahawks from the end zone during the two middle quarters.

Even when things went right, the Ravens still could not make up much ground. Though Wright had thrown three touchdown passes to Marcus Robinson in the third quarter, leading the Ravens to 21 points, the defense allowed the Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck to toss two of his own in the quarter, one an 80-yard strike to Darrell Jackson. After an early fourth quarter TD pass from Hasselbeck to Bobby Engram, Seattle was comfortably ahead 41-24.

The Ravens special teams started the comeback started when Ed Reed blocked a punt off the foot of Tom Rouen. Reed then scooped up the ball and scored a 16-yard touchdown. The score by Reed cut the Seattle lead to 10 points but time was not on the Ravens side. Just 6:41 remained in the game, and the Ravens defense would have to do something they failed to do most of the game, stop the Seattle offense cold. Points did not matter for the Seahawks, a couple of first downs and the game could be over.

Anthony Wright

On the Seattle possession following the blocked punt, the Ravens D managed to force a turnover as the Seahawks were again driving. Linebacker Ray Lewis stripped Seattle fullback Mack Strong, and Wright led the Ravens 71 yards on a drive and cut the Seattle lead to three after his fourth TD pass to Marcus Robinson.

The biggest defensive stand of the season occurred on the next Seahawks possession. Needing less than a yard on fourth-and-one to run out the clock and win the game, the Ravens stuffed Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck (play pictured above) on a sneak to take over on downs.

With the help of a 45-yard pass interference penalty, Wright got the Ravens into field goal territory and with no time left on the clock, Matt Stover hit a 40-yard field goal to send the game into overtime.

The Ravens D came up with their third straight stop of the hot Seattle offense when they forced the Seahawks to punt on the first possession of overtime. Wright then took over again, as he scrambled for eight yards and then connected on two of three passes for 29 yards to set up the 40-yard game-winning field goal by Stover.

The win boosted the team's confidence in each other and behind the confidence of Anthony Wright and Jamal Lewis' 2000 yard rushing season, the Ravens won four of their next five games to win their first AFC North crown and capture their third playoff berth in four seasons.

No. 15 September 14, 2003: Jamal Lewis Breaks Single Game Rushing Record

Lewis on his way to 295

Ravens running back Jamal Lewis literally carried the offense on his back for the entire 2003 season. The Ravens relied very heavily on Lewis, as offensive genius and head coach Brian Billick's team boasted the NFL's worst passing attack with Kyle Boller and Anthony Wright under center.

Lewis, who missed the entire 2001 season with a torn ACL, the second of his career (Lewis tore an ACL while playing at Tennessee) made his money running against the Browns defense in his career.

In 12 career games, Lewis rushed for 1,524 yards (127 yards per game) and scored eight touchdowns against Cleveland. On this September day in Baltimore, Lewis would shatter the single game rushing record of 278-yards set by Corey Dillon of Cincinnati during a game against Denver in October of 2000 by rushing for 295 yards on 30 carries.

Lewis wasted little time rushing for the record. On the second play of the game, he took a handoff and ran for an 82-yard touchdown. Lewis followed that up with a 63-yard rushing TD run early in the fourth quarter, and broke the record on a 3-yard run with 6:55 remaining in the game. The Ravens, behind Lewis defeated Cleveland 33-14 as the defense held the Browns to just 175 yards while forcing three turnovers in the process.

One of those turnovers was Ed Reed's first career interception returned for a touchdown.

The single game rushing record of 275-yards was held by Walter Payton for 23-years before Dillon broke the mark in 2000. Starting with Dillon, who held the mark for a little under three years, the record fell three times in a span of seven NFL seasons. Lewis held the record for a little over four years until its current holder, the Vikings Adrian Peterson, broke it as a rookie in 2007. Peterson rushed for one more yard than Lewis in a game against the San Diego Chargers during a November contest that season.

Lewis went on to win many post-season honors following the 2003 season, rushing for 2066 yards. He came within 40 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single season all-time mark as he eclipsed the 2000-yard plateau during the final regular season home game in a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Instead of figuring out how to stop Lewis, the Browns just signed him as a free agent in 2007. He played three seasons in Cleveland rushing for an additional 2,806 yards and 13-touchdowns. Cleveland was 2-3 vs. the Ravens during Lewis' tenure as a Brownie, with both wins coming in the Ravens 5-11 season of 2007. Lewis rushed for 297-yards against his old team, which ironically is just two yards more that the 295 Lewis rushed for to break the NFL single game rushing record against his new one. He would also score two touchdowns in five games against Baltimore.

No.14. December 10, 2000: Happy Berth Day

Art Modell flanked by Sharpe and Lewis

The Ravens were so close to clinching the franchise’s first playoff berth, they could smell it. At 9-4 the Ravens controlled their own destiny. They were locked in a battle with the Tennessee Titans for the AFC Central title, as Baltimore entered their Week 14 contest hosting the San Diego Chargers having won four in a row and rested from having a late Week 13 bye.

With the holiday season in full swing, PSINet Stadium was a “Festivus” place to be on Dec 10 2000 as Ryan Leaf and the dismal 1-12 Chargers visited the Charm City.

Speaking of a “Festivus” occasion, prior to the start of the game, the Ravens honored the man that brought football back to Baltimore with an extremely moving pre-game ceremony. Art Modell, who was in his 40th year of owning and NFL franchise, said he had just one goal in mind before he retired, win a Super Bowl.

As owner of the Cleveland Browns, Modell was close on several occasions. He watched as his Browns lost three AFC Championship games by a total of 24 points. All of those games to John Elway and the Denver Broncos.

Shannon Sharpe and Ray Lewis escorted Modell to his ceremony,as each player locked elbows with Mr. Modell leading him to the field for his moment. The picture is still one of the most popular in team history. Lewis and Sharpe as well as the rest of the team would honor Modell further with more than a pre-game ceremony against the helpless Bolts. They earned the franchise's first ever playoff berth with a convincing 24-3 win.

The Ravens D was dominant as usual in the victory, as they beat up on Leaf, and held the Chargers offense to just 128 total yards while forcing five turnovers.

Instructed by their head coach, Brian Billick, not to use the word playoffs at any point in the season until they actually earned the right by clinching a berth, many Ravens players could be seen on the sidelines screaming the word with just minutes left in the game.

The Ravens, who entered the game as winners of four straight would not lose a game the rest of the season, including Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa Florida.

No.13 November 12, 2000: Ravens End Titans Win Streak at Adelphia

Trent Dilfer jumps for joy after Patrick Johnson's late TD catch

Every NFL team has a nemesis in the league. A team that prevents them from getting over the final hurdle, and moving onto bigger and better things. We all know who that team has been for the Ravens since their arrival in 1996, so there is no need to give them any more press.

However, in Nashville, and for the fans of the Tennessee Titans that team is the very own Baltimore Ravens. Back when the Ravens and Titans were rivals in the AFC Central, the Ravens seemed to end the Titans hopes and dreams on a regular basis. Even still to this day, the Ravens continue to torture fans in the music city but not like, they did during the 2000 season.

The Titans and Ravens met in a divisional showdown during week 11 of the 2000 season. Many gave the upstart Ravens little chance of winning in Nashville. Why would Baltimore win at Adelphia Coliseum? No team had done so since the Stadium opened for play the year before. Tennessee set an NFL record with 12 straight wins to open a new stadium and was 8-1, holding a three game lead over the 6-4 Ravens heading into the contest.

The Ravens with Trent Dilfer at quarterback jumped out to a 14-0 lead but behind Steve McNair, the Titans would come back to tie the game at 17 early in the fourth quarter.

The Ravens looked to be driving down the field for what would become the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. Instead, Dilfer made a bad read on the play, and threw the ball right to Titans safety Perry Phenix, who ran the ball 87-yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Dilfer said following the game, "I thought I got 35 [Phenix] to move just enough to get the slant in behind him. You do stupid things once in a while. That was a terrible time to do it."

"Maybe so—but not today"

The Titans still got one last chance to win the game, but Automatic Al missed from 43-yards setting off a wild Ravens sideline celebration.

While speaking to his team following the contest, the Ravens ever-arrogant head coach Brian Billick, held up a copy of the current Sports Illustrated that had the Titans on the cover and proclaimed Tennessee to be the best team in the NFL. “This says the Titans are the best team in the NFL and maybe so, maybe they are” Billick said to the happy payers, “but not today”—– The locker room erupted in celebration but Billick was not finished and would end his famous locker room speech, which would be replayed on the Adelphia Coliseum scoreboard prior to the Ravens and Titans playoff game later that January by telling his players “When you go into a lion’s den, you don’t tiptoe in. You carry a spear. You go in screaming like a banshee and say, ‘Where’s the son of a bitch?”

I have a feeling you will be reading about that January game a little later on in this series but this game provided the final boost of confidence the Ravens seemed to need to become the eventual SB Champs.

On Wednesday, we will break the Top 10, as we make it to number nine in the countdown. As always, comments are welcome. I would love to know which Ravens game you think is the greatest of all time.

Tags: 2000 Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Ravens, Brian Billick, Ray Lewis, Shannon Sharpe, Trent Dilfer 1 Comment »

by alanzlot

Ravens Greatest Games in Franchise History (Part 1)

May 9, 2013 in Ravens Greatest Games

While NFL offseason workouts are in full swing, in reality, the period following the NFL Draft until training camp begins in late July, is the slowest time of the year in the National Football League.

The fact that we are even suggesting this is a relevant time at all is a big indication of how far the league has come from the days when the season ended until it started again in September. The NFL has officially become a 12-month, 365 day a year league and that is just fine with me.

With the introduction of the NFL Network in November of 2003, the league officially entered the full time entertainment business. With its birth, nightly shows like NFL Total Access have become as important to NFL fans as the six o’clock news was to our parents and grandparents.

With Emmy award winning NFL Films handling the production on many of the networks shows, and all of the highlight shows, the launch of the latest 24-hour sports network likely a guaranteed success.

Die-hard NFL fans are a peculiar bunch and the NFL Network wasted little time catering to them. Since the dawn of NFL time, fans have created Top 10 lists for almost everything that ever existed in the league. Long before the inception of the network, fans debated and argued about which players and teams were the best of all time and ranked where they thought they belonged in NFL history.

Is Johnny Unitas, John Elway, Dan Marino, or Joe Montana the best QB in league history? That’s ok if you could not decide, just put them on a list and watch fans debate where they rank on the list for hours.

Fans looking to occupy their time argued which games, plays, eras, coaches, drafts, and even argued which fan bases had the best tailgate traditions. Yes, all of these debates were contested long before Rich Eisen and the NFL Network took to the airwaves.

However, once the network joined the fun, debating the best of all time was taken to a completely new level. They used the fans passion for wanting to feel as if they know which player, team etc…is the best of all time and now use that passion as their bread and butter with their” Top 10 shows”.

On any given day during the season and especially during the offseason, fans can sit back, watch and argue with the TV, as the network airs such shows as The Top 10 QB’s, Top 10 RB’s—–you get the point.

In 2010, the network stumbled on a gold mine when it decided to produce a show ranking the 100 greatest players of all time. The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players was a ten-part television series presented by the NFL Network in 2010. The series was based on a list of the top 100 National Football League players of all time, as compiled by a "blue-ribbon" panel assembled by the network.

The members of the panel were current and former NFL coaches, players, executives, and members of the media. Each episode, broadcast each Thursday from September 3 to November 4, 2010, introduced a group of 10 players from the list, starting with the players ranked 100 through 91, and moving up the list each week.

Jerry Rice won the distinction and of course not unanimously, as the No.1 ranked greatest player of all time. He finished just ahead of players such as Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor and Joe Montana. Since there can really only be one all-time list every 10 years or so, the brain trust at the network decided to begin ranking the top 100 players from the past season and do so in a format very close to the one they used to select the game’s all-time best.

The players themselves actually vote on the best 100 current performers in the league and provide almost all of the commentary when a certain player is being profiled in his numerical spot for the season that has past.

Just like the network, many websites have since popped up using slide show formats to gain popularity by having bloggers create lists for almost every sports and every position. If you log onto the Bleacher Report, you will find slideshows ranking everything from players’ wives and girlfriends (WAGS) to legitimate lists ranking players and teams from each sport.

Thanks to Russell St. Report….RAVENS RUSHMORE

With this craze in mind and considering the time of season, I have decided to throw my hat into the fire and create a “Top list”.

As a tremendous Baltimore Ravens fan, and a former season ticket holder, I have never missed a game and consider my knowledge, analysis and breakdown of the team during their tenure in the Charm City adequate enough to be shared with thousands of readers during the past three seasons. At least many of you have liked it and I thank you for that.

With that said, what to rank became the issue. Ranking the greatest Ravens players of all time would not garner much interest. Is there any doubt that in some order, Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Matt Stover, Peter Boulware, Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs make the list? Sure, maybe I left off Chris McAlister or a player like him but you understand where I am coming from. The Ravens did not bring the history from Cleveland (Thankfully) so 16 seasons makes ranking players a little boring.

Besides, you remember them all and would agree that Ogden and Lewis are one and two and the order does not really matter.

What I decided to rank was the 20 greatest games in Baltimore Ravens history. I originally thought 10 great games was sufficient but upon further review and considering the run this team just made, it has to be 20.

I guarantee you will have forgotten about a few of these classics. There was a ton of research and time committed to doing this piece and all I can say is THANK GOD for the Pro-Football Reference website. I would also thank the Baltimore Sun but I cannot.

You cannot read an advertisement on Sunspot.net without paying them $4.99 per month. The good news is– the list has been completed but any good news statement also comes with a bit of bad news attached. Compiling this is a lot of typing, so I will post two articles per week, listing four games per post for the next three weeks until we get to No.1.

The following games were not just selected because they were my favorites. The Ravens had to have won the contest. Can any fan honestly say a game in which their team lost is one of the best in their teams franchise history, regardless of how great the game? Do you think the Broncos are going to be ranking this past years AFC Divisional Playoff game or do you suppose the New England Patriots look at the 2009 AFC Championship game as one of the franchises greatest games. No, they do not, I promise.

Secondly, the game had to mean something, be a rivalry victory, or be a turning point in the season in which it occurred. The game could also be one in which it still has some significant relevance in team history.

Without further ado, here are four of the 20 greatest games in Baltimore Ravens history. Four more games will appear here on Fanspeak by Saturday afternoon. Thanks for your support and as always, comments are suggested and always welcomed.

No. 20 September 1, 1996: The Return of the NFL to Baltimore

The last time the city of Baltimore had played host to an NFL regular season game was December 13, 1983, when the Baltimore Colts defeated the Houston Oilers before a very, very sparse crowd of just 27 thousand fans at Memorial Stadium.

After 13 seasons without the NFL, the Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore's new franchise, the Ravens, brought back to life the game so many loved with only the blue collar passion the rabid football fans of Charm City could. The new era began exactly where the old one ended, at the old horseshoe shaped stadium located on 33rd street in East Baltimore. Known as the largest outdoor insane asylum during the days of Unitas, Memorial Stadium was again rocking with excitement and anticipation for the Ravens first ever game.

The excitement in the stands was matched by the play on the field as two former Heisman trophy winners combined to score the first three touchdowns of the game. The Ravens have had 16 signal callers line up behind center to start a game in team history. The first of those to lead the Ravens offense was one of those former Heisman Trophy winners, Vinny Testaverde.

Testaverde would stamp his name into Baltimore football history, as he scored the Ravens first ever touchdown. Testaverde scampered nine yards into the end zone to give Baltimore the lead in the first quarter.

Testaverde on his way to first Ravens TD in team history

The Raiders came back to take the lead with 14 unanswered second quarter points. Oakland QB Billy Joe Hobert found former Notre Dame star Tim Brown for two short TD passes to give the Raiders a 14-7 halftime lead. The Ravens defense held the rest of the way, which in 1996 was rare. Matt Stover kicked two third quarter field goals and Earnest Byner put the game away with a goal line plunge in the final quarter.

In a rare win during the 96’ season, the new Baltimore Ravens held on to beat Oakland 19-14. Under former Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda, the Ravens would win just four games in their inaugural season. Despite the poor record, the Ravens were a very exciting team to watch.

Baltimore held a second-half lead in 10 of its 11 final games, but won just two of them. All four wins during the season came at Memorial Stadium in front of sellout crowds. The 1996’ Ravens finished the year as the third ranked offense in the NFL.

Ravens fans would discover a few short years later, that defense wins championships, and the 96’ version was not a championship caliber unit. Led by rookie Ray Lewis (95 tackles) they ranked 28 out of 30 teams in points allowed, and ranked dead last in total yards allowed per game.

As stated, the offense carried the team and was led QB Vinny Testaverde, who was voted to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 4,177 yards and 33 TDs. WRs Michael Jackson and Derrick Alexander both eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark and combined for 23 TD receptions.

No.19 November 29, 1998: The Colts Return to Baltimore
To say the Week 13 contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Ravens meant something to the football fans of Baltimore would grossly under state the meaning of the game. With a victory, Baltimore's new franchise could help those old stubborn Baltimore Colts fans finally bury the memories of the Mayflower moving fans driving off to Indianapolis in the middle of the night in March of 1984. The Ravens had met the former Baltimore franchise just once before the 1998 meeting. In Week 7 of their inaugural season, behind then Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh, Indy handed the Ravens a 26-21 loss during Baltimore's first national TV appearance as the Ravens.

In a game that seemed to come straight from a Hollywood script, both teams entered the game in the new stadium at Camden Yards as franchises that were struggling with their win/loss records but were loaded with talent on different sides of the ball.

Despite their 2-9 record, the Colts featured a very potent offense. Rookie phenom, quarterback Peyton Manning, all-purpose running back, Marshall Faulk, and Pro-Bowl wide receiver, Marvin Harrison led Indianapolis into Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards that day.

The Ravens had a talented team, and despite finishing 6-10 during the 98 season, the Ravens sent six players, four from the defense, to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl at the conclusion of the year. The game started badly for Ravens fans, Marshall Faulk scored on two long touchdowns to help stake the Colts to a 17-3 first quarter lead.

The task of coming back would now belong to the quarterback that beat the Ravens as the Colts QB just two years prior. Even though the Ravens trailed by 14-points, his nickname provided the fans of Baltimore with hope.

Captain Comeback handsgame ball to No.19 following Ravens first win over INDY COLTS! (NOte: FNFF Frequent guest Joe Unitas in picture)

Captain Comeback, Jim Harbaugh began the process of proving his nickname true, as he connected with reserve WR James Roe, who was playing for an injured Jermaine Lewis, for a Ravens touchdown. The score cut the Indy to lead to 24-17 just before the half.

The teams traded third quarter touchdowns but it was Peyton Manning's third TD pass of the game, which gave the Colts a 10-point lead headed into the fourth quarter. Harbaugh, who connected on 16 of 25 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon, continued the Ravens comeback quickly in the final period as he found Floyd Turner on a corner route for a 22-yard score just five seconds into the fourth quarter.

With the fans still rocking and the Colts ahead by just three, 31-28, the Ravens needed only 1:48 to take the lead, as Priest Holmes scored on a 36-yard run.

After allowing 339 yards of total offense in the first half and 31 points through three quarters, the Ravens shut the Colts down when it mattered in the final quarter to win the game. Safety Ralph Staten picked off a Manning pass intended for Marshall Faulk to seal the 38-31 victory at the Ravens' 20-yard line with 61 seconds to play in the game.

Following the win, Baltimore QB Jim Harbaugh collected the game ball and gave it to another Baltimore QB, the legendary Baltimore Colts QB, Johnny Unitas.

No.19 had for years expressed his displeasure with the team's move, and even once requested his name be removed from the Indianapolis Colts records portion of the media guide. With the win, many Ravens fans expressed feelings of closure with the Colts move to Indy.

The Ravens would beat the Colts again, three years later in Baltimore, 39- 27. However, since the 2001 season, the Ravens have lost six of seven regular season games to the Colts, and have gone 1-2 in the playoffs. The 2012 Ravens defeated the next rookie phenom QB in Colts lure this past January when they eliminated Andrew Luck and the rest of the Indy Colts in the Wild Card round of the playoffs on their way to a Super Bowl victory.

This is a game that could have been higher on the list, but considering the fact the Ravens removed the Baltimore Colts monkey off their backs, No.19 seemed as good a place as any on the list.

No. 14 September 10, 2000: Ravens Get First Ever Victory over Jaguars

Tony Banks tossed 5 TD's on the day

The Ravens were members of the AFC Central following the move from Cleveland in 1996. The Jacksonville Jaguars, not the Pittsburgh Steelers, were Baltimore's biggest nemesis and division rivals in the Ravens first few years of play.

Baltimore seemed to invent ways to lose Jacksonville, many coming in heart breaking fashion. The Ravens lost their first four games to Jacksonville by a combined nine points, and were 0-8 against the Jags headed into their week two home opener at PSInet Stadium in Baltimore.

Baltimore was riding high after shutting out the Steelers in Pittsburgh the week before to open the season, but head Coach Brian Billick believed their true measuring stick for the 2000 season would be their home opener against the Jaguars.

However, the confidence they carried into the game did not last long. The Ravens were tight and made several key mistakes, and Jacksonville QB Mark Brunell capitalized on every one of them. Brunell, with TD passes of 45 and 43 yards to Ravens killer Jimmy Smith, led the Jags to a 17-0 first quarter lead.

Smith was a fantasy football god whenever he lined up against the Baltimore secondary. He averaged over 100 yards per game against the Ravens in 12 career games, but this game would be his best. Smith hauled in 15 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns against the history making 2000 Ravens defense. Smith's performance was the fourth best receiving day in the history of pro football.

Not exactly known as a come from behind type of quarterback, Ravens signal caller Tony Banks needed to find a way to get Baltimore on the board and salvage a poor half of football. Banks did that with a TD pass to receiver Travis Taylor early in the second quarter and the Ravens trailed 23-7 at the half.

Banks continued his rare comeback performance at the start of the second half, when he again found Taylor for a score. Following another TD pass to fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo, Banks had the Ravens to within four points of the Jags.

Playing for the injured Fred Taylor and Stacey Mack, third string running back Chris Howard lost his second fumble of the game on his own 12-yard line after the ensuing kickoff. Two plays later, Banks gave his team the lead, as he tossed his fourth TD pass of the day to WR Jermaine Lewis.

The score gave the Ravens a 29-26 lead but the game was far from over. After the teams traded field goals, the Jags offense seemed to stall with under two minutes remaining. Facing third and six, from the Baltimore 40-yard line, Brunell dropped back to pass. The Ravens sent a heavy blitz from both corners, and under pressure, Brunell simply heaved the football in the direction of Jimmy Smith down the right sideline.

Covering on the play for the Ravens was safety Kim Herring, and CB Duane Starks. The Jags other Ravens killer, wide out, Keenan McCardell tipped the ball into the air and into the hands of, guess who.

If you said Jimmy Smith, you would be correct.

After grabbing the deflection, Smith turned and slipped through the hands of Starks and raced the 10 or so yards for the go-ahead score. I was fortunate to attend this game, and even from my seats, way up in section 548, you could hear a pin hit the sport grass turf after Smith's catch and run for what everyone thought was the game winning score. Ravens fans thought it was a foregone conclusion that the Jaguars had once again snatched victory from the jaws of the defeat.

However, The Ravens and their QB would do the victory snatching on this day. Using a little over a minute of play clock, Banks began the game winning drive by throwing short passes over the middle against a two-deep zone defense.

After competitions of 19 and 15 yards to Billy Davis, Banks found Ayanbadejo for a 12-yard competition to the Jags 29 yard line. Banks, who was having the best game of his career, methodically guided the Ravens offense 46 yards in six plays before spiking the ball to stop the clock with 48 seconds remaining.

On the next play, Banks hit newly signed free agent and future Hall Of Fame tight end, Shannon Sharpe, at the Ravens two-yard line. After taking a hit following the catch from safety Donovan Darius, Sharpe bounced into the end zone for the game winning score.

The 39-36 win gave the Ravens their first 2-0 start in their brief five-year history, and set the tone for a year that would culminate with a Super Bowl Championship.

No. 17 October 3, 2010: Flacco Finally Wins a Big One in Pittsburgh

Ravens QB Joe Flacco may have struggled to start his career against the black and gold rivals but this victory was, at the time, a huge win for the Ravens, and their then third year signal caller.

If you think, the fans thought this was just another regular season game, then check out this video of the fans' reaction to the game winning catch by TJ Houshmandzadeh from a local watering hole in Baltimore.

The Ravens trailed 7-0 after the first quarter but led 10-7 at the half, and following a scoreless third quarter of sloppy and ineffective play by both offensive teams, each found a rhythm in the fourth quarter.

The Steelers regained the lead when back-up QB Charlie Batch, who was playing for the suspended Ben Roethlisberger, led the Steelers down the field on a 13 play, 93-yard drive that culminated with a 7-yard Rashard Mendenhall rushing touchdown.

The Ravens would get the ball back and Flacco would drive them 10 plays and 65 yards to the Steelers two-yard line. However, the Ravens failed to score and turned the ball over to the Steelers on downs. With only 2:40 to play, the situation looked bleak for Baltimore.

However, without Big Ben, the Steelers stalled, as the Ravens defense held with the help of poor Pittsburgh clock management and a holding penalty. After another holding penalty by the Steelers punting team, the Ravens received the ball back at midfield with 55 seconds remaining, as Joe Flacco went to work in the hurry-up offense.

From the shotgun, Flacco found Boldin for nine yards and then again for three more. He then went to Houshmandzadeh on the right side of the field for 10 yards and a first down. Houshmandzadeh was able to get out of bounds, stopping the clock with 33 seconds to play.

On the next play, Ravens tight end Todd Heap picked up a blitzing Troy Polamalu, giving Flacco time to step up and loft a perfect pass to Houshmandzadeh. Flacco's ball found Houshmandzadeh in stride in the back of the Steeler's end zone for the 17-14 game winning touchdown.

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Ed Reed, Indianapolis Colts, Joe Flacco, Pittsburgh Steelers, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs Comments Off

by alanzlot

Ravens Have "A" Draft For The Future

April 29, 2013 in Free Agency, NFL Draft, Super Bowl XLVII

The Ravens entered the 2013 NFL Draft not only as the defending Super Bowl Champions, but almost as needy as a team that finished the 2012 season with seven wins and out of the playoffs, at least when it comes to the defensive side of the football.

The Super Bowl champions entered Thursday’s first round with, AFC high 12 picks, and based on what they lost in free agency, the Ravens had to have a repeat of the success of past drafts. Known for his draft acumen and acute working of the free agent system, Ravens General Manager and Vice President of operations, Ozzie Newsome and his highly touted scouting department needed to be at their very best heading into one of the deeper drafts in recent years.

Top 3

Although this draft did not have a marquee name, it did possess the quality of depth that teams with good scouting departments could thrive on for years to come. Baltimore’s defense lost six of 11 Super Bowl starters, in addition to pass-rushing specialist Paul Kruger (who did not start the game).

Three of the four starting defensive backs are gone, as are three members of the front seven. Included in the missing for next season will be what many considered the heart and soul of the Ravens franchise for the past 16-years, No.52, future Hall of Fame linebacker, Ray Lewis.

Though free agent QB and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco returned, the offense was not unaffected. Baltimore traded away veteran WR Anquan Boldin, who could have easily been the MVP of Super Bowl XLVII and the quarterback of the offensive line, veteran center Matt Birk, who retired.

All told, eight of the nine most veteran Ravens from the Super Bowl team are no longer on the team that hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy less than three months ago in New Orleans. No defending Super Bowl Champ had ever lost more than five starters heading into the following season, and it is likely that no defending SB Champ lost two-guaranteed future Hall of Famers, as the Ravens did.

That’s where the Wizard comes into play. GM Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta (Assistant General Manager), Joe Hortiz (Director of College Scouting) and as many as 19 other members of the Ravens scouting department are considered amongst the best in the business and entered this draft salivating at its possibilities.

Newsome entered this draft much differently than he did the last time the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000. Ozzie vowed following the Super Bowl in N.O., that he would not make the same mistake he did when the Ravens won their first Super Bowl 13 years ago in Tampa.

Following that championship, Newsome signed many of its veterans to contract extensions or restructured them in order to keep that team’s nucleus together. The moves left the Ravens with a team that got old and very costly, very quickly. Although the Ravens would, return to the playoffs in 2001, these moves hurt the team’s chances to build a consistent contender.

Following the 2001 season, the Ravens would visit the postseason just twice during the next six seasons, eventually leading to a 5-11 record and the firing of Coach Brian Billick following the 2007 season.

Head Coach John Harbaugh was a big proponent of not keeping this Super Bowl winning team as it was and said so during an interview in March when he said, “The worst mistake you can make is trying to hold a team together”. "It's impossible."

Newsome spoke to reporters last week before the NFL Draft and spoke of the plan the team has had in place for quite some time. “What happened after we won the Super Bowl, that’s something that Steve, John and I probably started talking about in October, November, as to what the team was going to look like in 2013,” Newsome said. “It wasn’t that one day we woke up and decided that we were going to let a lot of really good football players walk away and play for other teams, but we had a plan in place. We had to allow the plan to unfold.”

When asked specifically about the heavy turnover his team has suffered, Newsome said, “The plan unfolded after we won the Super Bowl, which makes it really, really nice, but it also makes it really, really tough when you go to battle with guys, and then you have to see them walk away from your organization, because we have to prepare for ’2014, ’15 and ’16,”.

“Steve (Bisciotti) has put the four of us in charge of making sure that we remain a competitive football team, even over the course of that, “Newsome said.

The Brass

Through the years, the cornerstone of the Ravens success has been the NFL Draft. Ozzie has already done a nice job in free agency with acquisitions like Elvis Dumervil, Michael Huff, Chris Canty and Marcus Spears.

As the draft approached, Newsome and his staff felt pressure to have another “A” type of draft. After all, this was an unprecedented experiment by a front office that has done and tried almost everything in their quest to be one of the league’s best. Never before had a Super Bowl champion lost this many starters.

However, if history was any indication, this was the type of draft the Ravens would dominate, especially considering the amount of picks they owned. Since moving to Baltimore in 1996, the Ravens have had 17 drafts and selected 17 players in the first round. There have been 30 different players earning 53 combined Pro Bowls, several All-Rookie honors, multiple Defensive Player of the Year Awards and two Super Bowl MVP honors. Of those 30—-16 are homegrown players – 15 drafted and one signed as a rookie free agent.

Of the 22 players who started in Super Bowl XLVII, 12 were drafted and two were signed as undrafted rookie free agents. Heading into the 78^th NFL Draft, 22 players out of the Ravens’ 23 draft choices since 2010 are currently on the team’s 2013 roster.

One of the adjectives used to describe the Ravens last season, especially their defense was “aging”. However, if there was one thing the Ravens have accomplished so far this offseason it is that they got younger. The six oldest players from the 2012 team are gone, defensive back Chris Johnson, at 33, is currently the oldest Raven on the roster at more than two years older than the second-most-senior player, fullback Vonta Leach.

They continued getting younger this weekend as they added value picks at positions of need and as usual, appeared to stay true to their draft board. The Ravens board is one of the few in the NFL that does not use the NFL Central scouting system.

This past weekend, the Ravens used their own scouting system to add 10 picks to the 39 draft choices they have made since John Harbaugh assumed head coaching duties in 2008. Not since 2008 have the Ravens added so many players during the Draft. During the past five drafts, Newsome, Harbaugh and company have selected 23 offensive players and 16 defensive players. This past weekend the gang added six more on defense and four more on offense.

There is always a ton of scouting reports and analysis on draft prospects. Here is a combination of what some of the top scouting sites had to say about the Ravens draftees, as well as my own analysis. Over the next three days I will breakdown and eventually give my grade for the Ravens 2013 NFL Draft.

Here is the Ravens breakdown of their top three selections.

Big Hitter

Round 1, Pick 32 (32): Matt Elam, S, Florida:

Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 205 pounds:

School: Florida

Position: Strong safety

With Ed Reed signing with the Houston Texans and Bernard Pollard being cut, the Ravens lost their two starting safeties from the Super Bowl team. The signing of versatile safety Michael Huff eased the pain a bit but the Ravens had to have one in this draft and not just any safety would do.

The last time the team was coming off a Super Bowl championship (2001), Baltimore stood pat at the 31st and last spot during the first round, coming away with Arizona State tight end Todd Heap, who became the club's all-time leading receiver. On Thursday night, amid a flurry of trade activity involving late-round teams and stunning falls from grace for some top prospects, the Ravens again ended up in a unique position to select one of the players they coveted the most, Florida safety Matt Elam.

Although many expected Newsome to select of one of the inside linebackers, he chose Elam instead. As a resident of the Sunshine State, I have watched Elam’s career blossom in the “Swamp” and if ever there was a player that fits the mold of the Raven Way, it is Elam. With that said, the pick still raised a few eyebrows and amped up feelings of need as the “inside” of the defense still felt naked.

Even Fanspeak’s resident draft expert, Stephen Shoup will tell you that building the front seven is how you build a defense. This is not a knock on Elam but merely a concern for what many fans felt was more of a need, especially with Lewis retiring and Ellerbe taking his talents to South Beach.

Newsome was confident and firm in selection, even ecstatic and could not hide his joy when talking about the pick. "[Elam] was the highest-rated player on our board. He is one of the better tacklers we've seen play the position. Whether he makes the starting lineup right away depends on the coaching staff, but he could be a special-teams presence right away for us."

NFL.COM SAYS: Elam is a hard hitter and produced one of the best highlight reels of any draft prospect. A two-year starter in Gators' secondary entered the college ranks as the top high school safety prospect. His older brother Abe Elam has paved the way for Matt to make it in the NFL. He was a two-way player in high school, but Elam made the transition to safety shortly after focusing on special teams during his freshman season in 2010.

NFL DRAFT SCOUT SAYS: He is athletic, instinctive and quite physical, Elam demonstrated the ability to walk up into the box and be a force near the line of scrimmage while also dropping back into coverage as a single-high safety when coaches called for it — showing off the type of versatility NFL teams are demanding from today's hybrid safeties.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks preferred size for the position. Too often loses out on 50-50 balls, being forced to attempt to rip away at the hands of the receiver as he attempts to come down with the catch. Highly aggressive downhill tackler who can come in too hot and lose control, leaving cut-back lanes.

Tends to lead with his shoulder and will leave his feet to make the lights-out hit, resulting in some ugly lunges and misses. Good, not great lateral agility and can get left grasping at air. The same good, not great lateral agility shows up in coverage where Elam can lose positioning against slot receivers, though he does have a nice burst to close quickly.

Elam has twice had run-ins with police regarding minor in possession offenses involving alcohol (July 2010, July 2011).

RAVENS.com WEAKNESS: Elam is one of the higher profile prospects at his position due to his onfield emotion and energy when lining up big hits in the open field. The junior thrives when his number is called, and Elam was very visible since he frequently lined up in the box at strong safety. However, when looking beyond the splash plays, Elam lacks urgency and can be seen standing around while others make the play. That combined with his tendency to launch himself at ball carriers rather than make form tackles might have caused some scouts to be a bit apprehensive.

PICK GRADE: B+ (I like Elam as a player for the Ravens, just not at this point.. Still think Ravens could have traded up to get him or taken a player like S.C. safety D.J Swearinger later in round. Thought this was a big chance to take leaving so many inside linebackers on the board. In the end it worked out but there was a risk here)

PROJECTED ROLE FOR GAME 1: Starting safety alongside Michael Huff

Arthur Brown to man the middle

Round 2, Pick 24 (56) (from Seahawks): Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State:

Height/Weight: 6-foot, 242 pounds

School: Kansas State

Position: Inside linebacker ("Will," or weak side)

This was the pick I expected the Ravens to make when they chose Elam. This is also the pick that epitomizes the expression, “Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good”.

Once the Ravens traded up in round two with the Seahawks, and all of the other top rated linebackers were gone, including some of the not so top rated linebackers, I exhaled and cheered all at one time. This pick made the Elam selection look even better and this is the pick I point to as the future of the Ravens defense.

Jeff Reynolds of The Sports Xchange had this to say. “One linebacker becomes an All-Pro…Arthur Brown of Kansas State got little press in Manhattan and isn't yet a headliner, but he'll make like NaVorro Bowman and go from overlooked rookie to most wanted in short order. Brown can play inside or outside linebacker and his experience stopping the run and in coverage showed scouts he'll play all three downs with the kind of verve coaches want from their defensive captain. This isn't a knock on Manti Te'o or Alec Ogletree as much as a nudge to the limelight for Brown.”

RAVENS.com SAYS: Brown has similarities to the man he's looking to step in for, future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Both linebackers are known for their impressive sideline-to-sideline speed, but fell down draft boards mostly over concern about their small stature. Brown is somewhat undersized as a middle linebacker, but he had the speed to cover tight ends, running backs and slot receivers coming over the middle of the field. This is the first time in franchise history that the Ravens have an opening at middle linebacker, and the spotlight will be on Brown from the time he arrives in Baltimore. Handling that pressure and expectations will be critical for him to settle in and succeed during his rookie season.

NFL SCOUT SAYS: Instinctive, physical defender who, other than his lack of ideal size, ranks among the surest prospects of the 2013 draft. Possesses excellent key and diagnosis skills. Often takes his initial step toward where the play is designed to go before the quarterback has finished taking the snap. Possesses explosive, active hands to quickly slip blocks and plays with excellent leverage, bending at the knees to consistently get under the pads of would-be blockers and pushing them aside to make the play in the hole. Very good balance to avoid cut blocks and when knocked to the ground; remarkably quick in popping back up. Very good sideline-to-sideline speed, which could allow him to remain at inside linebacker in the NFL. Drops back into coverage fluidly, demonstrating not only the athleticism but the awareness to handle this responsibility in the NFL. Times his blitz well with the snap, showing the flexibility to slip past blockers, flatten out and close on the quarterback.

NFL.com Overview: The brother of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2012 seventh-round draft pick, running back Bryce Brown, transferred from Miami (Fla.) to see the field more regularly. It didn't take long for Arthur to make an impact at Kansas State and became the Wildcats' most consistent force on the defensive side of the ball during his tenure in Manhattan. Some will question his size, but Brown plays much bigger than his frame suggests due to strong hands and a physical attitude on contact. He projects as either an inside linebacker or weak-side prospect in the NFL.

WEAKNESS: The knock on Brown is his size. He is a little less than 6’1” and weighs about 240-pounds. They say he has a tendency to take on blocks with alternating shoulders, putting him in excellent position to slip off and make tackles but also could be jeopardizing the long-term health of his body, especially considering his relative lack of size in the first place. Stands out on tape for his size, physicality and open-field tackling, but has not proven to be much of a playmaker over his career, posting "just" three interceptions and not a single forced fumble over his collegiate career. Struggles while at Miami open up concerns about how well he will handle the jump to the Ravens while stepping in for a legend in the process.

It is obvious Nolan Nowrocki did not write Brown’s weaknesses and thank God, for that but if that is the biggest weakness that can be found on him; the Ravens are in good shape. I will say this, without Brown in the second round; the Ravens would have struggled to gain a grade better than a “B” in this draft. While I like the Ravens draft as a whole, not getting a young premier linebacker in this draft when so many were available could have been catastrophic.

Brown has developed into a natural leader, who is confident in his abilities. "I come in with a strong drive. I'm a player that possesses great instincts and athletic ability. I'm a downhill, hard-nosed type player." Brown told reporters. As much as staying true to your board is a positive, this could have been a situation where it turned out to hurt the Ravens.

I agree with many that say Matt Elam had to be selected considering the lack of depth at safety in this class but consider this; while the Ravens had many holes to fill, replacing Ray Lewis, as well as Dannell Ellerbe was the main objective and I will not move from that stance.

Without Brown, or a player like Kevin Minter, or Manti Te’o in the fold, this could have been a disastrous draft, at least at the top of the board. The good news is, there would have always been next year for the great Ravens scouting department, the bad news, without Brown, the Ravens may have been selecting a lot higher next season, as they continued to look for No.52’s replacement.

In my opinion and I may get an argument from a few people on this one but Brown has better NFL potential coming out of college than did Panthers linebacker and reigning defensive rookie of the year in the NFL, Luke Kuechly.

Drafted last season by the Panthers with their ninth pick in the first round, the former Boston College star led the league with 164 tackles during the regular season and recorded eight pass deflections, one sack, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. The next closest tacklers to Kuechly (NaVorro Bowman & Chad Greenway) had 148 takedowns.

PICK GRADE: A+ (Great player, great value)

PROJECTED ROLE IN GAME 1: Starting inside linebacker

Brandon Williams

Round 3, Pick 32 (94): Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern:

Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 335 pounds

School: Missouri Southern State

Position: Defensive tackle

Williams was best described as the best defensive lineman in the country that does not play for a major college. The Pro Football Weekly draft preview guide listed him as the second-best player in the country at his position, trailing only Ohio State product Jonathan Hankins.

Being a three time All-American is rare at any level of football but Williams was one to accomplish that feat. The Associated Press placed Williams on one of their three Little All-American teams (third in 2010, second in 2011, first in 2012) as one of the top players in Division II, III, or NAIA.

Williams showed glimpses of talent while playing every game as a true freshman for the Lions, starting three contests and making 38 tackles, three for loss and 1.5 sacks. He missed the 2009 season due to an injury, but exploded on the scene as a redshirt sophomore, earning those All-American honors and first-team All-MIAA accolades with 50 stops, 17 for loss, and nine sacks despite starting just the final seven games after starting the year coming off the bench.He started nine of the teams 10 games in 2011, racking up 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Williams has also tipped 12 passes at the line during his first three seasons. In 2012, Williams was named the MIAA defensive player of the year with 68 tackles (16.5 for loss), 8.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. "He's smart," Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said of Williams. "He's tough. He's a tremendous athlete. He moves well for a big man and we're excited to have him.

Williams is expected to push veteran Terrence Cody, whom the Ravens have openly expressed disappointment in and is recovering from offseason hip surgery, as well as free-agent pickup Chris Canty for the nose guard spot.

"We will have a nice little rotation at defensive tackle,” Harbaugh said. "Haloti bumps inside a little more now than he did in the past, because we added Marcus and Chris. We have really bolstered our front seven big-time. I just think we are going to be deep. DeAngelo [Tyson] is still in the mix there. We are going to have a nice rotation upfront. It’s going to be a very formidable group up front."

The matchup’s problems he helped create also led to his being the only defensive tackle in all of college football to limit runners for negative yardage. He held opposing ball carriers to minus-58 yards during his career.

This is another player that simply put, is cut right from the Ravens mold. "There were other players we liked that we were going to take with the pick [if Williams was gone]," Newsome said. "These picks have definitely addressed our needs in the middle of the defense."

STRENGTHS

NFL.COM SAYS: Presents a low center of gravity and strong upper body to push consistently push man-up blockers into the backfield. Gets hands on his man fast, extends his arm to get leverage and can hold his ground. Uses his hands to swim or rip past blockers into the backfield. Also wins gaps by attacking a shoulder or out-quicking his man with a first step. Moves down the line adeptly while engaged to flow with plays. Flashes the agility to jump over trash inside and move well in a stand-up rush position despite his thick lower body. Directs teammates on their responsibilities before the snap. Lines up at five-technique, nose and everywhere in-between.

NFL DRAFT SCOUT SAYS: Broad-shouldered and bulked up, especially in his upper body. Possesses the upper-body strength to shove opponents into the backfield and disrupt plays before they even have a chance to begin. Has enough short area quickness to slice through gaps. Possesses longer arms (32 3/4) than expected given his stout frame, which he uses well to keep offensive linemen off him. Strong, heavy hands. Experienced playing on the nose, defensive tackle and out wide as a five-technique defensive end and has the length and awareness to be similarly versatile in the NFL. Good recognition of screens and draws. Surprisingly light feet and balance to move laterally through the trash and shows enough phone-booth quickness to close. Good strength and aggression for the pull-down tackle. Gets his hands up in passing lanes to provide quarterbacks with narrow lanes and has good hand-eye coordination and timing to tip passes. Enjoyed an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Of course, every player has weaknesses and one of the biggest question marks surrounding Williams is whether he will, or can adjust to the NFL from a small school.

WEAKNESSES

NFL.COM SAYS: Does not make a lot of plays outside the box because of average effort and closing speed. Inconsistent at finding the ball, lowers his head at times trying to win gaps, allowing himself to get ridden out of plays. Slow to spin off blocks, and double-teams can move him. Must prove himself against stronger linemen, also that he has the stamina to be more than a rotational player.

NFL DRAFT SCOUT SAYS: Weaknesses: Possesses a disproportionately top-heavy build and a thinner than ideal lower body, which makes him less effective as a run-stuffing presence than he might appear "on the hoof." While active for his size, is not a quick-twitch athlete capable of providing a consistent pass rush in the NFL. Possesses only phone-booth quickness and lacks sustained speed, effort to travel far. Must do a better job of keeping his hands active, as he too often remains blocked when his initial bull rush or first step are handled. Missed the 2009 season due to injury.

RAVENS.COM SAYS: Williams has the size and athleticism to thrive in the NFL, but the jump to the AFC North from Missouri Southern State is steep. He dominated in college, but now he's going to be facing guys his own size, and will not be able to rely solely on his physical gifts to force his way into the backfield and disrupt running plays. Williams will join Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody, Chris Canty, Marcus Spears and DeAngelo Tyson in a rotation and competition in the interior of the defensive line. He'll be able to learn from the veterans, who could help him made the adjustment to the professional level.

PICK GRADE: A

PROJECTED WEEK 1 ROLE: In the defensive line rotation, eventually replacing Terrance Cody in the middle.Tomorrow I will break down the following picks:

Round 4, Pick 32 (129): John Simon, DE, Ohio State
Round 4, Pick 33 (130) (Compensatory Selection): Kyle Juszczyk, FB, Harvard
Round 5, Pick 35 (168) (Compensatory Selection): Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin

Tags: Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens, Dannell Ellerbe, Ed Reed, John Harbaugh, Ozzie Newsome, Ray Lewis Comments Off

by Matt Pearce

Matt Birk Retires

February 28, 2013 in News

A couple of days ago, the starting center for the Baltimore Ravens, Matt Birk, announced his retirement from the league. He will become the 2nd Ravens to retire after winning Super Bowl XLVII, along with LB Ray Lewis.

Birk was a 6th round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 NFL Draft out of Harvard. By the 2000 season, he had taken over as the starting center for the Vikings. He played with the Vikings up until the 2009 season, when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent.

Baltimore Ravens C Matt Birk has announced his retirement.

The contract that Birk signed with the Ravens was worth $12 million over 3 years. During the offseason last year, Birk signed another 3 year deal to stay with the Ravens.

Over his 15 seasons (4 with the Ravens), Birk played in a total of 210 games and started 187 of them. He was a 6-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro, all came with the Vikings.

While Birk was clearly not the same center over the last few years as he was in Minnesota, he was still key to the Ravens offensive success. With all of his experience, Birk was able to help QB Joe Flacco become an "elite" quarterback. Birk was still making correct blitz pickup calls throughout the playoffs, it was just his blocking that dropped off, which comes with age.

His retirement will save the Ravens $2 million in cap room. This will be important as the Ravens are close to the cap without giving the free agent Flacco a new contract, which could be worth up to $20 million per year.

While Birk was an All-Pro on the field, he was just as good off the field. Throughout his career, Birk has been known for his work for charities and foundations. He set up the HIKE Foundation in 2002 and and the "Ready, Set, Read!" Foundation in 2010 after he signed with the Ravens. For all of his work off the field, Birk was awarded the 2011 Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award.

Going along with this attitude, Brik announced his retirement at the Battle Grove Elementary School in Baltimore. There were 40 5th grade students present and the media was behind them.

On his retirement at the school, Birk said "The reason that I wanted to do it here today was because I have enjoyed playing football, but as much as playing, I have enjoyed doing this [giving back to the community] as an NFL player. When I was a rookie … There are 53 guys on a team. I was like the 53rd guy. I was the worst player on the team, but I was on the team. That’s all that mattered. I went out and did a visit my first week with the Vikings. I went to a school, and all the kids were going crazy. They didn’t really know who I was. They just knew that I played for the Vikings, and I thought, ‘Wow. This is unbelievable.’ Like I said, this has been a big part of my career, and what I’ve enjoyed doing is coming to schools over the years and really being with young people like you guys. I get a lot of energy — get a lot of positive energy — from you guys and really enjoy it. I just thought that this would be a fitting place to do it.”

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco, Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings, Ray Lewis Comments Off

by Matt Pearce

Ray Lewis Career Stats

February 18, 2013 in News, Stats, Super Bowl XLVII

With Super Bowl XLVII being Ravens legendary LB Ray Lewis's last career game of his 17 season career, it is time to look at his career stats.

Regular Season Stat Totals

Games Played: 228
Combined Tackles: 2,050
Total Tackles: 1,558
Tackles Assists: 492
Sacks: 41.5
Forced Fumbles: 19
Fumble Recoveries: 19
Interceptions: 31
Interception Yards: 503 (16 yard average and 64 yard long)
Touchdowns: 3
Pass Deflections: 119

Postseason Stat Totals

Seasons: 9
Games Played: 21
Combined Tackles: 211
Total Tackles: 132
Sacks: 2.0
Forced Fumbles: 6
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Interceptions: 2
Interception Yards: 54 (50 and 4 yard returns)
Touchdowns: 1
Pass Deflections: 14

Regular Season Career Highs

Ravens legendary LB Ray Lewis celebrates winning Super Bowl XLVII in his last career game.

Games Played: 16 (8 times)
Combined Tackles: 183 (1997 season)
Total Tackles: 155 (1997 season)
Tackles Assists: 49 (2001 season)
Sacks: 5.0 (2006 season)
Forced Fumbles: 2 (6 times)
Fumble Recoveries: 3 (2000 and 2010)
Interceptions: 6 (2003)
Interception Yards: 115 (2001)
Touchdowns: 1 (3 times)
Pass Deflections: 13 (2003)

Postseason Career Highs

Combined Tackles: 51 (2012)
Total Tackles: 29 (2012)
Tackles Assists: 22 (2012)
Sacks: 1.0 (2009 and 2010)
Forced Fumbles: 3 (2001)
Fumble Recoveries: 1 (2000)
Interceptions: 2 (2000)
Interception Yards: 54 (2000)
Touchdowns: 1 (2000)
Pass Deflections: 8 (2000)

Career Awards

13x Pro Bowler
7x AP first team All-Pro
3x AP second team All-Pro
2x AP Defensive Player of the Year (2000 and 2003)
2x AFC Champion (2000 and 2012)
2x Super Bowl Champion (XXXV and XLVII)
Super Bowl XXXV MVP

Interesting Facts

Record 13 Pro Bowls for a middle linebacker
Record 10 All-Pro selections for a middle linebacker
Record 10 All-Pro selections for a linebacker (tied with Lawrence Taylor)
Most games started at middle linebacker (227)
Most interception return yards for a middle linebacker (503)
Most seasons played at middle linebacker (17)
Most tackles in one postseason (51 in 2012)
Quickest player to reach 20 sacks and 20 interceptions (113 games)
Quickest player to reach 30 sacks and 30 interceptions (204 games)
Only player in NFL history with 40 sacks and 30 interceptions.
Second most takeaways by a linebacker in NFL history (50).
Lewis led the NFL in tackles 5 different seasons.
He had 11 seasons with at least 150 tackles.
Holds the Ravens franchise record for tackles in a game with 25 (9/14/97)
His first career sack was of Colts QB Jim Harbaugh, the brother of current Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers head coach in Super Bowl XLVII.
The quarterback that Lewis sacked the most was Kordell Stewart.
Lewis was on the cover of the video game "Madden NFL 2005."
Lewis won his 2 Super Bowls 12 years apart. This is the longest time in between wins in NFL history.
Only 3 Hall of Fame players have won the Super Bowl in their last career game. Lewis will be the 4th when he his elected.
Six players, including Lewis, have been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year more than once.
The Ravens won 164 games since the drafting of Lewis with the 26th pick in the 1996 NFL Draft and the Ravens 2nd ever draft pick (Hall of Fame LT Jonathan Ogden went 4th overall).

Now the question remains, is Ray Lewis the best defensive player of all-time?

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis, Stats, Super Bowl MVP, Super Bowl XLVII, Super Bowl XXXV Comments Off

by Matt Pearce

Jacoby Jones Shines In Hometown

February 11, 2013 in Super Bowl XLVII

During the two weeks leading up to Super Bowl XLVII, lots of people, including me, were talking about Ravens S Ed Reed returning to his hometown of New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Well, Ravens WR Jacoby Jones is from New Orleans as well, and he had an amazing game.

Reed did have a good game, recording an interception but, Jones had an even better one. He set the Super Bowl record for all-purpose yards with 290. Of these 290 yards, 56 were receiving yards and 234 were return yards.

Ravens WR Jacoby Jones celebrates his kickoff return for a touchdown.

Most of his 234 return yards came on an 108 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half. This was originally ruled to be a return of 109 yards but it was changed after further review of the play. The play (seen here) was still a Super Bowl record return though. After scoring the touchdown, Jones gave a little tribute to retiring LB Ray Lewis by doing Lewis's introduction dance. Earlier in the year, week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, Jones also had an 108 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This return was his third kickoff return for a touchdown and fourth total as he had one punt return touchdown.

Returning a kickoff for a touchdown was not all Jones did though. With 1:45 left in the first half, Jones scored on a 56 yard touchdown catch. On the play, Jones ran a deep route. While catching the ball, Jones fell to the ground and wasn't touched by San Francisco 49ers CB Chris Culliver. Jones realized this and got up right away, he then was able to outrun the two 49ers defenders in the area for a touchdown. This was the only catch that Jones had on two targets but he made it count

When asked about this play, Jones said "Football is a chess match sometimes. We watched film. It was a play we dialed up and we knew they’d play coverage a certain way. [Chris Culliver and Donte Whitner] both bit and Joe threw a perfect ball."

After the game, there was some talk that Jones should have won the MVP award. He did set the Super Bowl record with 290 all-purpose yards but, only 56 were receiving yards. When you factor in the great game that QB Joe Flacco had, then the award should have gone to Flacco. The runner-up for this award was definitely Jones though.

Jones doesn't believe that he deserved the award either. When asked, Jones said "No. I just played my role, I did my job that I was supposed to do. When they call your name, you have to show up and play your role. I played my role. Joe Flacco deserves it because if you see what he did in that postseason, he threw 11 touchdowns and no picks."

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Chris Culliver, Dallas Cowboys, Donte Whitner, Ed Reed, Jacoby Jones, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, Super Bowl XLVII Comments Off

by Matt Pearce

Super Bowl XLVII Recap

February 11, 2013 in Observations, Super Bowl XLVII

Exactly one week ago, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII. Since it has been one week, it is time to look at some important things that occurred. The play of Joe Flacco has already been looked at here.

Ravens Coaching
The Baltimore Ravens coaching staff did a good job preparing for this game. The team came out strong and was able to execute what we can assume was the gameplan. Two key moments for the coaching staff stick out from this game.

First, was the power outage during the game. For 34 minutes, the lights on half of the stadium went out. This allowed the 49ers to recuperate and come out attacking. Before the power outage, the Ravens led 28-6. After the power outage, the 49ers outscored the Ravens 25-6. The coaching staff obviously didn't do enough to keep the players ready to play. The 49ers were able to get their players ready to play. Maybe the players were thinking that this game was already decided due to the big lead, I don't. But what I do now is that the team wasn't the same after this stoppage of play.

In my opinion, the best decision by the coaching staff was to take a safety with about ten seconds left in the game. The Ravens were up by five points and had the ball on their own 8-yard line on a 4th and 7. Instead of just punting the ball away, P Sam Koch took the ball and ran around in the endzone. He was able to run off eight seconds before the 49ers figured out what was going on and pushed Koch out-of-bounds. This made the Ravens have to do a free kick and the coverage unit was able to stop the return as time expired.

So, instead of allowing a possible blocked punt or a punt return for a touchdown on a short field, the Ravens played it safe. It is easier to defend a return when the returner is fielding the ball from farther away from the endzone. More importantly, it ran off eight seconds which guaranteed that the return would be the last play of the game. If the 49ers had any return, they would have been able to throw a hail mary pass or, if they got a good return, would have been able to run a regular play. By taking the safety, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh played the odds perfectly and set up the Ravens victory.

Bernard Pollard
One the first play of the game, Pollard re-broke six ribs. According to the Ravens website, Pollard broke initially broke these six ribs one multiple occasions in the season. The first three were broken when OLB Courtney Upshaw hit him during the week 2 game against Philadelphia. Two more broke when CB Chykie Brown hit him in practice in November. Lastly, Pollard broke the sixth when S Ed Reed hit him on the first play of the game in week 14 against Washington.

Pollard was able to play through the pain but he wasn't his normal self. He looked weaker in pass coverage all game long. Obviously, the injury isn't serious and he will be ready for next season with plenty of time to spare.

Haloti Ngata
Just like Pollard, Ngata got injured in the game. However, Ngata's injury was more serious and, had a bigger impact on the game. Ngata left the game with a knee injury and never returned. It has been confirmed that Ngata only sprained his knee, so there will be no effect on his play next season.

In game, this effected the Ravens big time. As soon as he went out with the injury, the 49ers were able to run the ball more effectively. This is one of the reasons why the 49ers had much more success in the second half on offense then they did in the first. If Ngata, hadn't got injured the 49ers wouldn't have been able to run as well since Ngata is one of the top run stuffers in the NFL, let alone the Ravens best.

Underrated Play Of The Game
Certain plays like the touchdowns and the defensive stop at the end of the game get all the publicity but, there are still great plays that go unmentioned. In this game, the underrated play of the game was a 3rd and 1 pass by the Ravens.

More specifically, it was a 3rd and 1 pass to WR Anquan Boldin with under nine minutes left. Originally, the Ravens called for a run play but, Flacco audibled once he saw how the 49ers lined up on defense. He called for a back shoulder fade to Boldin, who was in one-on-one coverage. On the route, Boldin was covered very well and it was a tough throw to make. However, Flacco placed the ball perfectly and Boldin was able to hold on for the catch.

This play put the ball on the 49ers 40-yard line and one play later, the Ravens were in field goal range. This field goal, by K Justin Tucker, put the Ravens up by five points with under five minutes left in the game. If this pass is dropped or falls incomplete, the 49ers would only have been down two points, which means instead of having to score a touchdown at the end of the game, they would have only needed a field goal.

Underrated Player Of The Game
This goes to LG Kelechi Osemele. I said, if the Ravens stop 49ers DE Justin Smith, they will win the trenches on offense. Osemele did just that for the Ravens. He was able to single team Smith which allowed more blockers to go to other pass rushers which neutralized the 49ers defensive front.

Player Of The Game
Last, is my player of the game award. I think that the voters got this right when the gave it to Flacco. He played an excellent game going 22-of-33 for 287 yards and threw 3 TDs. Without Flacco's performance they wouldn't have won this game. Coming into the game, the only real threat I saw to Flacco winning the award (if the Ravens won the game) was LB Ray Lewis. If Lewis had a big impact on the game (i.e. forcing a big turnover), the voters might have given him the award because this was his last game in the NFL.
Runner Up: WR/KR Jacoby Jones

Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco throws a pass.

Tags: Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens, Bernard Pollard, Chykie Brown, Courtney Upshaw, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata, Jacoby Jones, Joe Flacco, John Harbaugh, Justin Smith, Justin Tucker, Kelechi Osemele, Ray Lewis, Sam Koch, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, Super Bowl XLVII Comments Off

by Matt Pearce

Win In The Trenches, Win The Game

January 31, 2013 in Super Bowl XLVII, What to Look For

Super Bowl XLVII is being dubbed as the "Harbowl" because of brothers John and Jim Harbaugh being the head coaches of the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers respectively. While this is a good storyline, it won't exactly determine who will win this game. These two teams played last season on Thanksgiving night in Baltimore and the Ravens won 16-6. Both teams are similar to those teams from 2011 but, there are still many differences. In this game, the key will be winning the battle of the trenches.

1. Offensive Line
The biggest reason the Ravens are in the Super Bowl, in my opinion, is the offensive line. You can argue other things like the defense stepping up, Ray Lewis announcing his retirement, and Joe Flacco but, without the offensive line, Flacco wouldn't be playing as good as he has. Without Flacco, the Ravens wouldn't have made it this far so, the offensive line is a big deal.

Throughout the postseason, the offensive line has given up only four sacks in three games. In the regular season, they allowed thirty-eight sacks in sixteen games. This comes out to 2.38 sacks per game. Sacks isn't the whole story though, as the line was allowing constant pressure during some games which gave Flacco no chance to complete was pass. In fact, in the game against the Denver Broncos in week 15, the line allowed eighteen hurries, ten knockdowns, and three sacks (not counted as knockdowns) on forty pass attempts. In their matchup in the Divisional Playoffs, the Broncos only had one sack and never had much pressure.

The reason for this sudden change was a change in the line itself. Starting LG Jah Reid was injured for the Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts. This forced a complete reshuffling of the line. Normal LT Michael Oher went to RT, normal RT Kelechi Osemele went to LG, and backup Bryant McKinnie went to LT. McKinnie started at LT last season but was forced to the bench when the Ravens drafted Osemele. Before the next game, against the Broncos, the Ravens placed Reid on injured reserve which locked in this lineup for the rest of the playoffs.

On to Super Bowl XLVII, the line will face a tough matchup with the 49ers who finished the regular season 3rd in total yards allowed and 2nd in points per game. The biggest challenge will be for the left side of the offensive line. Left tackle McKinnie will go up against Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aldon Smith who has 19.5 sacks this season. Right guard Marshal Yanda will face All-Pro DE Justin Smith. One stat in favor of the Ravens is that neither has recorded a sack since week 14 against the Miami Dolphins. The reason for this is Justin Smith then missed some time with a triceps injury. This shows that without Justin Smith, Aldon Smith is an "average" pass rusher. Even in their two playoff games, Aldon Smith has no sacks and Justin Smith has been playing injured in those two games.

Since Yanda is an All-Pro guard, the Ravens will hope he can handle Justin Smith one-on-one. This then allows more attention to go to Aldon Smith with McKinnie probably getting some help from a tight end or a running back. If Yanda can handle Justin Smith, it frees up the whole offensive line. It means on run plays C Matt Birk and LG Kelechi Osemele could double team NT Isaac Sopoaga and lets FB Vonta Leach get to the second level and take out one of the 49ers All-Pro ILBs in Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

The key for the Ravens offensive line is to stop Justin Smith. If they can do this with just Marshal Yanda then it will free up other lineman to block linebackers and the rest of the defensive line. Anytime you can get offensive lineman on linebackers in the run game, it is good. In the passing game, if the line can hold up, Flacco should play similar to how he has so far in the playoffs.

2. Joe Flacco
Speaking of Flacco, he has big responsibilities in the game. This is his chance to show the world that he is an elite quarterback like he said before the season. So far this postseason, he has been elite going 51-of-93 for 853 yards with 8 TDs, 0 INTs, and a QB rating of 114.7. His passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and QB rating are all the best for QBs in this postseason.

Beyond the stats, he has gone into Denver and beat MVP candidate Peyton Manning and went into New England and beat Tom Brady. Not only did he beat both, he outperformed them and now he finds himself in New Orleans for the Super Bowl while they watch from home.

The best part of Flacco's game this postseason has been the deep passing game. On passes to wide receivers Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin, Flacco is averaging 16.7 yards per completion. During the regular season, the 49ers were good at stopping the deep pass but, in the playoffs, they have regressed and quarterbacks are 10-of-15 for 264 yards with 3 TDs, 1 INT, and a QBR of 100. If you want to see a full chart for this click here.

Expect the Ravens to come out passing against the 49ers. Against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, they came out running and it didn't work. In the second half, they started to pass the ball and this second half performance won the game for them. Don't expect the Ravens to abandon the run game though as they will need it for play-action passes and the Ravens always seem to lose when they don't run the ball. As always, they will use Smith to take the top off the defense and then use Boldin and TE Dennis Pitta across the middle of the field.

The Ravens will need one more good game from QB Joe Flacco to win the Super Bowl.

3. Stopping the Run
When the 49ers played the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Playoffs, the Packers couldn't stop QB Colin Kaepernick or RB Frank Gore. In the NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Falcons were able to stop Kaepernick from running but couldn't stop Gore. If the Ravens want to win, they will have to at least contain both of them.

Coming into this game, the Ravens defense is on fire. They have given up 14 points per game in the playoffs and have only allowed four touchdowns. Despite the Ravens not having played a good running teams in the playoffs, they have a few advantages over the Packers and the Falcons in stopping the 49ers run game.

The best defense to run for stopping the option, which the 49ers will run, is the 3-4, which the Packers use but not the Falcons. However, the Packers defense has consistently been awful over the last few years. The Ravens run the 3-4 defense and, they have the right personnel to stop the outside runs.

Rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw has been one of the best run defenders at his position all season long. Therefore, expect him to play a little bit more than usual on Sunday. When you think of Terrell Suggs, you think of a pass rusher, not a run defender. However, Suggs has become a good run defender over the last few years and it has become the most evident this year. Due to all of his injuries limiting his pass rushing ability, Suggs has become a better run defender. Paul Kruger also will play at OLB for the Ravens but he is mainly a pass rusher so he won't be talked about here.

The outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense are the most important players in stopping outside runs, which is mainly what Kaepernick does. Since the Ravens have a pair of good outside linebackers, the should be ok in this part of the run game. They also showed this in their week 14 matchup against the Washington Redskins. While the Ravens lost, they were able to limit QB Robert Griffin III to 34 yards on 7 rushes before he was hampered by a knee injury. Therefore, it is Gore that the Ravens will have to really worry about.

The outside linebackers will have to set the edge for runs and probably will be assigned to Kaepernick on the option plays. This means that the rest of the front seven will be responsible for stopping Gore. This is what the Falcons couldn't do and the Ravens could fall in the same boat. The nose tackle position has been very inconsistent for the Ravens this year with not very good production. This allows lineman to get blocks on the linebackers which can spring the running backs free. This is never good for a run defense as it allows constant runs of five yards or more.

A way to fix this is putting normal DE Haloti Ngata at NT but this all but eliminates him from rushing the passer which he is so good at. Therefore, the Ravens will have to stick with Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Terrence Cody at NT. Them, along with DEs Ngata, Arthur Jones, and Pernell McPhee will need to get push and take on blockers to disrupt the runs and allow the linebackers to run free and make tackles.

Expect the Ravens to have schemed up a decent way to stop this high powered run game of the 49ers. However, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman are great offensive minds which means they also will have schemed up something. This means it will come down to execution and who can make plays.

4. Pass Rush
Containing Kaepernick isn't the only thing the Ravens outside linebackers will have to do, they will also have to generate a pass rush when the 49ers pass it. It will be a tough challenge for the Ravens pass rushers as the 49ers line has only given up two sacks this postseason but, they did give up forty-one sacks in the regular season which ranks tied for 23rd best in the NFL.

The Ravens, on the other hand, recorded thirty-seven sacks in the regular season, tied for 15th best, and have six sacks in the postseason. In the game against the Patriots, they recorded no sacks but were able to have constant pressure. Rushing the passer isn't all about sacks, most of it is getting enough pressure to force the ball out of the quarterback's hands before he wants to throw it.

Playing the 49ers, the biggest problem with getting pressure is the threat of Kaepernick to scramble and pick up chunks of yards. Therefore, don't be surprised if the Ravens have either a linebacker in the middle of the field spy Kaepernick or just tell the edge pass rusher to contain on certain plays. This should limit the scrambling ability of Kaepernick on pass plays.

On to specific players, OLB Paul Kruger had been quite a tear since week ten against the Oakland Raiders. He had a total of ten sacks in nine games starting with that game. His streak finished after a 2.5 sack performance against the Colts in their Wild Card game. He has been shut out in the last two playoff games though. The Ravens will need Kruger to regain his late season form to get pressure on Kaepernick and disrupt the 49ers passing game.

On the other side of the line will the Terrell Suggs. Suggs has overcome a torn achilles and a torn biceps to be able to play this season. In the regular season, Suggs was only able to record two sacks in eight games. In the postseason, however, Suggs has two sacks, both against the Broncos. Suggs will need to be in top form as the 49ers have a great offensive line, plus he will have big responsibilities in the run game.

While Kruger and Suggs will rush from the outside, Haloti Ngata, Arthur Jones, and Pernell McPhee will rush Kaepernick from the inside. Of those three, McPhee has turned his game on recently. Against the Patriots he batted down two passes including one that resulted for an interception. In the previous game, he had a strip sack of Peyton Manning. McPhee had been limited by injuries all year but now, he seems to be back in form. Jones had 4.5 sacks in weeks 12-14 but has no others on the season. Ngata, has been a force inside when healthy and, he seems to be in good health right now.

As stated above, who ever wins in the trenches will win the game. So, it might not be as fun to watch as a high powered passing offense, like the Patriots, but the battle in the trenches will be great to watch as there will be some great matchups and, most importantly, it will determine the game.

Ravens OLB Paul Kruger will be a key player in Super Bowl XLVII.

Tags: Aldon Smith, Anquan Boldin, Arthur Jones, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Bryant McKinnie, Colin Kaepernick, Courtney Upshaw, Dennis Pitta, Denver Broncos, Frank Gore, Green Bay Packers, Greg Roman, Haloti Ngata, Indianapolis Colts, Issac Sopoaga, Jah Reid, Jim Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, John Harbaugh, Justin Smith, Kelechi Osemele, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Marshal Yanda, Matt Birk, Michael Oher, NaVorro Bowman, New England Patriots, Offensive Line, Pass Rush, Patrick Willis, Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee, Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, Robert Griffin III, Run Defense, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVII, Terrell Suggs, Terrence Cody, Tom Brady, Torrey Smith, Vonta Leach, Washington Redskins Comments Off

by Matt Pearce

Four Ravens With Super Bowl Experience

January 27, 2013 in Super Bowl XLVII

With the Super Bowl being one week away, we should look at what experience the Ravens will have in New Orleans. The Ravens have four players who have played in the Super Bowl before and their head coach along with both of their coordinators have been to the Super Bowl.

The first, and most obvious of the Ravens to play in a Super Bowl, is LB Ray Lewis. He is the only player on the Ravens team with a Super Bowl ring. Lewis got his ring in Super Bowl XXXV where the Ravens beat the New York Giants 34-7. This is the only other time the Ravens have made it to a Super Bowl and Lewis is the only player left from this team.

In the game, Lewis only had 3 solo tackles, 2 tackle assists, and 4 pass defensed. However, Lewis still was able to win the Super Bowl MVP. The reason that Lewis won the MVP was he was the leader of a defense that allowed no points (the Giants returned a kickoff for a touchdown). In fact on ESPNs Super Bowl MVP page, it just says "Led a dominant Ravens defense" under why he received the award. Every MVP except one, Super Bowl XII, has the players statistics. During that season, Lewis was also the Defensive Player of the Year and he led arguably the best best defense in history.

Ravens LB Ray Lewis was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV.

In his post game press conference, Lewis said "I told Shannon Sharpe [TE] and I told Jamal Lewis [RB]: Give us 10 points and the game is over. That's not boasting. If you give us 10 points, game over. You go down against our defense, you're in a whole lot of trouble. We've dominated people like that all year. And they didn't score on us. Make sure you quote that. They didn't score on our defense." As you can see, Lewis was very proud of his, and the defense's accomplishments.

The next Ravens player who has made a Super Bowl is fellow LB Brendon Ayanbadejo. Ayanbadejo was part of the Chicago Bears when they made it to Super Bowl XLI. The Bears lost to the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 29-17. Ayanbadejo only played special teams for the Bears and recorded 1 tackle during the game.

Starting WR Anquan Boldin was part of one of the most unexpected Super Bowl runs ever. He played a key part in getting the Arizona Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII. In the regular season, the Cardinals went 9-7 and many people believed they didn't belong in the playoffs at all. The Cardinals run was ended by the Pittsburgh Steelers as they handed the Cardinals a 27-23 loss on an improbable touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left. Boldin had 8 catches for 84 yards including a 45 yard catch. For that season, Boldin had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in the regular season.

Last is backup S James Ihedigbo who played for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI which was last year. Despite the Patriots losing 21-17 to the New York Giants, who like the Cardinals went 9-7 in the regular season, Ihedigbo played a decent game. He had 5 tackles as one of the starting safeties. However, Ihedigbo was covering Giants WR Victor Cruz on his touchdown catch. At the end of training camp this year, Ihedigbo was cut and the Ravens quickly signed him. By beating the Patriots twice, including the AFC Championship Game, Ihedigbo has is revenge and now is going for back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

On the coaching side of things, offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell was the Colts QB coach/assistant head coach when they beat Ayanbadejo and the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. This experience should be helpful during preparation for the Super Bowl over the next week. Since he was also the assistant head coach, Caldwell would have had more responsibilities than a regular QB coach.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has been to two Super Bowls with the Patriots. The first was Super Bowl XXXIX where he was the LB coach and the second was Super Bowl XLII as the defensive coordinator. The Patriots won the first Super Bowl but not the second. The loss in Super Bowl XLII wasn't exactly on Pees because his defense only gave up 17 points. They did give up 14 points in the 4th quarter but, coming into the game, the Patriots would have been happy giving up 17 points as their offense was one of the best in history. However, the Giants were able to stop this high-powered offense.

Head coach John Harbaugh has been to the Super Bowl once when he was the Philadelphia Eagles special teams coordinator. The Eagles faced the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX and as we already know, the Patriots won. The Eagles special teams didn't give up any touchdowns and the longest return they allowed was only 26 yards. It definitely wasn't Harbaugh's fault that the Eagles lost.

Now, what does this mean for the Ravens? It means that they have some experience in all aspects of the game. On offense, they have Boldin, a veteran receiver and a key players, and the offensive coordinator in Caldwell. On defense, they have Lewis, a great leader, and coordinator Dean Pees. Both Ayanbadejo and Ihedigbo play special teams so they will bring experience to that part of the game. It is good that the three most important coaches all have been to the Super Bowl as they have already been through this before.

The San Francisco 49ers don't have the same experience at the top of their coach staff as head coach Jim Harbaugh went to Super Bowl XXXVII as the Oakland Raiders QB coach and neither offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have been to a Super Bowl. The 49ers do have more players who have played in Super Bowls as they have five players with Super Bowl experience.

It will be interesting to see how experience ends up impacting the game. It is interesting that the teams combined will only have a total of nine players with Super Bowl experience which is probably a recent low.

Tags: AFC Championship Game, Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals, assistant coach, Baltimore Ravens, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chicago Bears, Dean Pees, defensive coordinator, Greg Roman, Indianapolis Colts, Jamal Lewis, James Ihedigbo, Jim Caldwell, Jim Harbaugh, John Harbaugh, New England Patriots, New Orleans, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, offensive coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, QB coach, Ray Lewis, San Francisco 49ers, Santonio Holmes, Shannon Sharpe, special teams coordinator, Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, Super Bowl XLI, Super Bowl XLIII, Super Bowl XLVI, Super Bowl XLVII, Super Bowl XXXIX, Super Bowl XXXV, Super Bowl XXXVII, Vic Fangio, Victor Cruz Comments Off

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