The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most successful teams in the National Football League (NFL), having won two Super Bowl titles in their relatively short history. Since their inception in 1996, the Ravens have been known for their dominant defense and hard-nosed style of play, making them a fan favorite across the league.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the Baltimore Ravens’ journey from their start to now, including their two Super Bowl titles, key players, and memorable moments.
The Beginning
The Ravens were founded in 1996, following the relocation of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. The team was named after Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, “The Raven,” which was written while Poe lived in Baltimore. The Ravens struggled in their early years, failing to make the playoffs in their first four seasons.
However, things started to turn around in the 2000 season when the Ravens’ defense, led by linebacker Ray Lewis, became one of the best in NFL history. The team finished the season with a 12-4 record and made it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Super Bowl XXXV
The Ravens’ dominant defense carried them through the playoffs and into Super Bowl XXXV, where they faced the New York Giants. The Ravens’ defense was relentless, holding the Giants to just seven points and forcing five turnovers. The Ravens won the game 34-7, with Ray Lewis being named the game’s MVP.
Super Bowl XLVII
The Ravens’ second Super Bowl title came in the 2012 season when they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. The Ravens had a 28-6 lead in the third quarter, but the 49ers mounted a furious comeback, scoring 17 unanswered points. However, the Ravens held on to win the game 34-31, with quarterback Joe Flacco being named the game’s MVP.
Key Players
The Ravens have had a number of standout players over the years, but perhaps none more so than Ray Lewis. Lewis spent his entire 17-year career with the Ravens, earning 13 Pro Bowl selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Other key players in Ravens history include:
– Jonathan Ogden, offensive tackle: Ogden was the Ravens’ first-ever draft pick and spent his entire career with the team. He was a 11-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
– Ed Reed, safety: Reed was one of the most dominant safeties in NFL history, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award during his 12-year career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
– Joe Flacco, quarterback: Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Ravens, leading the team to their second Super Bowl title in the 2012 season. He holds the record for most playoff wins by a quarterback in Ravens history.
Memorable Moments
In addition to their two Super Bowl titles, the Ravens have had a number of memorable moments throughout their history. Here are a few of the most notable:
– Ray Lewis’ “Squirrel Dance”: Before every home game, Ray Lewis would perform a dance known as the “Squirrel Dance” as he made his way onto the field. The dance became an iconic part of Ravens lore and was often imitated by fans.
– Mile High Miracle: In the 2012 playoffs, the Ravens faced off against the Denver Broncos in the divisional round. Trailing 35-28 with just over a minute to play, Joe Flacco threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones to tie the game. The Ravens went on to win the game in double overtime.
– 2012 AFC Championship Game: The Ravens faced off against the New England Patriots in the 2012 AFC Championship Game. The Ravens led for most of the game, but the Patriots staged a comeback in the second half. With the game tied at 20-20 and under a minute to play, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hit a game-winning field goal to send the Ravens to the Super Bowl.
– The 2019 Season: In the 2019 season, the Ravens were one of the best teams in the league, finishing with a 14-2 record. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had a breakout season, winning the league MVP award. However, the Ravens were upset in the playoffs by the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Ravens have had a storied history in the NFL, with two Super Bowl titles and a number of memorable moments and key players. From Ray Lewis’ dominant defense to Joe Flacco’s clutch performances in the playoffs, the Ravens have always been a tough team to beat. With Lamar Jackson leading the way, the future looks bright for the Ravens as they continue to compete at the highest level in the NFL.
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