Baltimore Ravens: Franchise Overview

Introduction

The Baltimore Ravens represent one of the most successful franchises in modern NFL history. Born from the controversial relocation of the Cleveland Browns in 1996, the Ravens quickly established their own identity and have since won two Super Bowl championships while developing a reputation for defensive excellence and organizational stability.

The Ravens’ history is marked by legendary defenses, including the 2000 unit that is considered one of the greatest in NFL history. The franchise has consistently competed for championships while maintaining a strong connection to the Baltimore community that had been without NFL football for 12 years following the Colts’ departure to Indianapolis.

Franchise Identity

Founded: 1996 (Browns relocation); 1996 (first season) Location: Baltimore, Maryland Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium (opened 1998); originally PSINet Stadium Conference: American Football Conference (AFC) Division: AFC North Team Colors: Purple, Black, Gold Mascot: Poe (raven), Rise and Conquer (live ravens) Super Bowl Championships: 2 (2000, 2012) Named After: Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven”

Historical Journey

The Move to Baltimore (1996)

The Ravens were born from the controversial relocation of the Cleveland Browns franchise. Art Modell, who had owned the Browns since 1961, announced in November 1995 that he would move the franchise to Baltimore for the 1996 season. The move sparked outrage in Cleveland and legal challenges that resulted in a unique arrangement: the Browns’ name, colors, and history would remain in Cleveland for a future expansion or relocated team, while Modell’s organization would become an entirely new franchise in Baltimore.

The new team was named the Ravens, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem (Poe is buried in Baltimore). The Ravens inherited the Browns’ players and front office personnel but started with an empty record book in 1996.

Early Years and Building a Defense (1996-1999)

The Ravens’ first season under coach Ted Marchibroda produced a 4-12 record, typical of an expansion team. The 1997 and 1998 seasons showed gradual improvement, with the team drafting future Hall of Famers Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis in their first two drafts.

Brian Billick replaced Marchibroda as head coach in 1999, bringing an offensive background that would prove important for the franchise’s development. The 1999 team finished 8-8, narrowly missing the playoffs.

The 2000 Super Bowl Championship

The 2000 season stands as the greatest in Ravens history and produced one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. The Ravens allowed just 165 points in 16 games, setting an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season.

Led by Ray Lewis, who won Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP, the defense was historically great. The offense, quarterbacked by Trent Dilfer, provided just enough support to win games.

The Ravens defeated the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Oakland Raiders to reach Super Bowl XXXV. In the Super Bowl, they defeated the New York Giants 34-7, with the defense scoring touchdowns on an interception return and a kickoff return. The victory brought Baltimore its first NFL championship since the Colts won Super Bowl V in 1971.

The Post-Championship Years (2001-2007)

The Ravens remained competitive following their championship but could not return to the Super Bowl. The 2001 team won a playoff game before losing to Pittsburgh. The 2003 team won 10 games behind Jamal Lewis’s 2,066 rushing yards (second-most in NFL history).

The 2006 season brought a 13-3 record and home-field advantage in the playoffs, but the team was upset by Indianapolis in the divisional round. Steve McNair provided veteran quarterback play, and the defense remained strong.

The late 2000s brought rebuilding under coach John Harbaugh, who replaced Billick in 2008. The Ravens drafted Joe Flacco and Ray Rice, setting the stage for their next championship run.

The 2012 Super Bowl Championship

The 2012 season culminated in the Ravens’ second Super Bowl title. The team battled through Ray Lewis’s announced retirement and a late-season coaching change (offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell replaced Cam Cameron).

In the playoffs, the Ravens defeated Indianapolis, Denver in the famous “Mile High Miracle” (Jacoby Jones’s 70-yard touchdown catch to force overtime), and New England to reach Super Bowl XLVII. The Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers was interrupted by a power outage that delayed the game for 34 minutes. The Ravens held on for a 34-31 victory, with Joe Flacco earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

The victory was Ray Lewis’s final game, providing a storybook ending to one of the greatest careers in NFL history.

The Modern Era (2013-Present)

The post-2012 years have seen the Ravens remain competitive while transitioning to a new generation of players. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed retired, and the defense was rebuilt around younger talent. Joe Flacco signed a massive contract extension following the Super Bowl victory.

Lamar Jackson’s arrival in 2018 transformed the offense. Jackson won the 2019 NFL MVP award, becoming the second unanimous MVP in NFL history. The Ravens have won multiple division titles with Jackson but have struggled to advance deep in the playoffs.

The 2023 season brought another division title and the end of an era with the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and several veteran players. The franchise remains committed to contention with Jackson under center.

Notable Players

Ray Lewis: The greatest Raven and one of the best defensive players in NFL history. Lewis played 17 seasons, won two Super Bowls, was named to 13 Pro Bowls, and won two Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Ed Reed: The ball-hawking safety intercepted 64 passes and revolutionized the safety position. Reed was a 9-time Pro Bowler and the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year.

Jonathan Ogden: The first player ever drafted by the Ravens, Ogden anchored the offensive line for 12 seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Terrell Suggs: The outside linebacker recorded 132.5 sacks for the Ravens and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2011.

Lamar Jackson: The 2019 NFL MVP has transformed the Ravens offense with his dual-threat abilities, setting numerous records for rushing yards by a quarterback.

Current Outlook

The Ravens enter 2024 as perennial contenders in the AFC North. With Lamar Jackson signed to a long-term contract, a strong defense under new coordinator Zach Orr, and a commitment to running the football, the franchise aims to add a third Super Bowl championship to its trophy case.

Baltimore Ravens: A History of Excellence

The Move to Baltimore (1995-1996)

The Baltimore Ravens were born from one of the most controversial franchise relocations in NFL history. Art Modell, who had owned the Cleveland Browns since 1961, announced in November 1995 that he would move the franchise to Baltimore for the 1996 season. The decision followed years of stadium disputes in Cleveland and the promise of a new stadium in Baltimore.

The announcement sparked outrage in Cleveland, with fans protesting and lawsuits filed. The NFL brokered a unique settlement: Modell’s organization would move to Baltimore as an entirely new franchise, while the Browns’ name, colors, and history would remain in Cleveland for a future team. This arrangement was unprecedented in American sports.

The new franchise was named the Ravens, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem (Poe is buried in Baltimore). The purple and black colors were chosen to distinguish the team from the Baltimore Colts, whose blue and white had been retired after the franchise moved to Indianapolis in 1984.

The First Seasons (1996-1999)

The Ravens played their first season in 1996 at Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Colts. Ted Marchibroda, who had coached the Colts in Baltimore, was hired as head coach. The team finished 4-12, typical of an expansion franchise, but the foundation was being laid.

The 1996 NFL Draft brought two franchise cornerstones: offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (fourth overall) and linebacker Ray Lewis (26th overall). Ogden would anchor the offensive line for 12 seasons and be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Lewis would become the greatest Raven and one of the best defensive players in NFL history.

The team moved to PSINet Stadium (now M&T Bank Stadium) in 1998. Brian Billick replaced Marchibroda as head coach in 1999, bringing an offensive background that would shape the franchise’s identity. The 1999 team finished 8-8, narrowly missing the playoffs.

The 2000 Super Bowl Championship

The 2000 season stands as the greatest in Ravens history and produced one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. The Ravens allowed just 165 points in 16 games, setting an NFL record for a 16-game season. The defense featured Ray Lewis, Rod Woodson, Sam Adams, and Peter Boulware.

The offense, quarterbacked by Trent Dilfer after Tony Banks was benched, was serviceable but limited. Jamal Lewis rushed for over 1,300 yards, and Shannon Sharpe provided veteran tight end play. The formula was simple: defense and special teams would win games.

The Ravens defeated Denver 21-3 in the wild card round, then upset Tennessee 24-10 in Nashville in the divisional round. The AFC Championship Game brought a 16-3 victory over the Oakland Raiders, sending Baltimore to Super Bowl XXXV.

In the Super Bowl against the New York Giants, the Ravens dominated from the start. The defense scored on a Duane Starks interception return in the first quarter. The Ravens won 34-7, with Ray Lewis named Super Bowl MVP.

The Post-Championship Years (2001-2007)

The Ravens remained competitive following their championship. The 2001 team won a playoff game before losing to Pittsburgh. The 2003 season brought a 10-6 record and Jamal Lewis’s 2,066 rushing yards, second-most in NFL history.

The 2006 season was particularly promising. Steve McNair provided steady quarterback play, and the team finished 13-3, earning home-field advantage. However, the Ravens were upset by Indianapolis in the divisional round.

Brian Billick was fired after the 2007 season following a 5-11 record. The Ravens began a new chapter under coach John Harbaugh.

The Harbaugh-Flacco Era (2008-2012)

John Harbaugh’s hiring in 2008 brought new energy. The Ravens drafted Joe Flacco in the first round, and the rookie quarterback started all 16 games. The team reached the AFC Championship Game, losing to Pittsburgh.

The 2011 team reached the AFC Championship Game again but lost to New England in heartbreaking fashion. Lee Evans dropped a potential game-winning touchdown, and Billy Cundiff missed a field goal that would have sent the game to overtime.

The 2012 Super Bowl Championship

The 2012 season was defined by Ray Lewis’s announcement that he would retire after the playoffs. The Ravens struggled late in the season, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was replaced by Jim Caldwell.

The playoff run featured dramatic victories: - Wild Card: 24-9 over Indianapolis (Lewis’s final home game) - Divisional: 38-35 over Denver in double overtime, featuring the “Mile High Miracle” - AFC Championship: 28-13 over New England

Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers was interrupted by a power outage that delayed the game 34 minutes. The Ravens won 34-31, with Joe Flacco named Super Bowl MVP.

The Modern Era (2013-Present)

The post-2012 years saw the Ravens transition to a new generation. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed retired, and the defense was rebuilt. Joe Flacco signed a massive contract but struggled to replicate his postseason success.

Lamar Jackson’s arrival in 2018 transformed the offense. In 2019, he became the second unanimous NFL MVP in history. The Ravens have won multiple division titles with Jackson and remain perennial contenders.

Notable Moments

• First Win: September 1, 1996 vs. Oakland Raiders (19-14)
• Mile High Miracle: January 12, 2013 vs. Denver Broncos
• Ray Lewis’s Final Game: Super Bowl XLVII victory

Baltimore Ravens: Championships and Playoff History

Super Bowl Championships (2)

Super Bowl XXXV Champions (2000 Season)

The 2000 Ravens fielded one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, allowing just 165 points in 16 games. They defeated the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV.

Playoff Journey: - Wild Card: Ravens 21, Denver Broncos 3 - Divisional: Ravens 24, Tennessee Titans 10 - AFC Championship: Ravens 16, Oakland Raiders 3 - Super Bowl XXXV: Ravens 34, Giants 7

The defense scored on a Duane Starks interception return, and special teams added a kickoff return touchdown. Ray Lewis was named Super Bowl MVP despite not recording a sack or interception, a testament to his overall defensive impact.

Super Bowl XLVII Champions (2012 Season)

The 2012 Ravens won their second championship with a dramatic playoff run, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII.

Playoff Journey: - Wild Card: Ravens 24, Indianapolis Colts 9 - Divisional: Ravens 38, Denver Broncos 35 (2OT) - AFC Championship: Ravens 28, New England Patriots 13 - Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens 34, 49ers 31

The “Mile High Miracle” against Denver featured Jacoby Jones’s 70-yard touchdown catch to force overtime. Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing 11 touchdown passes without an interception in the postseason.

Conference Championships (2)

AFC Championships: 2000, 2012

Division Championships (6)

AFC North: 2003, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019

Playoff Appearances (15)

The Ravens have qualified for the playoffs 15 times since 1996, with their most recent appearance in 2023.

Notable Postseason Performances

Ray Lewis: 13 postseason games, 2 interceptions, 2000 Super Bowl MVP Ed Reed: 15 postseason games, 9 interceptions Joe Flacco: 15 postseason games, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 2012 Super Bowl MVP Lamar Jackson: 5 postseason games, 1,000+ total yards Justin Tucker: Most accurate kicker in NFL postseason history

Baltimore Ravens: Notable Players

Hall of Famers

Ray Lewis (LB, 1996-2012)

The greatest Raven and one of the best defensive players in NFL history. Lewis won two Super Bowls, was named to 13 Pro Bowls, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and was the emotional leader of the franchise for 17 seasons.

Jonathan Ogden (OT, 1996-2007)

The first player ever drafted by the Ravens, Ogden anchored the offensive line for 12 seasons. An 11-time Pro Bowler, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Ed Reed (S, 2002-2012)

The ball-hawking safety intercepted 64 passes and revolutionized the safety position. Reed was a 9-time Pro Bowler, the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, and holds the NFL record for interception return yards.

Franchise Icons

Terrell Suggs (OLB, 2003-2018)

“T-Sizzle” recorded 132.5 sacks for the Ravens and was the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year. His combination of pass rush and run defense made him a cornerstone of the defense.

Haloti Ngata (DT, 2006-2014)

The massive defensive tackle was a five-time Pro Bowler and anchored the defensive line during the 2012 Super Bowl run.

Jamal Lewis (RB, 2000-2006)

The 2000 Rookie of the Year rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003, second-most in NFL history for a single season.

Todd Heap (TE, 2001-2010)

The franchise’s all-time leading receiver at tight end was a consistent red zone threat and fan favorite.

Peter Boulware (OLB, 1997-2005)

The 1997 Defensive Rookie of the Year recorded 70 sacks for the Ravens.

Modern Era Stars

Lamar Jackson (QB, 2018-present)

The 2019 unanimous NFL MVP revolutionized the quarterback position with his dual-threat abilities. Jackson set the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks.

Mark Andrews (TE, 2018-present)

The All-Pro tight end has been Lamar Jackson’s primary target and a matchup nightmare for defenses.

Roquan Smith (LB, 2022-present)

Acquired in a trade with Chicago, Smith has become the defensive leader and a First-Team All-Pro.

Justin Tucker (K, 2012-present)

Widely considered the greatest kicker in NFL history, Tucker holds the record for longest field goal (66 yards) and highest career accuracy.

Marlon Humphrey (CB, 2017-present)

The All-Pro cornerback is known for his physical style and ability to shadow top receivers.

Retired Numbers

The Ravens do not officially retire numbers but have not reissued: 19 (Johnny Unitas), 52 (Ray Lewis), and 20 (Ed Reed, unofficial).

Baltimore Ravens: Team Records

Career Records

Passing Yards: Joe Flacco - 38,245 Passing TDs: Joe Flacco - 212 Rushing Yards: Jamal Lewis - 7,801 Rushing TDs: Jamal Lewis - 45 Receptions: Derrick Mason - 471 Receiving Yards: Derrick Mason - 5,777 Receiving TDs: Mark Andrews - 40+ Sacks: Terrell Suggs - 132.5 Interceptions: Ed Reed - 61

Single-Season Records

Passing Yards: Lamar Jackson - 3,127 (2024, pending final stats) Passing TDs: Lamar Jackson - 36 (2019) Rushing Yards: Lamar Jackson - 1,206 (2019) Rushing TDs: Jamal Lewis - 14 (2003) Receptions: Derrick Mason - 103 (2007) Receiving Yards: Michael Jackson - 1,201 (1996) Receiving TDs: Mark Andrews - 9 (multiple seasons) Sacks: Elvis Dumervil - 17 (2014) Interceptions: Ed Reed - 9 (2004, 2008)

Team Season Records

Most Wins: 14 (2006) Best Record: 14-2 (2006) Most Points Scored: 487 (2019) Fewest Points Allowed: 165 (2000) Best Defense: 2000 (NFL record 165 points allowed)

Streak Records

Longest Winning Streak: 12 games (2006) Longest Home Winning Streak: 15 games (2018-2020) Consecutive Playoff Appearances: 5 (2008-2012) Consecutive Seasons with 10+ Wins: 5 (2008-2012)

Special Teams Records

Longest Field Goal: Justin Tucker - 66 yards (2021, NFL record) Most Career Points: Justin Tucker - 1,500+ Highest FG Percentage (career): Justin Tucker - 91%+

Baltimore Ravens: Fan Culture and Traditions

The Flock

Ravens fans are known as “The Flock,” a passionate and loyal community that has supported the team through two championship eras. The purple and black create a distinctive visual at M&T Bank Stadium.

M&T Bank Stadium Experience

The stadium features a unique design with lower bowl seats close to the action. The “Ravens Walk” pre-game party includes live music, food, and fan activities. The stadium’s location near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor makes it accessible for fans.

Traditions

The Seven Nation Army Chant: Fans chant “Oh-oh-oh-oh” during big moments, adapted from the White Stripes song.

The Defense Chant: When the defense needs a stop, fans chant “De-fense” to create noise.

The Fight Song: “The Baltimore Fight Song” plays after touchdowns and victories.

Purple Fridays

Fans wear purple every Friday before game days, creating a city-wide show of support. Schools, businesses, and government buildings participate in Purple Friday traditions.

Poe and Rise and Conquer

The team mascot, Poe, entertains fans during games. The Ravens also feature live ravens named Rise and Conquer who reside at the stadium.

Community Connection

The Ravens Foundation supports educational and community initiatives throughout Maryland. Players are actively involved in charitable work, continuing the community focus established by Ray Lewis.

Rivalries

Pittsburgh Steelers: The most intense rivalry, featuring physical games and playoff implications. Cleveland Browns: The former franchise, now a heated divisional rival. Cincinnati Bengals: A growing rivalry with the emergence of Joe Burrow. New England Patriots: Historic playoff matchups create additional tension.

Purple Camden Yards

When the Ravens play at home during baseball season, Camden Yards is often lit purple in support of the football team.

Baltimore Ravens: Current Status

Recent Performance (2023-2024)

The Ravens won the AFC North in 2023 with a 13-4 record and earned the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Lamar Jackson won his second NFL MVP award, becoming the second unanimous MVP in history. However, the season ended with a disappointing loss to Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game.

Roster Overview

The Ravens feature a balanced roster with strengths on both sides of the ball:

Offense: Lamar Jackson leads an offense featuring Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, and a strong offensive line. The running game remains a priority under offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Defense: Roquan Smith anchors the defense, with Marlon Humphrey leading the secondary. The defensive line features Justin Madubuike and new additions.

Special Teams: Justin Tucker remains the most reliable kicker in NFL history.

Front Office

General Manager Eric DeCosta has continued Ozzie Newsome’s legacy of excellent drafting and roster management. Head Coach John Harbaugh is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL.

Future Outlook

The Ravens are perennial contenders with Lamar Jackson signed long-term. The challenge is translating regular-season success into a third Super Bowl championship. With a strong roster, excellent coaching, and passionate fanbase, the Ravens expect to compete at the highest level for years to come.