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Baltimore Ravens Team History
The Balitmore Ravens were actually the Cleveland Browns up until November 6, 1995 when team owner Art Modell announced he was moving the Browns to Baltimore. After many legal back and forths between Modell, the city of Cleveland and the NFL, it was determined that all names, colors, records, etc. were to remain the property of Cleveland. The new team needed a name. After many phone surveys, contests and focus groups, the city of Balitmore came up with the Ravens. This, of course, is named after Edgar Allen Poe's famous poem, "The Raven." Poe spent his last days in Baltimore and is buried in the city.
While they may have had a new name, a new city, and new uniforms, the result on the field was the same as the same old Browns: losing. The 1996 Ravens were only able to post a 4-12 record. The next year started off stronger and began to show that they draft very well as Peter Boulware was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 1997 Ravens improved upon the previous season gong 6-9-1. In 1998, the Ravens played their first season in their new stadium, then called Ravens Stadium. It went on to be named PSINet Stadium and currently M&T Bank Stadium. The new home didn't make much of a difference as the Ravens finished with a 6-10 record.
Changes needed to be made after three straight losing seasons and then coach, Ted Marchibroda, was fired in favor of hiring Brian Billick who was coming off a record-setting season as the Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator. It was a roller coaster of a season, but it was obvious the Ravens were in good hands with Bilick as they were able to finish the season at 8-8.
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens to this day set the gold standard for strong defensive teams. While they had big trouble scoring points and even went five consecutive games without scoring an offensive touchdown, the Ravens finished 12-4 and notched a wild card spot in the AFC playoffs. Baltimore suprisingly rolled through their opponents with Jamal Lewis' strong running and the Ray Lewis led defense setting records and landed a date with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Once again the Ravens proved their doubters wrong and completely trounced the Giants 34-7 to bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back to Baltimore.
Since that historic run, Baltimore has yet to recapture the same magic and has either missed the playoffs or been bounced early ever since. 2006-07 has been the closest the Ravens have come to being champions again as they finished the season at 13-3 thanks to their always strong defense, and the veteran leadership of Steve McNair. The eventual Super Bowl champions of that season, Indianapolis Colts, came to town and ended the Ravens hopes of another championship season.
Baltimore Ravens Memorable Moments
Naming the team the Ravens.
Promoting Ozzie Newsome to General Manager
Hiring Brian Billick in 1999.
Drafting Peter Boulware, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Jamal Lewis
Defeating the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV.
Finishing the 2006-07 season 13-3. Baltimore Ravens Records
All-time regular season franchise record: 95 - 91 - 1
All-time playoff franchise record: 5 - 3
All-time franchise passing leader: Kyle Boller - 7345 yards
All-time franchise rushing leader: Jamal Lewis - 7801 yards
All-time franchise receiving leader: Todd Heap - 3897 yards
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Results
2006
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 6 - 15 vs. Indianapolis Colts
2003
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 17 - 20 vs. Tennessee Titans
2001
AFC Wildcard Game: won 20 - 3 at Miami Dolphins
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 10 - 27 at Pittsburgh Steelers
2000
AFC Wildcard Game: won 21 - 3 vs. Denver Broncos
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 24 - 10 at Tennessee Titans
AFC Championship Game: won 16 - 3 at Oakland Raiders
Super Bowl: won 34 - 7 at New York Giants
All-time playoff record: 5 - 3
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference |
Baltimore Ravens HISTORY 
