Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens was estalished in 1996 when Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his intention to relocate his team from Cleveland to Baltimore. The controversy ended when representatives of Cleveland and the NFL reached a settlement on February 8, 1996. The agreement stipulated that the Browns' name, colors, uniform design and franchise records would remain in Cleveland. The franchise history included Browns club records and connections with Pro Football Hall of Fame players. A new team to begin play in 1999 would be regarded as the "reactivated" Cleveland Browns. Modell's Baltimore team, while retaining all current player contracts, would officially be the expansion team, a "new franchise." Not all players, staff or front office would make the the move to Baltimore, however.

The home stadium for the Ravens first two seasons was Baltimore's Memorial Stadium - the former home field of the Baltimore Colts. The Ravens moved to their own new stadium at Camden Yards in 1998. Raven Stadium would subsequently wear the names PSI Net Stadium and eventually at M&T Bank Stadium, their current home stadium.

The 2000 season saw the Ravens defense, led by defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis. It was develop into a rock-solid unit that emerged as one of the most formidable defenses in NFL history. The Ravens defense set a new NFL record in holding opposing teams to 165 total points. The team overshadowed the mark set previously by the 1986 Chicago Bears of 187 points for a 16 game season. Linebacker Ray Lewis was named Defensive Player of the Year and, with two of his defensive teammates, Sam Adams and Rod Woodson, made the Pro Bowl.

Baltimore went for Super Bowl XXXV at Tampa against the New York Giants, cruising to a 34–7 win for their first championship in franchise history. The Ravens recorded four sacks and forced five turnovers, one of which was a Kerry Collins interception returned for a touchdown by Duane Starks. The Giants' only score was a Ron Dixon kickoff return for another touchdown (after Starks' interception return); however, Baltimore immediately countered with a TD return by Jermaine Lewis. The Ravens became only the third wild card team to win a Super Bowl championship. The interception return for a touchdown, followed by two kick return TDs, marked the quickest time in Super Bowl history that three touchdowns had been scored.

About the Author

ClarkBF is a sports enthusiast. He is a football follower particularly the NFL. If you find this article interesting you may visit his webpage to know more about the Baltimore Ravens or you may read other NFL articles written by him.

Super Bowl Memories: Baltimore Ravens

Tagged with: baltimore • baltimore ravens • baltimore ravens cheerleaders • baltimore ravens history • baltimore ravens michael oher • baltimore ravens roster • baltimore ravens schedule • football • nfl • ravens • source article • sports

Filed under: Football

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!