Top 50 Players In Baltimore Sports History: Countdown 30-21
26. Terrell Suggs, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Nov 24, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after recovering a fumble in the second quarter against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The other player that Ravens fans might argue to be the best pass-rusher in franchise history is Terrell Suggs. Suggs might have the upper hand in this argument due to Boulware’s shortened career.
Suggs is a fan favorite in Baltimore due to his tactics on and off the field. Not only does Suggs talk the talk, but he walks the walk as well. Nicknamed “Sizzle”, Suggs came into the league in 2003. He recorded 12 sacks and six forced fumbles in his rookie year and like Boulware, received the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Suggs was, and still is, considered to be one of the best pass-rushers in Football. From 2003 through 2008, he recorded eight or more sacks in each of those seasons.
After battling injuries in 2009 and recording a career-low 4.5 sacks, Suggs came back stronger than ever. He totaled 11 sacks in 2010, before winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2011 – recording 70 tackles, 14 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He also became the Ravens’ franchise leader in sacks early on in the 2011 campaign. Suggs currently has 94.5 sacks and is still going strong as he recorded ten last year. He is well on his way to the Hall of Fame, and he may be the only active Raven that can say that about himself.
25. Chris McAlister, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Not only is McAlister the best DB in Ravens history but he was also the best cornerback in his generation. McAlister was selected tenth overall by the Ravens in the 1999 NFL draft. He had a solid rookie year in which he recorded 47 tackles, five picks, and 16 passes deflected. At season’s end, he was named to College & Pro Football Newsweekly’s 1999 All-Rookie Team.
McAlister had another solid season in 2000 as the Ravens won the Super Bowl and he had a key interception against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. McAlister set an NFL record for the longest play when he returned a missed field goal 107 yards for a touchdown during Monday Night Football against the Denver Broncos on September 30, 2002. The record was later broken by Antonio Cromartie on a 109-yard field goal return in 2007.
After going to his first Pro Bowl in 2003, the Ravens signed McAlister to a seven-year, $55 million contract. He had his best year in 2006, when he recorded two touchdowns and made his third Pro Bowl. His last few years in Baltimore were amassed by injuries as he only played 14 games in 2007 and 2008 combined. McAlister finished his career with 26 interceptions, five touchdowns, and 137 passes defended.