Five Greatest Defensive Players in Ravens History
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens former linebacker Ray Lewis shows off his Super Bowl ring on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Since their inception in 1996, the Baltimore Ravens have been home to a number of great defensive players.
How does a player make this list? Of course, statistics and credentials are major factors, but also the player’s longevity with the organization. Deion Sanders, for example, is arguably one of the greatest defensive players ever to grace the gridiron, but only played two seasons in Baltimore. Therefore, ‘Prime Time’ doesn’t qualify as one of the greatest Ravens defensive players.
Throughout franchise history, the Ravens have prided themselves on playing smash-mouth football, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Once referred to as “Organized Chaos,” they wreaked havoc all over the field and gave opposing players nightmares. Let’s just say, the Ravens didn’t make too many friends on the field.
These are the guys who have helped build the reputation the Baltimore Ravens defense has today. Here are the five greatest defensive players in Ravens history.
Honorable Mention: CB Chris McAlister, S Rod Woodson, LB Jamie Sharper, DE Michael McCrary
5. Peter Boulware, Outside Linebacker: 8 seasons (1997-2005)
Boulware was the fourth-overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft and he lived up to the hype. As a rookie, he recorded 11.5 sacks, ultimately winning the AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
The four-time Pro Bowler was an explosive pass-rusher who haunted opposing quarterbacks in their sleep. He once held the franchise-record for sacks in a career with 70. He also recorded four sacks in one game back in 2002.
No. 58 was a fierce competitor and was a dominant force in the purple and black his entire career. It’s only right that a player like Elvis Dumervil dons that number today.
4. Haloti Ngata, Defensive Lineman: 9 seasons (2006-Present)
Haloti Ngata’s impact on the Baltimore Ravens goes far beyond his statistics. Simply looking at numbers won’t do the big guy justice. In 135 games, Ngata has recorded 445 combined tackles, 25.5 sacks. six forces fumbles, and five interceptions.
Ngata may not always make the play, but what he does is wreak havoc on the opposing offense. He utilizes his strength and athletic ability to clog gaps and rush the passer. He also draws so much attention that he actually creates opportunities for his teammates to make impact plays.
There’s no way the Ravens win the Super Bowl in 2012 without Ngata. He impacts the game in so many ways and regardless of whether or not he stays a Raven, he’ll always play like one.
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3. Terrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End: 12 seasons (2003-Present)
When you think about Terrell Suggs, you think about everything that the Baltimore Ravens stand for: hard work, teamwork, and attitude. There is no offensive tackle in the NFL that enjoys trying to block Sizzle.
Suggs is the Ravens all-time leader in sacks with 106.5, and also sack yardage. Even at 32 years of age, he is still one of the more feared pass rushers in the NFL. The six-time Pro Bowler was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003, AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, and is also a Super Bowl champion.
He has done a great job taking over the leadership responsibilities for this team and is now the heart and soul of the Ravens. When it’s all said and done, Suggs should have a bust in Canton.
2. Ed Reed, Free Safety: 11 seasons (2002-2012)
It’s not too hard to see why Ed Reed is ranked so highly on this list. Reed is one of the best defensive backs to ever play the game of football. He was a ball-hawking safety who just always had a knack for being where the ball is.
Reed is the Ravens’ all-time leader in interceptions with 61 and he also is the NFL’s all-time leader in interception yardage (1,541). Much like Deion Sanders, Reed made plays whenever possible. He accounted for 13 touchdowns in his career, including a punt return and two 100+ yard interception returns.
Whenever the Ravens needed a big play, Reed was there to give it to them. He is the most dynamic player to ever wear a Ravens uniform and there will never be another guy like him. Reed was selected to Pro Bowl nine times and was a first-team All-Pro five times.
It goes without saying that he is a sure-fire Hall of Famer.
1. Ray Lewis, Middle Linebacker: 17 seasons (1996-2012)
This one goes without saying. You can’t mention the Baltimore Ravens without first mentioning Ray Lewis. From the moment, the Ravens drafted him, they knew he was their guy.
Lewis is a 13-time Pro Bowler, seven-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Second Team All-Pro, two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time Super Bowl champion. Lewis was the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXXV. He is also the Ravens all-time leading tackler (1,558).
Ray Lewis literally was the Ravens. The 2000 Ravens defense was arguably the greatest defense of all-time, and Lewis was the unquestioned leader of that unit. It could even be argued that he is the greatest linebacker of all-time.
Lewis’ impact in Baltimore goes well beyond his play on the field. From the “Squirrel” dance to the pregame speeches, his energy was just infectious. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts to help the city. Sugar Ray is a legend in the city of Baltimore.
Love him or hate him, Ray Lewis will always be the face of the Ravens and should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.