Top Ten Moments in Baltimore Ravens History
Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; A statue of former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) stands in front of the stadium prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
4. Ray Lewis announces retirement; Ravens win playoff opener in his last home game
When one thinks about the Baltimore Ravens, it’s hard not to mention the name Ray Lewis. During his tenure in Baltimore, the emotional leader on and off the field was the face of the franchise. So, when he announced that he would be retiring at the end of the 2012-13 season, it was an emotional time for Ravens players, coaches, and fans alike.
Watching Ray Lewis take the field at M&T Bank Stadium for the last time in the Wild-Card game against the Indianapolis Colts was a surreal moment.
As the clock was winding down, the Ravens up 24-9, Lewis lined up in the backfield on offense and closed the game out with his famous “Squirrel Dance.” This was just a special moment for anyone associated with the Baltimore Ravens franchise.
Ray Lewis had done so much for the organization and the city of Baltimore, so it was only fitting that he closed out in style.
3. Mile High Miracle
Everything just seemed to go right for the Ravens in the 2012 postseason. Things were no different in their AFC Divisional Round matchup with the Denver Broncos.
Trailing 35-28 with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, the Ravens lined up for a third-and-three from their own 30-yard line. Flacco took the snap, but was forced to step into the pocket due to pressure from the outside. He realized that there was a breakdown in coverage in the Denver secondary and he took advantage of it.
The following ensued.
Baltimore went on to win the game on overtime on a Justin Tucker 47-yard field goal.
2. Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII
After Ray Lewis announced he’d be retiring at season’s end, something seemed to change for the Ravens. The Ravens were underdogs throughout the playoffs, so making it to the Super Bowl was a long-shot.
However, this appeared to be a team of destiny. From the Mile High Miracle to the beatdown of the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, the stars were aligned for another Baltimore Super Bowl run.
In what was dubbed the “Harbaugh Bowl,” the Ravens dominated the San Francisco 49ers in the first half and the third quarter, until the power went out in the New Orleans Superdome. After that, the momentum seemed to swing in San Fran’s favor. The Ravens defense withstood the charge, turning the 49ers over on downs on thier last possession of the game.
The Baltimore Ravens were Super Bowl champs again and ‘old heads’ like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed got to leave Baltimore on top of the football world.
Next: #1 - You gotta know what's coming ...