Ravens fans should reflect on a great era of Baltimore football

by Wola Odeniran

June 28, 2013
2:35 pm

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Baltimore Ravens and Ravens Nation know all about the great success the team has had over the last five years, as they are currently the defending Super Bowl champions. The best thing, I think, about the Ravens winning the Super Bowl is the fact that as a fan, you gain some perspective.

The modern Ravens have cemented their legacy in the history of the game. For the next few years at least, Ravens fans get to look back, reflect, and say that at least they got their two Super Bowls when they did.

Relax a little more. I sure am.

While Ravens fans continue celebrating the most recent glory, there are other small tidbits that I find interesting – since 2000 there are some numbers that speak to the level of success this team (and fans) has experienced.

SINCE 2000….

1.) The Baltimore Ravens are fifth in the NFL in total wins (including playoffs) with 138.

Ravens 138
Green Bay Packers 139
Indianapolis Colts 145
Pittsburgh Steelers 147
New England Patriots 168

This is a very impressive statistic when you consider the fact that people talk about the NFL being a quarterback-driven league. Most of the teams listed above have had their quarterbacks as the face of the franchise for many years (Favre then Rodgers in GB, Manning in Indy, Brady in New England, Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh), while the Ravens had the legend in Ray Lewis. Joe Flacco will take over that mantle for now, but this just goes to show that the Ravens have had a unique organization in the NFL over that time, as they’ve found other ways to win.

2.) Ravens have the most road wins in the playoffs with nine.

3.) Ravens are tied with the Eagles and Packers for the third-most playoff appearances.

Eagles 9
Packers 9
Ravens 9
Patriots10
Colts 11

4.) Ravens have the second-most playoff wins in the NFL only behind the Patriots.

Eagles 10
Giants 10
Steelers 12
Ravens 14
Patriots17

5.) The Ravens allowed the fewest points in the playoffs averaging 15.5 points per game.

As you can see, the last twelve years have really been a great time to be a Ravens fan. The fact that those twelve years were bookended by two Lombardi Trophies only makes it that much sweeter. Don’t take it for granted, fellow purple faithful – take it all in and reflect, as we enter a new era of Baltimore football. Here’s to it being just as successful as the last.

Wola Odeniran

Born in Silver Spring, Wola Odeniran remains a Maryland resident. He is currently a student at UMUC with a major in graphics communication, the ultimate goal being a career in journalism. Wola is a lifelong Ravens, Orioles and Terps fan…all the way!