Recently I had the opportunity to speak at length with Phil Savage, the Baltimore Ravens former Director of Personnel. Among the many topics we touched upon was the Browns move to Baltimore from Cleveland.
It was obviously a painful experience for the citizens of Cleveland but the pain was also felt by the players, coaches, front office, and all the way up to owner Art Modell. In the end it was a move that Modell had no choice but to make.
Organizationally, outside of the much need replenishment to Modell’s financial coffers, the Browns resembled a rudderless ship upon a dark ocean. There were so many unknowns, yet off to Charm City they would go.
In this first segment, Savage discusses the mood when the reality of the move hit home.
Ozzie Becomes “The Man”
Not long after arriving in Baltimore, the franchise (unnamed at the time) needed to prepare for the 1996 NFL Draft. Naturally Art Modell, a former advertising executive, wanted to make a splash and he believed that the play to make with the draft’s 4th overall pick was Lawrence Philips.
Ozzie Newsome, who just the previous day was elevated to essentially an un-titled position, was given the authority to make the final call regarding personnel decisions. Ozzie never wavered. Instead of Philips he picked a Hall of Famer.
Later in Round 1 the Ravens chose Ray Lewis who the scouts had ranked lower than three other linebackers including Reggie Brown who was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 17th overall pick. Brown played in just 32 career games after suffering a spinal injury.
Lewis’ impact was felt immediately. Savage describes Ray’s aura and how they knew from the moment of his arrival that he was something special.
Remembering The Early Days
When Savage looks back upon his days in Baltimore, he remembers the friends he made, the media contacts he still engages and how during those early years, from 1996 up to Super Bowl XXXV, he helped to build a franchise that is now a “picture of consistency” in the NFL.
Conclusion
That Super Bowl Championship on January 28, 2001, was the culmination of an unforgettable 2000 season that put Baltimore back on the NFL map in a meaningful way. It had been 23 years since Charm City supported an NFL team with a winning record. It had been 30 years since the town enjoyed a playoff win.
And in an almost sudden kind of way, we were champions!
Since that 2000 season, 15 seasons in total, the Ravens have been to the playoffs 10 times while winning a total of 15 playoff games and two World Championships. During that time they have had only 3 sub-.500 seasons.
Phil Savage is right! The Baltimore Ravens are a “picture of consistency”.
In years to come, perhaps in a 30 For 30 Series right here on Russell Street Report, we’ll look back happily on even more consistency, more playoff wins and God willing, another Lombardi or two!
