The Ravens’ short history is made all the more exceptional by the fact that its odds with bookmakers remain high, as with DraftKings, which offers a promo code for betting on the team but also on a range of other sporting competitions.
2001: Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV
Despite entering the league as a franchise just five years prior, the Ravens captured the Lombardi Trophy in 2001.
Baltimore went 12-4 during the regular season and qualified for the playoffs via a Wild Card spot. The organization defeated the Broncos during the first round of the playoffs, followed by division rivals the Titans in the divisional round, and lastly, the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship to reach the Super Bowl.
In the Super Bowl, head coach Brian Billick’s squad dominated the New York Giants 34-7 en route to their first championship.
The team consisted of six Pro Bowlers, most notably Hall of Famers, linebacker Ray Lewis and tight end Shannon Sharpe.
The roster was led by its strong defense throughout the season, which wreaked havoc on opposing offenses.
During the Super Bowl, the defense limited the Giants to zero points and created five turnovers. Duane Starks had a memorable pick-six after intercepting Kerry Collins and taking it to the house. The Giants only score was delivered by Ron Dixon following a 97-yard kick return.
It was only the second season in charge for Billick as the team’s coach. Lewis went on to win the Super Bowl MVP, which is an extremely rare feat since only 10 defensive players have ever claimed the award.
2013: Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII
12 years later, with veteran Ray Lewis still on the roster, Baltimore earned its second Super Bowl title, this time with John Harbaugh as its head coach.
The Ravens clinched the AFC North title for the second year in a row, making it the first time in their history to win the division in back-to-back seasons.
It was the team’s fifth-straight playoff appearance and second-straight year in the AFC Championship Game. The team suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Patriots in 2011, so the 28-13 win over New England this time around gave them a taste of sweet revenge.
Baltimore faced the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl led by Harbaugh’s younger brother, Jim. The purple and black began the game with a bang as Joe Flacco threw for three touchdowns and took a 21-6 lead into halftime.
The legendary defensive trio of Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs put 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick under immense pressure throughout the first half and limited the 49ers to just two field goals.
Jacoby Jones took the opening kickoff return 108 yards for a touchdown extending the lead to 28-6. After a 34-minute halftime delay caused by a power outage, the 49ers threatened. By the 9:57 mark in the fourth quarter, San Francisco had gone on a run and cut the lead to 31-29. A failed two-point conversion prevented the Bay Area organization from tying things up.
With about two minutes left in the contest, the Ravens defense made a key stand, preventing the 49ers from scoring a go-ahead touchdown.
Baltimore was ultimately able to run the clock out and hold on for a 34-31 win. Flacco was named the Super Bowl MVP, and Harbaugh won his first title. The balanced performance on both sides of the ball by the underdog Ravens will forever be cherished by their fan base.
One Response
Just wondering this the other day. We are very fortunate that we have won 2 Super Bowls as the Ravens. I noticed that we won SBs 12 years apart. I am very hyped about this season’s Ravens team. I think we may have one of the best Ravens teams in history. I was thinking this may be the year for our third SB win. So does that mean we come up just short and win next season(12 years apart from previous SB win) or we win it all this season. Just superstitious.
The Orioles are also looking very good. It’s great to have both of our pro sports teams being relevant at the same time. It’s nice being under the radar. I’ve noticed how often Baltimore is overlooked by the major markets and social media. It’s all good. We know how good and entertaining our teams are. That’s all that matters. Thank you to the Ravens and Orioles management for all that you have done for Baltimore.