Head coach Brian Billick was fired at the conclusion of the 2007 season, in which the Ravens had a 5-11 record. Billick had given the franchise it’s only Super Bowl appearance/victory and was just one season into a four-year extension paying him $5 million per year.
Out of the five victories in 2007, the Ravens won their home opener and finale, a feat they had started in 2006 and haven’t relinquished since, even under the leadership of John Harbaugh, now in his fifth season.
The Ravens are preparing to face the New York Giants in what will be their final regular season home game on the year. With a nine-game win streak in their home finales, the Ravens’ mark is the best in the NFL.
Whether or not the Ravens return back to M&T Bank Stadium to play in front of their home crowd again this season is largely up to them, as they control their destiny. Only one win away from securing their second straight AFC North championship, the Ravens currently find themselves in a rare three-game losing streak.
In the grand scheme of things, extending their winning streak during their final home game of the year is important, but won’t be anywhere near the top of the team’s priority list. However, it’s still something Ravens fans should appreciate.
At M&T Bank Stadium, fans have been spoiled. An undefeated season at home in 2010 was part of a streak that spanned 15 games and didn’t see the team falter at all between bookend losses to Pittsburgh in December of 2010 and December of 2012.
Fans are used to the Ravens winning their season opener and closing out the season on a happy note as well. Seeing how those feelings could be in jeopardy after seeing the team’s performance against the Denver Broncos, that may have been part of the reason the home contingency booed Harbaugh and the Ravens off the field at halftime.
Spoiled or not, the streaks Harbaugh has been able to establish or maintain are extremely impressive for keeping a happy fan base, though they don’t necessarily lead to Lombardi trophies.
