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Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Schedule - NFL 2012

NFL Super Bowl XLVII

Overview of the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens joined the National Football League in unique circumstances in 1996. Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell plan to move his franchise to Cleveland was blocked but he was able to keep the Browns' existing players and staff and start as a new franchise in Baltimore. The Ravens have been very successful in their short history qualifying for the playoffs in almost half of their seasons. The Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000; a team which is considered one of the greatest in NFL history.

Statistics Overview of the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996. They have played all but their first two seasons at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens qualified for their first only Super Bowl in 2000 and defeated the New York Giants 34-7. The franchise has won the AFC North three times and has qualified for the playoffs an amazing eight times, considering their short history. They have an overall record of 140-115-1 and a playoffs record of 10-7. Their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the tightest and competitive rivalries in the NFL with both teams dominating the AFC North in the last decade.

Conference: AFC
Established: 1996
Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium (1998- present)
Super Bowl Championships: 1 (2000)
Division Championships: 3 (2003, 2006, 2011)
Playoff Appearances:: 8 (2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Overall Record: 140-115-1
Playoff Record: 10-7
Biggest Rivals: Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
Legenday Players: Ray Lewis, Rod Woodson, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs

Baltimore Ravens: Star Players for 2012

Quarterback: Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 18th pick of the 2008 NFL draft. Flacco was made starting quarterback in his rookie season and has not missed a game since. Flacco was extremely successful in his rookie season joining Matt Ryan as the first rookie quarterback to start all sixteen games and make the playoffs, became the first rookie quarterback to win two games and was named NFL Rookie of the Year. The Ravens have qualified for the playoffs every season since Flacco’s debut. However, Flacco has been criticized in some quarters for his lackluster passing statistics. Flacco holds the Ravens franchise record for most career passing: yards, completions and touchdowns. Flacco will be confident, heading into 2012, after career-best performances in the 2011 playoffs.

Offensive Star: Ray Rice

Ray Rice was the 55th selection in the 2008 NFL draft. In his short career Rice has turned into one of the premier running backs in the NFL. Rice saw limited game time in his rookie season but won the starting job in 2009. He finished the 2009 season with 1339 yards and seven touchdowns, earning selection in the AFC Pro Bowl team. Rice rushed for 1,220 yards in 2010 but missed out on Pro Bowl selection. Rice dominated the Ravens offense in 2011; rushing for 1364 yards as well as gaining 704 receiving yards. Rice is a legitimate duel threat and perhaps the most complete running back in the NFL.

Defensive Star: Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis is the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens. The linebacker is the only player left from the Ravens initial squad and was the MVP in the Ravens only Super Bowl appearance. Lewis has too many career highlights to list. He is a thirteen time Pro-Bowler, three time AFC Defensive Player of the Year and two time NFL defensive player of the year. Lewis holds the NFL record for: most games started at linebacker and most interception return yards for a linebacker as well as being the only player to achieve forty sack and 30 interceptions in their NFL career. Lewis is still going strong at 37 years of age and is the leader of the Ravens feared offence.

Head Coach: John Harbaugh

John Harbaugh began his NFL coaching career as Special Teams Coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998. Harbaugh stayed at that post for almost a decade before being chosen as Ravens head coach in 2008. The Ravens have been very successful under Harbaugh, qualifying for the playoffs every season since he took over as head coach. The Ravens have an old squad, particularly on defense, so Harbaugh may have some rebuilding to do after 2012.