Baltimore Ravens

After a successful 2012-2013 season, going on to become Super Bowl Champions, the Baltimore Ravens had a less than stellar season last year, going just 8-8. This was the 1st time the team had not reached the playoffs since 2007.

Although the Ravens did not improve on their 12-4 record from 2011, their 10-6 record in 2012 led them to the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XLVII, the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31. This was the team’s 5th straight season advancing to the playoffs. Ray Lewis, long-time Ravens linebacker who was the last remaining Raven from the original team in 1996 and part of the 2000 Super Bowl Champion team, retired following this Super Bowl victory. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco along with safety Ed Reed and running back Ray Rice were also instrumental in the season’s success. Flacco was named XLVII MVP. He is also the Ravens’ all-time leading passer in yards, TD passes, completions and attempts.

In pre-season this year so far, the Ravens have won their first 2 games, defeating the 49ers 23-3 and the Dallas Cowboys 37-30. There is intense competition on the squad for wide receiver positions and in the recent game against Dallas, Deonte Thompson made it known he is a viable candidate for the roster, running back a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown in the 1st quarter. The Ravens remaining 2 preseason games will be played against the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints.

The Ravens regular season kicks off on September 7th at home where they will host the Cincinnati Bengals. AFC North division rivals include the: Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to playing each of these opponents twice in regular season, the Ravens will also face off against teams including the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans and the San Diego Chargers. It will be interesting to see if they’re able to play strong and get back to their historic success, and if they will be able to reach the playoffs again.