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Ravens Legends Bracket: Steve Smith Sr. Vs. Chris McAlister

By Chris Schisler

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates a touchdown pass of the first half with wide receiver Steve Smith (89) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates a touchdown pass of the first half with wide receiver Steve Smith (89) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ravens Legends Bracket: In the third contest of the second round, the Ravens have a potential hall of fame wide receiver going against a shutdown cornerback:

It’s hard not to like this match-up of the Ravens Legends Bracket because it’s a receiver going against a defensive back. It just feels right, doesn’t it? The problem is, only one can win. Both players are legends of the purple and black. Chris McAlister was a part of many great Ravens defenses, including the Super Bowl XXXV champions. Steve Smith Sr. gave the Ravens everything he had for the final three years of his career. Who will win?

Why Steve Smith Sr. Made It To The 2nd Round:

In the first round, Smith Sr. went against Willis McGahee. Smith Sr. won convincingly. When most people think about Smith Sr., they think about his legendary run with the Carolina Panthers. Before he was a Raven, he was one of the best receivers the game had ever seen. The Ravens went to the playoffs in 2014, and Smith Sr. played a huge role on that team. In his first season in Baltimore he caught 79 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns.

Related Story: Ravens Legends Bracket: Ray Rice Vs. Justin Tucker

He missed just over half of the 2015 season with an ACL tear. Before being put on IR, he literally played with a broken back. Smith Sr. has more heart than most teams have collectively. The man is a legend, for two teams. Not only does Smith Sr. have heart and skill, he gives great soundbites. Only Ray Lewis could outdo Smith Sr. in that category. Smith Sr. made it to the second round, because Baltimore loves him. Rightfully so.

Why Chris McAlister is the winner:

McAlister is the winner. The physical cornerback won by a 5-2 vote. Smith Sr. played in 37 games for the Ravens. McAlister played 10 seasons in Baltimore. Smith Sr. gave everything he could to the team, but even if he didn’t miss a game, McAlister still would have made the bigger impact on Ravens history.

McAlister played in the playoffs four times. The Ravens won a Super Bowl in his second season. He had 26 interceptions and scored five defensive touchdowns. My favorite McAlister moment was when he returned a missed field goal against the Broncos for a touchdown. He caught the ball and started to walk as the play was over. The Broncos were lulled to sleep and he sprinted all the way to the end zone. I was 12 when that happened, and let me tell you, I have seldom been as happy as I was in that moment. It was the kind of incredible play that we saw from great Ravens like McAlister.

Next: Ravens Legends Bracket: Previewing Round 2 Contests

While the votes haven’t been tallied, I have a hard time imagining a McAlister win in the third round. In the regional semifinal, he will take on Jonathan Ogden. Number 21 was great but number 75 is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Still, that battle will be a nice trip down memory lane. Keep it locked into Ebony Bird for all the results. Download the Ebony Bird app today, for all your Ravens analysis to be sent to your phone, on a daily basis.

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