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Ravens Legends Bracket: Ed Reed vs. Shannon Sharpe

By Chris Schisler

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) greets Buffalo Bills coach Ed Reed (L) prior to their game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) greets Buffalo Bills coach Ed Reed (L) prior to their game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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While both players are legends in Baltimore, the battle between Ed Reed and Shannon Sharpe has a clear winner:

In this match-up you have a great tight end who helped Baltimore win a Super Bowl against the best ball hawk of all-time. Both players in this match-up belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sharpe has already been inducted into Canton’s hallowed halls, Reed will join him soon enough. Sharpe spent 12 of his 14 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. In his career he caught 815 passes, had over 10,000 yards receiving and scored 62 touchdowns. Since this is the Ravens Legends Bracket, we’re only focusing on the two seasons he spent in Baltimore.

Why Sharpe made it to round 2 in the Harbaugh Region:

Sharpe was an 8 seed coming into this tournament. He made some of the most important plays in team history. The 2000 Ravens weren’t exactly known for offense. They had Jamal Lewis and a great tight end. Sharpe was one of the characters that shaped the personality of the Super Bowl XXXV team. He was always enthusiastic, genuine and he often gave a humorous sound bite.

Must Read: Ravens Legends Bracket: Jarrett Johnson vs. Torrey Smith

Sharpe faced Adalius Thomas in the first round. Thomas was a really versatile linebacker, but Sharpe’s Super Bowl ring speaks volumes to his status as a Ravens legend. Sharpe’s most memorable play was against the Oakland Raiders in the 2000 AFC Championship Game. He caught a short pass from Trent Dilfer and took it 96 yards for a touchdown.

Why Ed Reed is the winner:

Well this is pretty obvious, he’s Ed Reed. Reed is the greatest safety of all-time in my book. Reed caught 64 interceptions and nobody did more with interception returns than him. Reed led the league in interceptions three times and was a mainstay at the Pro Bowl. He was the defensive player of the year in 2004. To add to his ridiculously amazing resume he has the longest interception return (a record he has set twice).

Reed is also the only player to intercept a 49ers quarterback in the Super Bowl. Colin Kaepernick isn’t exactly Joe Montana or Steve Young, but it’s a cool little fact all the same. Reed’s accomplishments create a pretty long list. Other than Ray Lewis, it’s hard to think of a player that has been more important to the story of Ravens football than Reed. Sharpe is a Ravens legend but he wasn’t topping the GOAT.

Next: Ravens: Bad luck and the curse of the tight ends

So yell it one more time Baltimore fans: REEEEEEEEEEEED! Ed Reed is unsurprisingly moving onto the third round of the Ravens Legends Bracket. He’s taking on Matt Stover in round 3 of the Harbaugh region. There are still eight more contests in the second round so keep it locked into Ebony Bird and make sure you download the app! 

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