Ravens: Top 30 Moments in Team History
By Brett Foote
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
December 31st, 2006 – The Ravens finish the regular season with a franchise best 13-3 record, allowing the fewest yards in the NFL for the first time in team history.
Carlos Avent:
This was the season when things seemed to finally come together for the Ravens. Steve McNair was finding his late career groove in a new environment after leaving the Tennessee Titans. McNair proved to be the missing piece at the quarterback position, redefining an offense that averaged 22.06 points per game.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was drafted by the Ravens that offseason, and his immediate impact made him the final staple in a defense that was already stacked with Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs.This defense registered two shutouts (one being against the Pittsburgh Steelers) and only allowed 12.56 points per game. Finishing the season at 13-3 as the number two seed in the AFC, this was the season that had Ravens written all over that Lombardi.
The Ravens clinched the AFC North division title and their first ever first round bye in the playoffs. Despite another stout performance by the defense, which didn’t allow an offensive touchdown, they proved to be no match for kicker Adam Vinatieri’s leg as the Ravens fell to the Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs by a score of 15-6.
Though falling short of the Lombardi trophy stung, it was still a great effort by the Ravens, and to date is still the best regular season finish in team history.
Next: An excellent hire