Baltimore Ravens History Of Great Defense

The Legends Of Great Ravens Defense

Related: Top 5 Ray Lewis Moments

It all started with Ray Lewis, who is arguably the greatest linebacker of all time. Lewis was the leader of some incredible defensive units. Lewis put up insane production from the linebacker position. We’re talking about 1,558 tackles. We’re talking about 41.5 sacks and 31 interceptions. He had seven seasons with 100 total tackles or more. There has never been (and probably will never be) a greater leader in the history of professional football than Lewis.

In 2002, the Ravens drafted Ed Reed. Reed is the greatest ball hawk in the game has ever seen. Reed had 64 interceptions in his 12 season career. He racked up 1,590 interception return yards. He had seven interceptions which he returned for a touchdown. Reed also scored on two fumbles returns. He returned one punt for a touchdown and he also blocked some punts. These sound like numbers that could only be accrued in the Madden video game, but its all real. Reed has the record for longest interception return (108 yards), a record that he broke twice. He had three seasons with seven interceptions or more. In 2008, he had nine interceptions and two touchdowns. Reed was flat out better than anybody who ever played his position.

In 2003 Terrell Suggs came to the party. Suggs is one of the greatest all time outside linebackers. He is a freak athlete who can do it all. From outstanding run defense (which didn’t come naturally to him) and amazing pass rushing, Suggs is a one man wrecking crew. Suggs has racked up 508 total tackles, 106.5 sacks, seven interceptions and two touchdowns. One of the most impressive stats is his 27 forced fumbles. That’s amazing when you consider that Suggs has forced eight more than Ray Lewis.

Another great player that needs to be mentioned is Haloti Ngata. Ngata was drafted by the Ravens in 2006. He quickly established himself as the fourth leader on the Ravens defense. All four of these players are potentially hall of famers of the future. Lewis and Reed will get in on their first ballot. Ngata is the most rare combination of size and quickness the NFL has ever seen. He has 470 tackles, 28 sacks and an insane 5 interceptions as a defensive lineman. He now plays for the Detroit Lions, but he is a Raven in our hearts.

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