Ravens Legends Bracket: previewing round 2 contests

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

The Baltimore Ravens Legends Bracket has reached the second round. This is where the debate really heats up:

When we started the Ravens Legends Bracket, we knew two things. First, the number one seeds were going to advance; they are number one seeds for a reason. Secondly, we understood that this was about the journey. This is about honoring the best players in Ravens history, giving each of them a chance to drive deep into the bracket. We wanted interesting contests that would spark debate. That’s exactly what the Ebony Bird team and I have delivered to you, because the second round is going to be insane.

More from Ebony Bird

All 64 players in this tournament are legends. The 32 players remaining are on a different level though. These are the players that have done the most to shape Ravens history. These are the players that helped Baltimore win playoff games and Super Bowls. The Ravens didn’t get started in Baltimore until 1996. Still, they have one of the richest histories in the league. They have won two Lombardi Trophies. They have been to the AFC Championship four times. Their first draft pick, Jonathan Ogden, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and maybe even Terrell Suggs will follow Ogden to Canton someday.

That’s why the Ravens Flock has the Ravens Legends Bracket. We’re doing this because this is Baltimore. We’re proud Marylanders who bleed purple. The players remaining in the second round are the players we love the most. I do warn you however, some of these battles will be tough on your heart. There can be only one winner in each battle, no matter how deserving each man is.