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Baltimore Ravens: Top 10 defensive backs in franchise history

By Chris Schisler

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Marcus Peters #24 and teammate Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens react after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Marcus Peters #24 and teammate Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens react after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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4 Nov 2001 : Jerome Bettis is stopped by Chris McAllister #21 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Ravens won 13-10. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/Allsport
4 Nov 2001 : Jerome Bettis is stopped by Chris McAllister #21 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Ravens won 13-10. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/Allsport /

2. Chris McAlister

Chris McAlister was one of the greatest cornerbacks of all-time and he doesn’t get enough credit for that. He was with the Ravens for 10 seasons. He played two games for the New Orleans Saints after that, but let’s forget about that. McAlister was a shutdown cornerback. Much like Duane Starks was the early version of Marcus Peters, McAlister was the early version of Marlon Humphrey. He was a three time Pro-Bowl player and in 2003 he was listed as a first team All-Pro. He was one of the top players at his position for a long time and he was one of the toughest and most physical cornerbacks in NFL history.

The best Chris McAlister moment was probably when he returned a missed field goal for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. He caught the ball and slowly started to walk as if the play was over. He then sprinted all the way down the field and scored what may have been the most stunning touchdown in franchise history. McAlister had 26 career interceptions and scored seven touchdowns.

1. Ed Reed:

Ed Reed is arguably the best player in franchise history. What isn’t (sanely) debatable is that Reed was the best free safety of all time. He is the all-time interception return yards leader. He caught so many passes on defense that Ravens fans used to joke that he was their best receiver. It doesn’t need to be said that Reed was the greatest defensive back in NFL history. Unlike the rest of this list, this isn’t opinion it’s objectively a fact.

Because it makes all good Ravens fans smile, let’s run down some of his impressive statistics. Reed had 64 career interceptions for 1,590 return yards and seven defensive touchdowns. He scored two touchdowns on fumble recoveries, a touchdown on a punt return and three touchdowns on blocked punts. He did everything. He was the most dangerous ball hawk in NFL history and he was the most fun defensive back to watch ever.

Next. Ebony Bird Round Table: Our Favorite Ed Reed Moments. dark

There you have it the 10 best defensive backs in NFL history. One thing Ebony Bird is going to try to do this offseason is to celebrate the history of the Baltimore Ravens. It’s been a lot of fun watching the Ravens and the world needs fun. Ravens fans, like everybody right now need a smile. So stay tuned. We’ll keep giving you analysis on the 2020 season, but we’ve got a lot of fun things lined up for you. Let’s go Ravens fans! Let’s make sure this offseason is fun.

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