Previously on 2012 in Baltimore: Nobody has won as many medals in the Olympic Games in Any Sport than this “Great Champion” Michael Phelps. He makes it 19 tonight and a 15th Gold. It’s a place nobody has been to before.” That phrase says it all. Michael Phelps broke the All Time Olympic Medal Record and established himself as the Greatest Olympian Ever. It may have been the shortest of the 3 parts, but from a National Perspective it was the most significant. Those people think that was bigger than the events that soon followed. With this and the Buckle Up Birds, the question now is what could top those 2 amazing moments during the same year? The main draw of Baltimore would answer that question in a run that not many teams in any sport could rival. This group would be a team that made Baltimore full of jubilation and sadness at the same time.
Bragging Rights Sports Presents
A Maryland Culture Production
Michael Phelps, Adam Jones, Chris Davis, Manny Machado, JJ Hardy, Jim Johnson, Buck Showalter, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Anquan Boldin, John Harbaugh and many more.
2012 IN BALTIMORE
Part 3: The Most Emotional Team in Maryland Sports History
Chapter 1: The Rough Short Term Past
Narrator: Before we begin I’m excited to announce that for this, the grand finale of this 3 part series, I will be joined by my 2 fellow hosts for Charm City Beasts. Poe, and the Salty Marylander. Boys how does it feel to be a part of reliving this legendary year for Baltimore Sports. Marylander: It’s such an honor, we need to do it again 10 years after the original! Poe: Whistling (These were the best times of my life) Narrator: Indeed they were. Even before September of 2012, Baltimore was on the rise. The Orioles were shocking the baseball world with a run similar to their “Why Not” year of 1989, and Michael Phelps had just broken the Olympic Medal Record. All this city needed was its most attractive draw to join in on the fun. The Ravens entering the 2012 season were on the doorstep of greatness. They had made the AFC Championship Game in 3 of the previous 4 years. But lost all 3 times, including heartbreaking losses in 2010, and 2011 in which they blew 4th Quarter leads in both games. Many teams follow a stretch like that would panic and go all in on a championship. Not the Ravens. They were being both patient, and still believing that they could win it all with what they had. However time was running out on the Ravens and their chances of making it to the Super Bowl. The 2012 season in many ways was the most crucial season in franchise history. Both Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were considering retirement at the end of the season (Matt Birk too), Joe Flacco was in the last year of his rookie contract, the Ravens were expected to be 10s of millions of dollars over the cap for 2013, Harbaugh was also in a contract season, and the AFC especially their own division got even stronger. The only way that Baltimore could have a successful season was to win it all. In the Offseason, the Ravens decided to make a few minor changes to the team. The 2 whipping boys for their defeat in 2011 to New England in Lee Evans and Billy Cundiff were gone. (Marylander: THANK GOD) Ben Grubbs their pulling guard got a massive contract with the Saints, plus Cory Redding signed with Indianapolis. Other than those losses the Ravens didn’t lose much but then the Football Gods had other plans. Terrell Suggs, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, tore his achilles while playing pickup basketball which would cost him 6 games. This would lead to the Ravens signing Pro Bowl RS Jacoby Jones, (Add in Ma’ake Kemoeatu too) and to replace Grubbs, the Ravens drafted Kelechi Osemele in the 3rd Round too. This appeared to be a Super Bowl Caliber Roster on paper. But that didn’t stop ESPN and plus other National Media sources for zoning in on 1 target. That target was Joe Flacco. Following an interview by a local Baltimore Sportscast where Flacco openly claimed that he was a Top 5 QB in the NFL, Skip Bayless claimed that Flacco wouldn’t be near his Top 10. He twisted the knife by saying that Matt Schaub, Mark Sanchez, and Sam Bradford were better. Marylander: Seriously, Sam Bradford, now you’re just playing with us. Narrator: It wouldn’t take long for Baltimore fans to call him out. Plus in a more bizarre sequence Sports Illustrated had the division rival Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship against Peyton Manning and the Broncos. The reasoning was due to a journalist claiming that Cincy had the #1 offense on paper in the AFC plus said that Taylor Mays was a better safety than Ed Reed. Poe: Whistling (Never disrespect #20) Narrator: Thank you Poe, at least you are smarter than these analysts. And first shots were fired about anyone doubting John Harbaugh and his boys. “All season around the country they said this team couldn’t get to the playoffs.” (More on that phrase later) Speaking of the Bungles, they would just happen to be the team that would walk right in M&T Bank Stadium to open the season.
Chapter 2: Week 1 vs Bengals
Coming into the 2012 Season, there was a local buzz around the Ravens with a much different offense than in previous years under Cam Cameron. Many of the Marylanders wanted him fired after 2011, but Harbaugh kept him around on 1 condition. He had to change the playstyle of the offense to being a more fast pace unit, unless he would be kicked out. This is also considering the fact Baltimore hired Jim Caldwell to be the QB coach. (Same with today with Greg Roman and Tee Martin) There were no excuses now. The chip is the Ravens to win regardless of what experts outside of Baltimore believed. Did I mention that the same people that had the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game had the Ravens miss the playoffs? I didn’t. Speaking of Cincinnati they would be the 1st team that would be on the Boys in Purple’s schedule. In what was considered the Game of the Week both teams on paper looked loaded, but on this night the electricity going through M&T Bank Stadium was high. Michael Phelps fresh off his record setting Olympics was the Honorary Captain of the Game, and the Orioles were also there in attendance. All of Baltimore was coming together at the right time. But the news just 4 days before kickoff would be the beginning of the most emotional season in Ravens and Maryland Sports History. On September 6, just minutes prior to the start of the O’s Yankees game at Camden Yards, Ryan Wagner made an emotional announcement. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we ask that you please rise, and that gentlemen remove your hats. Earlier this morning, we learned of the passing of Art Modell. Mr. Modell was an NFL Visionary, who was committed to professional football in Baltimore and beyond. In memory of Mr Modell, and in respect for the family and many friends he leaves behind. We ask that you join us in a moment of silence…………………… Thank you.” The founder of the Ravens franchise was dead. The man responsible for reviving a once lonely NFL Market was gone. It affected many of the Ravens players. Poe: Whistling (Oh poor Art) Narrator: It’s ok Poe, I’m a little emotional too, but hey we still can win it all. Poe: Whistling (Oh great, just what I’d love to hear) Narrator: Anyways, Ray Lewis put it best in an hour long interview with then Ravens ESPN Reporter Rachel Nichols. Ray said these very words: “There is no Baltimore Ravens if there is not a Mr. Modell’s vision.” He was and forever will be right. This season would not only be possibly their last shot at a Super Bowl with this core, but also in honor of the man that brought the NFL back to Charm City. And on the 1st play of the game, Flacco and the offense proved this season would be different than in years prior. “From the 21 it’s play action, Flacco, hit as he throws downfield for Torrey Smith, held on at the 30.” The tempo was set, get the plays in and go plus put pressure on the defense to adjust to their style. They may have gotten a field goal out of the drive but so far so good. (By the way those were the 1st career points for Justin Tucker, ironic) The defense then held Cincinnati 3 and out as the Red Rifle was getting pressured by Ngata. Joe Cool and the offense would go back to work. They converted a 3rd and 15 as well as a 4th and 1 to set up a 7 yard TD run by Ray Rice. Up 10-0 the injured but still potent Ravens defense would have to prevent Cincinnati’s 1st threat of the game. Even in Benjarvus Green-Ellis Bengals debut, he had no answers for the team that shut him down in the previous years AFC Championship despite rushing for 91 yards. (Most of it was in garbage time) Baltimore held Cincy to a field goal thus cutting the lead to 7. The Ravens would come right back, Flacco was slinging it all over the field with Jacoby Jones able to get by Terrance Newman for a big gain. The drive culminated with Anquan Boldin burning the Bungles prized offseason acquisition for a 34 yard touchdown. Speaking of Taylor Mays he would lose his cool quickly. On the next possession he head hunted Ed Dickson and was flagged for a helmet-helmet hit. Luckily for Mays, Cincinnati wouldn’t allow the game to get out of hand yet. They stopped the Ravens in their tracks around midfield and then got the ball back and drove the length of the field. Now this was a game again. Plus the Bengals received the ball to start the 2nd Half, and again took advantage of the banged up Raven defense by driving into the red zone again. On 3rd and Goal, Dalton appeared to have an easy touchdown run to tie the game on a QB Draw, but Lardarius Webb prevented this from being a tie game. Cincy would settle for a Mike Nuggent 19 yard field goal. I get the logic of that decision, Marvin Lewis is a defensive genius based on his reputation from the 2000 Ravens and his unit usually gets better as the game goes on. But this decision would swing the momentum right back to Baltimore. With the Ravens pinned in their own end to start the following drive, Flacco would go right back to his quick pass strategy. Wouldn’t you know it, the Bengals defense would give up chunk plays to the likes of Rice, and Dickson. On 2nd and 8 from the Bengal 10, Flacco would nearly get intercepted by Leon Hall on a deflected pass. That drop by Hall would come back to haunt him on the very next play. What happened? Touchdown Dennis Pitta! Marylander: BUNGLES GONNA BUNGLE! Narrator: So far it’s looking that way. Even when Andrew Hawkins converted a key 3rd Down the Ravens weren’t impressed. Ed Reed (Once the play was over): “HE WAS DOWN!” Narrator: They challenged the play. As replay showed, Hawkins while trying to avoid Ray Ray wasn’t ruled down by contact, and it turns out that Reed was right. The Bengals were doomed. Cincinnati’s vaunted secondary was letting Flacco do whatever he wanted all night long. Bengals DC Mike Zimmer wasn’t impressed. Every time Zimmer tried changing up the play calls, they failed. Luckily for Cincy, they only gave up 3 points which pushed the Raven lead to 27-13. But on the next possession, Andy Dalton poked the hornet’s nest. “Ravens rush 5, Dalton’s pass, near sideline, Intercepted! Ed Reed, AND HE’S GONNA TAKE IT TO THE 10, 5, TOUCHDOWN! ED REED! Poe: Whistling (REEEEEEEEEED!) Narrator: Game, Set, Match! The Hay’s in the Barn! This would be an excellent 1st showing by the Ravens against an up and coming division rival. In what looked like an even clash on paper turned into a B-More Onslaught. Many would say the final score was deceiving since Cincinnati had a chance in the 3rd Quarter. And they did, too bad the Ravens were one step better. This game put most of the doubters surrounding the Boys in Purple on notice. Even with a majority of their starters on defense out long term Baltimore still found ways to win. Salty Marylander, any final words? Marylander: Anyone that said this was the Steelers and Bengals division needs to eat their words. WE’RE STILL HERE BABY! YEAAAAAH!
Chapter 3: Week 3 vs Patriots
Narrator: Following a 1 point loss to the Dream Team Eagles in Week 2, the Ravens came home for another primetime matchup. This time it was against the Defending AFC Champion New England Patriots. The last meeting between the 2 was in the 2011 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. A game that was a defensive battle yet was decided by a dropped pass by Lee Evans and missed field goal by Billy Cundiff which would have sent the game into overtime. All John Harbaugh wanted for his 50th Birthday was to get his long awaited revenge on the Patriots. However just hours before kickoff tragedy again hit the Ravens thanks to a major car crash. Bruce Cunningham: “Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight the Ravens are mourning the loss of an extended family member, Tevin Chris Jones the brother of Torrey Smith. Please join us in a moment of silence…………….. Ladies and Gentleman Steve Sabol, the artist, storyteller, and creative genius behind NFL Films for nearly 50 years, died this week at the age of 69. Tonight we honor his life and legacy.” Narrator: The Ravens lost one of their off the field brothers plus the NFL itself the man that produced many of Baltimore’s legendary football films. Ray Lewis before the game said a quote that would make Sabol himself proud. “Win your 1on1 battles!” That’s all they had to do. But it wouldn’t be easy. Early in the game the Patriots jumped out to a fast start. They got a field goal on their opening drive, and then Steve Gregory picked off Flacco and made a huge return afterwards deep into Ravens Territory. That set up a 1 yard TD run by Brandon Bolden. Marylander: CRUD NOT THIS AGAIN! Narrator: I know it sucks. Trailing 13-0 after the 1st Quarter, something needed to change in order for the Ravens to get back in it. They found it on their 1st drive of the 2nd Quarter. Ray Rice finally was able to find some opening in that vaunted New England Front 7 and helped get the Ravens into scoring range. Then Torrey Smith burned Kyle Arrington for a quick TD. One score game again. It became clear at this point of the contest that a major element was taking place. REFBALL. And not just REFBALL, Replacement REFBALL! (This would be the final weekend of those backup zebras) In a game where the Ravens had almost 150 yards in penalties they still were able to find ways to keep up with Brady and the Pats. Think of a big completion to Jacoby Jones on the next possession getting them deep into New England territory. Wouldn’t you know it, thanks to Dennis Pitta’s leap past Devin McCourty, Baltimore is in the lead for the 1st time in this epic clash. However Tom Brady still had time to go down the field and score before the half, and they did. Even with Gronk getting limited thanks to Ray Lewis, Julien Edelman, and Wes Welker were still finding openings in the Ravens Secondary, one of them leading to the go ahead score. (Was losing Foxworth really that big?) Trailing by 6 at the break, the Ravens had hope despite the defense looking suspect thanks to the quick passes from TB12. How did they respond coming out of the locker room? 80 yard touchdown drive. All cylinders were clicking on the offense. The defense not so much. Turns out that losing Terrell Suggs for the 1st 6 games would cost them their dominant pass rush. (That and Dean Pees being overmatched) The Patriots would take the lead right back and add to it with a field goal following a 3 and out by Flacco making it a 30-21 game. Looks like revenge won’t be happening at this rate. HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY! Don’t tell that to Joe Cool! The Ravens high tempo offense was realizing their full potential. They took up most of the 4th Quarter yet were able to make this a 2 point game. All the defense had to do was make one stop, and victory would be in the distance. Then came the moments that everyone watching or attending that game remembers. “3rd Down and 8…… And that is PICKED OFF at the 41 yard line! But a flag is thrown. That’s Lardarius Webb.” Marylander: Please don’t tell me that is holding. Poe: Whistling (Everything on us?) Narrator: Yes boys this sucks! “Illegal Contact, Defense #21. 5 Yard Penalty, automatic 1st Down.” (That replacement referee looks like Joe Biden doesn’t he) And of course, REFBALL makes an appearance to troll the Marylanders again. On the next play everything, and I mean everything would be out of control. “This is Ridley and he’s gonna take it to the 40 yard line, another flag comes in.” This penalty would make the NFL consider the possibility to bring back the regular officials. “Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Defense on the Bench.” Marylander: What? WHAT! HARBAUGH WAS JUST CALLING A TIMEOUT! GETTING PENALIZED FOR CALLING A TIMEOUT IS THE STUPIDEST CALL I’VE EVER SEEN! Narrator: You’re not alone, Salty Marylander. Listen to the fans in attendance. “Fans: boom, boom. (CENSORED!) boom, boom. (CENSORED!) (Harbaugh: I’M CALLING TIMEOUT!) boom, boom. (CENSORED!) boom, boom. (CENSORED!)” (You heard that, they were chanting BS for 5 straight minutes in realtime) I remember being at that game with my grandfather and we were laughing so hard while this was happening even if it was against the Ravens. Poe: Whistling (I’m with you, I was laughing too even if it was a horrible call) Narrator: Poe you’re so right. Anyways even with massive REFBALL against them, the Ravens defense finally got Brady off the field. Now Flacco and the offense would march right down the field. On 3rd and 9 from the Patriot 35, Flacco would chuck it up to Jacoby Jones, the pass was incomplete but he did the aid of a PI Call. Poe: Whistling (Finally a call in our favor!) Narrator: That was legit flag, Devin McCourty was all over Jones on that play. Now the Ravens could run the clock down and end the game. Marylander: Justin Tucker, I beg you. PLEASE MAKE THIS KICK! It’s only 27 yards but you better not turn into Cundiff. Narrator: He’s a rookie just let him be. BEEP! And wouldn’t you guess it, Bill Belichick iced him even on a chipshot. Now this could go either way. Please don’t miss this kick! “Justin Tucker, from 27 yards for the win. It is Up! (DRAMATIC MUSIC!) IT! IS!! GOOD!!! AND THE RAVENS BEATEN THE PATRIOTS!!! TIME EXPIRES AND THE HAY IS IN THE BARN!!!” You may think that was a dead center kick from the way Gerry Sandusky viewed it on WBAL Radio. But here is the NBC Version of the call. “Justin Tucker for the win, woah, baby. No, just good! And the Patriots are saying no, well no!” Marylander: HERE COMES THE MAKEUP CALL! Remember that terrible unsportsmanlike conduct call against Harbaugh, yep that’s payback for it! You know what this means? (League of Legends theme playing) FULL MARYLANDERS ACTIVATED! Full Cast: THE RAVENS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!! IN YOUR FACE YOU DAMN PATRIOTS AND THE NFL FOR TRYING TO RIG THE GAME AGAINST US!!! Narrator: It finally happened, the Ravens have gotten past the Patriots. Harbaugh described it after the game as not revenge but in honor of Torrey Smith. That man played his heart out that night. 2 TDs and over 100 yard receiving. Not many players given those circumstances would thrive in the moment. But Torrey did just that. One week after losing to the Dream Team Eagles, Baltimore responded by beating New England in a classic. That would be an omen of what was to come.
Chapter 4: Week 6 vs Cowboys
After ugly wins against the Browns and Chiefs, who were 2 of the worst teams in football that season, the Ravens returned home for their 1st game at M&T Bank Stadium that wouldn’t be in primetime all season. This time they were playing against the high flying Dallas Cowboys. Even at 2-2, Dem Cowboys had one of the top offenses in all of the NFL. Following a game where they gave up 200 yards rushing to Jamal Charles and the Chiefs, John Harbaugh knew that something needed to be changed. Harbs was asked by then Ravens Reporter Carissa Thompson that week about how the defense would overcome this rough stretch of yards allowed. His answer was “We’ll make changes, we’ll get guys back, losing Terrell is tough but I think we can overcome it.” This game however would be the worst of it. Early on Dallas took advantage by torching the Boys in Purple on the ground. Both Felix Jones and DeMarco Murray had huge gains on the ground, one of them by Jones going for a 22 yard TD. Luckily for Boy Wonder he had an offense that could strike at any time. They would do such a thing, by driving 79 yards for a touchdown as well as taking advantage of multiple penalties by the Cowboys inside the 10 yard line. Tony Romo responded once Dallas got the ball back and got the Boys deep in Raven territory. How can things get crazier? CRACK! (ESPN’s Nichols, Schefter: Ravens CB Webb suffers Torn ACL) You’ve got to be kidding me. Now the Ravens are down both their starting Cornerbacks as Lardarius Webb tears his ACL. Now they have to see what Corey Graham and Cary Williams can do in their place. Williams would rise to the moment with an interception just a few players later. That gave Flacco and the offense a golden opportunity to go right back into the lead. Despite Cowboys DC Rob Ryan putting Anquan Boldin on lockdown, Flacco was still able to find Torrey Smith with ease. (Thank an excellent O-Line for the ability to find that much time) One of those times was a TD in the left corner of the East End Zone. CRACK! Morris Claiborne not only got burned he suffered a season ending injury as well. (What a bust) Leading 17-10 at halftime, Baltimore hopefully could breathe with ease. That was until Tony Romo again found ways to torch the Ravens banged up Secondary. However they stalled thanks to Jimmy Smith having excellent coverage on Miles Austin. Now at 17-13, the Ravens Special Teams would have to deliver the spark. “9 yards deep, Jones wants to bring it out. Across the 10, 15, 20! He Might! He’s got the kicker to beat, he could. Cowboys 40. HE WILL! JACOBY JONES! GOES ALL THE WAY! A 109 Yard Kick Return for a Ravens Touchdown!” That return would change the focus of the game. Now Dallas would have to play catchup. Even with a stat padder like Romo it was going to be a tall order. They answered the call in particular with Dez Bryant. He had 3 catches including the TD to get them back in it. DeMarcus Ware would add gasoline to the fire by sacking Flacco and forcing a 3 and out. You’d think at this point, the Cowboys are about to pull away, except Jason Garrett went conservative. Although they did get points out of it making the score 24-23 But Cam Cameron made sure that the Ravens chewed as much clock as possible so the Cowboys would have trouble keeping up. That plan was executed to perfection. They chewed up 5 minutes of clock as Ray Rice scored from 1 yard out. Even leading by 8 the Ravens as expected can’t make this easy on themselves. BOOM! Especially since Ray Lewis suffered a career threatening injury. A Torn Right Triceps. (Add in an injury to Haloit Ngata and the Ravens are now without 8 of their preseason starters on defense) Without their leader, Baltimore was in deep trouble, especially since even with Ray they couldn’t adapt to the modern offense. Even then the Ravens bent to give up a 3rd and 27 with 1 minute left. And then gave up a TD to force a huge 2 point try to tie the game. “All the way, and dropped by Bryant!” Wow! The Cowboys had the chance to tie it up and then Dez Bryant dropped a crucial pass. That was good coverage by Carry Williams, but when you’re a Top WR you usually make that catch. (Dez was overrated at that point because Jerry Jones) Thank goodness this game is going to be over as… Marylander: WHAT IN THE LITERAL HELL IS GOING ON HERE! HOW ARE YOU NOT PREPARED FOR THE DRIBBLER ON THE ONSIDES KICK! THEY EVEN CALLED TIMEOUT TO PREP THAT MOVE! ARE YOU DENSE!? Narrator: Calm down buddy it’s all good. Marylander: HOW IS THIS ALL GOOD THEY’RE GONNA BEAT US NOW AND RAY LEWIS IS OUT FOR THE SEASON! Narrator: Trust me, Dan Bailey has to kick a 51 yarder to win in one of the toughest places to kick a football. Poe: Whistling (Yeah, listen to the facts) Narrator: Anyways where does the wheel land? “Dallas will have the chance to try to kick to win. Bailey from 51 to win it, kick on the way it’s long enough. And it’s NO GOOD! (Daft Punk’s Get Lucky playing) WIDE TO THE LEFT! AND NOW THE HAY IS IN THE BARN! LET’S BUST OUT THE CRAB CAKES WITH THE OLD BAY SAUCE!” (Vintage Sandusky, and Qadry Ismail) Marylander: Oh Thank God he missed the kick! Poe, you should have told me! Poe: Whistling (That was the whole point of this) Narrator: Poe you were right, just have patience and you’ll succeed. Poe: Whistling (I’m with you buddy) Narrator: Anyways another gutty win by the Boys in Purple. In what would become a season long theme, the Ravens having to overcome injuries, and decline on defense would exceed national expectations. At 5-1 they were now tied for the best record in the AFC. Even without many starters on both sides, this was still a good team nonetheless. The wins may not be impressive except the Week 1 game against Cincinnati but hey a win is still a win. Luckily with Terrell Suggs returning soon they should be fine even without Ray Lewis. Plus Ray was still planning to travel with the team so all hope isn’t lost. They’ll be fine even if Houston exposes them next week. Marylander: RAVENS GOING TO SUPERBOWL BABY!
Chapter 5: Week 10 vs Raiders
Following the Dallas game, the Ravens ugly play would continue. In Houston without Ray Lewis, the Ravens got blown out 43-13 by the Texans thanks to giving up 29 points in the 1st Half, and Houston’s defense outscored Baltimore by themselves. After the game, Harbaugh and his team had a meeting that was described as a mutiny according to many outside of Baltimore, but team insiders Garrett Downing and Ryan Mink believed that this meeting would change the season for the better. Terrell Suggs said during the meeting that “Ray, you need to get back, everything is out of order, as soon as the general leaves it’s all downhill.” The energy wasn’t the same without Ray on the field plus Haloti Ngata would also be out long term with injury as well. Following a much needed Bye Week, the Ravens barely escaped the claws of the division rival Browns. Even worse. CRACK! Ed Reed was also injured and would be out for the next 3 games. No team had dealt with more injuries on defense than the Ravens yet they were still 6-2 after 8 games. In Week 10 against the Oakland Raiders at M&T, the Boys in Purple would unleash at that time their biggest scoring outbreak in franchise history. Poe: Whistling (You were at this game my boy) Narrator: Yes I was Poe. And boy was it fun! Even against a former division rival in Carson Palmer, this was the 1st game that Dean Pees had no issues with in his tenure as the Ravens Defensive Coordinator. It also helped that the Raiders were starting FB Marcel Reese at RB due to injuries to their backfield. On the first drive of the game, Palmer led his team past midfield yet faced a critical 4th and 1. Marylander: HE TRIPPED! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Narrator: Looks like someone wasn’t aware of his Center’s foot. The Ravens took advantage of the short field and got 3 points out of it thanks to a Tucker field goal. Poe: Whistling (Look at me pretending to be JT) Narrator: I know Poe, you looked just like him with the kicking motion. Anyways the defense would force a 3 and out on Oakland’s next possession. Even if the Raiders pinned Baltimore back deep, Flacco would come out firing. He would complete 2 huge passes each on 3rd and 9 to get the Ravens deep into Oakland territory. And then capped off the drive with a QB Sneak for a touchdown. Leading 10-0, Baltimore’s defense would continue to suffocate a one time rival of theirs by beating him like a drum. (Remember, they are without Ray, Ed, and Ngata in this game too) The only points that the Raiders would score was on a field goal following an interception by Michael Huff. That miscue didn’t cool off Joe Cool one bit. Flacco used a deep pass to Jacoby Jones to get the offense back on schedule. There was no stopping this runaway train of an offense from coming down the tracks on this day. The drive was finished off by an excellent catch by Dennis Pitta in the middle of the West End Zone. Next possession for Oakland, wouldn’t you guess it, no points but this time Palmer was picked off by Paul Kruger. (Jarrett Johnson out for the season, who cares) His batted ball INT led to another Tucker field goal and a 20-3 lead. But the Raiders would come back quickly with a TD pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey. (Thank poor tackling for that score) Even with that miscue in coverage, it gave Flacco just enough time to lead a 2 minute drill. With short passes, and Ray Rice’s ability to gain extra yards after the catch the Ravens were deep in Raider territory again. Rice himself scored on an unexpected draw play to make the score 27-10 at halftime. But right out of the locker room, Flacco’s hot day would continue. “Flacco, going deep! Wide open! Inside the 5, Touchdown Torrey Smith!” Busted coverage, you can’t do that against a QB with an arm like that. The Raiders would get one back thanks to a nice TD drive of their own. They even forced Flacco into a 3 and out, oh wait they fumbled the punt and the Ravens recovered. Joe Cool responds by throwing another touchdown to Torrey Smith. Marylander: Take that Raider Special Teams! Narrator: Good point, they had one of the worst special teams units in the game that year, and that was only the beginning. The theme of the day was simple. The Ravens defense would stop almost anything in its path, and Flacco would sling the ball wherever he wanted. Even when Oakland did stop the Ravens offense, they couldn’t keep them from scoring more touchdowns. “25 yard field goal attempt is faked, and into the endzone goes #4 Sam Koch the holder.” The fake field goal run. That’s why Harbaugh kept his opponents guessing. Plus Sam Koch was a linebacker in high school so he had the physicality to pull it off. (They ran the same play on an extra point against the Steelers in the 2011 Season Opener from the 2 yard line) The Ravens were now ahead 48-17. But even if the game was long over, the Raiders still chewed up as much clock as possible on their next possession. The only downside was that it led to a 50 yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski. What followed would be the capper to what was considered at the time, the most points scored in a game by the Ravens in their history. “Jacoby Jones will return this one from 5 yards deep in the endzone. And running room right up the side! And he is Gone! (Crowd: YEAAAAAAAAH!) (Bruce Cunningham: Jacoby Jones 105 yard kickoff return, Touchdown Baltimore!) Looks to be about 105 yards.” Poe: Whistling (I am still trying to figure out the post touchdown dance Jacoby Jones did right in front of me) Narrator: Just keep watching the highlight until you figure it out. Poe Whistling (Ok) Narrator: Anyways that was pure speed, speed is the name of the game. And that’s just what Jacoby just did. With a 55-20 whipping the Ravens were back in business after 2 ugly games following the loss of Ray Lewis to injury. It was about time that the Ravens played to their potential. At 7-2 with the meet of their schedule coming up, the sky looked to be the limit in Charm City. Marylander: WE GOTTA A FEELING! RAVENS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! YEAAAAH!
Chapter 6: Weeks 12/13 at Chargers/vs Steelers
John Harbaugh (From Week 11 postgame): “Have a note here, it says. The team that plays the best, the most officiant, the most resilient, the most solid, the most smart, the most mentally tough will win the game. It didn’t say anything about the prettiest, it said the toughest. The toughest team won that football game.” Narrator: Harbaugh certainly was looking to make his players believe in themselves no matter how many injuries were taking place. The fact that the Ravens were 8-2 with all the injuries on defense including most of their Core 4 was mostly due to Harbs leadership and Joe Flacco’s elite right arm. But they would need help from the Football Gods in San Diego the following week against the Chargers. (The Chargers to any real football fan should still be in San Diego) Going into the 4th Quarter, the Ravens trailed 13-3 and had rarely over 100 yards of total offense against one of the worst defenses in the league. Despite being in control of the #1 seed at the time, there was great cause of concern. The offense began to fade, and the defense was still decimated with the inability to stop elite talent. But then something strange happened. Flacco led his boys on a 9 play drive punctuated with a touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta. Making the score 13-10. The Baltimore defense shut down the Bolts on the next drive as the Boys in Purple were able to get the ball back. However it didn’t work out or at least we think it that way. Thanks to a holding call against Marshal Yanda, plus a sack on 3rd Down. The Ravens would be faced with an unthinkable 4th and 29 from their own 37. This left the Ravens with a decision. Do they throw up a Hail Mary, do they run a double cross in the middle of the field, or do they check it down and fight for extra yards. OC Cam Cameron chose Option C. Oh god this is gonna hurt. “Flacco on 4th Down from the gun, Deep drop, buying time, buying time, throws into coverage, Ray Rice, he’s at the 45, 50. Coming near sideline, Charger 40, gets a block 35. (HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!) He’s close to the 34. No flags on the play. Ray Rice has the 1st Down and the game is still alive!” Marylander: HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, RAY RICE UP THE MIDDLE, ON 4TH AND 29! Poe Whistling (The Bolts can’t stop, the Ravens Flock, from winning the football game!) Narrator: Like the skit boys! Anyways this allowed Justin Tucker to send the game into Overtime. From that point on, whatever hope that the Chargers had of winning this game was over. Even if the Ravens didn’t score on their drive of OT, they did on their 2nd to end. “Kick on the way, it’s long enough, and it is GOOD and Justin Tucker has won it for the Ravens in Overtime!” Another gutty win in a season full of games like that. An explanation of these finishes had come a few weeks earlier when Torrey Smith did a sitdown conversation with Former Ravens Wired Host Melissa Stark. Stark asked Torrey about how the Ravens were able to stay in these close games despite everything that they have been through. Smith explained, when you have a strong minded coach and QB, you can make things happen. He was also asked whether this was now becoming Joe Flacco’s team. Smith replied, it seems that way but Ray Lewis is still here. Speaking of Ray Ray there still was no timeline as to when he would come back from a torn triceps. His goal would be by the playoffs at the latest, so depending on standings at the end of the regular season Lewis would only return in the regular season if a 1st Round Bye was on the line. And at this rate it seemed that way. But one game would turn those ambitions upside down. In Week 13, with a chance to clinch the AFC North for the 2nd straight year, the Ravens hosted the rival Steelers. Normally this would be a rough game where no lead would be safe. It still would be, however Pittsburgh would be with both Ben Roethlisberger, and Troy Polamalu. Leading 20-13 in the 4th Quarter, the Ravens needed to make one more stand on defense to clinch the division. But Steelers Backup Charlie Batch with the help of REFBALL and an arm injury to Terrell Suggs helped tie the game up for Pittsburgh with less than 2 minutes left. And on the ensuing Ravens possession, Joe Flacco fumbled thanks to Michael Oher again getting beaten by Lamarr Woodley. (How many times have we heard that?) Thus giving the Steelers the right to pull off the upset. And they did. Many Ravens fans, myself included, after the game said that this loss was a fluke, and they’ll be back on their feet afterwards. But little did they know. That the doubts that many around the United States had on this team would start to roll in.
Chapter 7: Week 16 vs Giants
WJZ News (Following losses to the Redskins and Broncos): “Jim Caldwell is in, and Cam Cameron is out. Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh offered no specifics as to why he fired his Offensive Coordinator so late in the season.” Jamison Hensley (Via The Baltimore Sun): “The Ravens believe that Jim Caldwell being hired as OC will give them a quick fix due his recent experience with Indianapolis over the years.” Rachel Nichols (Via ESPN): “I asked John Harbaugh about the firing of Cam Cameron and he said that if we want to get to where we want to go sometimes you have to take risks.” Narrator: In one of most shocking moves in Ravens History, John Harbaugh following 5 straight games of being held below 300 yards of total offense has fired Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. In the eyes of many Ravens fans, this move should have happened after the 2010 and 2011 AFC Championship Games, yet the front office wanted to be patient until Cam was figured out. (Do you now understand why Greg Roman hasn’t been let go of, its because of having to learn a new system so quickly) The thinking at the time was, is Cam Cameron the right guy, or is their someone better, Luckily for the Ravens, his replacement would be the longtime OC for the Indianapolis Colts when they had Peyton Manning. Jim Caldwell, coming off a 2-14 season in 2011 as Colts Head Coach, was looking for redemption in Baltimore. Now he will get his chance. Following 2 more rough losses against 2 of the hottest teams in football in the Redskins and Broncos, the Ravens were now 9-5, yet were holding on for dear life in the AFC North. Luckily for them, the Steelers loss against Dallas in Week 15 guaranteed at least a playoff berth. Even if they had been due for a month, the Ravens with a new OC, finally were about to wrap up the AFC North Title. Although their opponent in Week 16 was the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, who were fighting to save their season. One loss for Big Blue meant that the season was over. BOOM! Too bad for the Giants that Baltimore’s losing streak wasn’t going to last another week. On the opening drive, the Ravens forced New York into a quick 3 and out and made sure that Jim Caldwell would get many chances to unlock the true potential on offense for the 1st time in Week 10. They did just that. Following a controversial fumble that got reversed to a Purple Advantage, Flacco found Torrey Smith for a 5 yard TD. Just like that the swagger that the Ravens had on their side during their 9-2 start returned. Smith also hauled in a long bomb on the next possession getting him down to the 1 yard line. Joe Cool would sneak it in on the ensuing play. 14-0 Baltimore. Even as the Giants tried coming back in the game, it was going to be very tough to stop an offense that was finally awake. Ray Rice would provide the knockout at the end of the 1st Half. “Flacco to throw, has time, crossing pattern, complete Ray Rice, 15 10 5! And he’s in! TOUCHDOWN RAVENS!” Baltimore by ending their 3 game losing streak thanks to a season high 533 yards of total offense clinched the AFC North Title for the 2nd year in a row. And sent the defending champs into elimination. In the postgame locker room. John Harbaugh read the team a short note that he had written following their Week 13 loss to the Steelers. It pretty much said that no matter what happens, we will fight our way through adversity. We have had injuries, deaths, firings, a 3 game losing streak, and a mutiny break out this season, but we are still a dangerous team to play. Ed Reed once the speech was over, made an announcement. “Lamar Hunt our next Championship. Lamar Hunt is the one we gotta go get. Let’s continue to build on it and get ready for this run.” Even if many players on the other teams were calling out Reed for cheap shot hits as of late, Ed wasn’t going to let that and the doubters get in the way of the goals that the Ravens had. But little did they know, that the road to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, would be perhaps the toughest in NFL Playoff History.
Chapter 8: 2012 AFC Wild Card Game (Ray Lewis/Ed Reed’s Last Home Game)
(Coming Home by Diddy playing in the background) Narrator: The playoffs, in Baltimore it is a time for hope and excitement. Especially since the Ravens were postseason regulars for 9 of the past 13 years. This postseason would be the most emotional. Many players as well as Harbaugh’s contract were up for grabs. If they had lost early in the playoffs, a majority of their coaching staff and roster would be gone. But just before Wild Card Weekend there was a major spark. Ray Lewis was officially off the IR. He was coming back to lead the charge towards a 2nd Lombardi Trophy! Many questions would surround Ray wondering if he would be the same player. Not to mention he was running out of time in his career. Then on January 2, 2013 #52 made an announcement. Following a question from Ravens Insider Ryan Mink, Ray told him this… “I talked to my team, about life and that, everything that starts has an end. And for me, today I told my team that this would be my last ride.” Now the Ravens had no choice but to make it all the way to the Super Bowl. Not only was their 17 year leader set to retire, they were projected to have almost $30M over the cap for the 2013 season, and their starting QB and Head Coach would be free agents when the year was over. It was official. The AFC Wild Card would be Ray Lewis’ Last Game at M&T Bank Stadium, Ed Reed said later in the week that this would also be his last home game. (Reed would be an FA at the end of the year, and made it clear that if Ray left he would leave too) This would be an important game not only for the circumstances but who they would face during Wild Card Weekend. The Indianapolis Colts. (“THIS IS THE HOME OF THE BALTIMORE COLTS! It was never the home of the Indianapolis Colts.” -Gerry Sandusky) The team that left Baltimore in the middle of the night in March of 1984, and who the Ravens had never beaten in the playoffs. The last time the 2 teams met at M&T in the playoffs was in the 2006 AFC Divisional Round. On that warm evening the Colts used 5 field goals by Adam Vinatieri and 3 turnovers in the red zone by their defense to win 15-6. The fact that the Ravens held Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and that potent offense out of the endzone and still lost was depressing. That Indy team would also go on to win Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears in Miami. However this was a different Colts team than in years past. Peyton Manning was gone, Marvin Harrison had been long retired, and many others were gone. But led by Former Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano, and #1 pick of the 2012 Draft Andrew Luck, plus a chunk of players left from the Tony Dungy years, Indianapolis went from an injury prone 2-14 season, to making it back to the playoffs in 1 year. The Colts in fact were 2 point favorites going into this game. And here we go again. Sandusky: “Couldn’t get past the Colts because we never beat them in the playoffs.” Little did the experts know that this would be the opening act to what was to come later that postseason. As expected the crowd at M&T Bank Stadium was electric especially during the introductions. For the final time Ray Lewis and Ed Reed would be coming out of the tunnel doing their signature “Squirrel Dance” (Lewis) and “The U” symbol. (Reed) It would be both happy to see them, but sad since this wouldn’t be seen at a Ravens game unless it was for the Honorary Legend of the Game. So for the final time, as those 2 players entered on the field in Baltimore. Batman and Robin. Fans: “REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!” Bruce Cunningham: “8 Time Pro Bowler, 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Safety, #20, ED REED!” Fans: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Cunningham: 13 Time Pro Bowler, 2 Time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Linebacker, #52, RAY LEWIS!” (Hot In Herre playing) (FULL MARYLANDER ACTIVATED)…………………………..” Narrator: It’s hard to think about this, Those 2 men were the 2 best players I ever got to watch in my lifetime. The enthusiasm that I have everywhere I go in my life was dedicated to those 2 players. I think of Setting the NFL Record for Tackles in a Season (Ray), I think of the 2 longest Pick Sixes in NFL History (Ed), And I think of a relationship that was probably the closest between 2 players that the game has ever seen. Now those 2 would be the driving forces towards a run that would hold a special place in my life. However as soon as the game began it got sloppy for both teams in a hurry. Both teams would trade fumbles deep in enemy territory. The 1st Quarter would be one of the most ugly displays of football in a long time. The pressure was certainly on for the Ravens. Especially Harbaugh who in the words of Skip Bayless had his job on the line. But in the 2nd Quarter, someone finally had to wake up. That would be the Boys in Purple by the way. Baltimore would mount their 1st crucial drive of the game which got them deep in Colts territory. They only got a field goal, but it set the tone for the rest of the game. On the next possession Andrew Luck got a major break when Ray Ray dropped what looked like an easy interception. (Thank his arm cast for that drop) The Colts wouldn’t go far but wouldn’t it be cool if Ray got a Pick 6 in his last home game. Late in the 1st Half with the game tied at 3. One simple screen pass would give the fanbase life. “2nd and 10, Rice has it in traffic. And he has a big gap. Cuts to the sideline, inside the 20! Rice to the 5 and down at the 2! That play spanned 47 huge yards and set up a 1 yard TD run by Vonta Leech. Even as the Colts stormed back for a field goal before halftime, the Ravens still were in the lead. And having that 10-6 lead allowed Anquan Boldin the opportunity to find space in the Indianapolis secondary. The Colts had done a good job against the Ravens #1 receiver, but this was the point of the game where Q would start to take over. Sure enough he did. Boldin’s catch on a 46 yard bomb from Flacco was followed by a 20 yard reception by Dennis Pitta which went into the endzone. Now down by 2 scores, the former #1 overall pick wasn’t about to give up easily. Luck led the Colts on a 15 play 72 yard drive which was a letdown because all that they got was another Vinatieri field goal. Trailing 17-9 Indy was starting to run out of time. Especially since they weren’t able to run the football all day long. The return of Ray Lewis and a recently injured Paul Kruger had much to do with it. Lewis and Reed not only were making an impact, but as the 4th Quarter arrived the Ravens were going to make sure their 2 franchise cornerstones would go out like Cal Ripken did in his final game at Camden Yards in 2001. But on the 1st play of the 4th, Marylander: OH YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME RAY RICE! YOU BETTER NOT SPOIL THIS PERFECT ENDING! THE ONE THING YOU CAN’T DO IS FUMBLE THE (Censored) BALL! Poe: Whistling (Buddy, relax we stopped them on defense) Marylander: How they are at least getting points! Poe: Whistling (No they didn’t, Vinatieri missed a field goal) Marylander: TAKE THAT ADAM! THIS IS PAYBACK FOR 06! Narrator: As soon as Baltimore gained the ball after the missed field goal, they would go right for the knockout. On 3rd and 1, Rookie RB Bernard Pierce, broke off a 43 yard run all the way down to 18 of Indy. Then 2 plays later, Boldin again would make the big catch, this time for a touchdown! Marylander: QUUUUUUUUUUUUU! Narrator: But once again, the Colts wouldn’t die easily. They again penetrated past midfield and near the West Endzone. But Ray Lewis made it clear to his teammates, that we will not lose this game, we will win no matter what it takes. On 3rd and 1, from the Ravens 18, Luck threw an incompletion to TE Dwayne Allen. Many Colt fans still believe almost 10 years later that this play was PI on Ray Ray, but in reality Allen slipped on the turf thus leading to 4th and 1. (Remember, they wouldn’t convert the field at M&T back to grass until 2016) That miscue would eventually come back to haunt Indianapolis and cost Chuck Pagano his revenge. Poe: Whistling (Why?) Marylander: THIS! “Luck throws, batted away, and INTERCEPTED! Intercepted with an open field, except for the Quarterback. And it’s Cary Williams with the theft.” What a difference both Williams and Corey Graham had made during that postseason. Those 2 weren’t starters at the beginning of the year, yet played as well as Webb did in years prior. That’s what good coaching and leadership can do. Unable to run out the clock, the Colts were given one last go. They were aided by a helmet-helmet hit by Bernard Pollard thus giving them 15 yards and a 1st. And wouldn’t you know it. “Fans: boom, boom. (CENSORED!) boom, boom. (CENSORED!) boom, boom. (CENSORED!) boom, boom. (CENSORED!)” Narrator: The BS chants were back in business. All though this time the fans didn’t need to do it because the Colts had almost no chance at coming back. Even as they crossed midfield, Luck and his boys were running out of downs and time. Then just before the 2 minute warning, Indianapolis’ unexpected run came to an end. “And through the hands of Ballard. And that’ll do it.” It’s fitting that in both playoff games between these 2 teams, the Colts have yet to score a touchdown. 0 TDs, 8 Field Goals. Although this time, their defense just didn’t have it. For Colts fans even though they lost this was a good run. From 2-14 to playoff bound in 1 year. They would eventually make the playoffs 3 more times, but were beaten by either the Patriots or Chiefs. And too bad Andrew Luck never got to make it to the big game. And look at the scene right now, both Ray Lewis and Ed Reed walking off together one last time. While Harbaugh let Reed hang out on the sideline with the other defenders, he had a special plan for Ray Ray. His plan was to send him out to be the deep back in victory formation for the last play of the game as a tribute to his 17 year Hall of Fame career. For the Ravens to do that, they needed one more 1st Down. And they would get it. Now for the final play at M&T Bank Stadium wearing his famous #52. The Greatest Linebacker of All Time! “Now Ray Lewis is running on the field, and will set in as the deep back in victory formation. He’s on the field for his final play in Baltimore, in a Ravens Uniform.” (It’s fitting that I’m playing the same song that was played when Ripken was escorted by car around the field after his last game at Camden Yards) One more snap, and this game and M&T era will be over. “One last Ray Lewis Dance…………… The Original Raven……………………………………………………..” It’s the only time in my life that I’ve ever cried after a Ravens game that they’ve won, it’s emotional just thinking about it now. What Ray Lewis meant to his teammates, his coaches, the Ravens Organization, the city of Baltimore, and the NFL was inspiring. He pushed people to be at their best, and made them believe in themselves but also believe in God. And when the game was over he took one final lap around the field at M&T Bank Stadium, but his thoughts as expected quickly shifted from how emotional this game was, to the opponent that they would face in what many consider to be the Greatest Game in Ravens History!
Chapter 9: 2012 AFC Divisional Round (The Mile High Miracle)
Harbaugh: A man is in the arena, his face is covered in blood, sweat, and guts, he will never be with those foreign giving souls know neither victory nor defeat. And we’re the Ravens Nation, we’re the team! (Ravens Nation by FreeState Workshop playing) Marylander: WE ARE! WE ARE! WE ARE! THE RAVENS NATION! Poe: Whistling (WE ARE! WE ARE! WE ARE! THE RAVENS NATION!) Both: WE ARE! WE ARE! WE ARE! THE RAVENS NATION! WE ARE! WE ARE! WE ARE! THE RAVENS NATION! Marylander: Smash mouth is the game in the town that we claim, B-More unchained, my team so reckless! Poe: Whistling (Once again it’s in range, crosshairs are trained on the ring, we’re the bullies in the trenches!) Narrator: You aren’t doing the whole song aren’t you. Poe: Whistling (No it was just the Opening Verses) Narrator: Gotcha Poe. Anyways, Full Marylander is up in the air after the Wild Card statement against the Colts. Now the Ravens get to take the long road to the Super Bowl. And not just the long road, they would now have to go through a team on an 11 game win streak including a 17 point whipping against the Ravens in Baltimore in Week 15. Take it away Gerry. Sandusky: “Couldn’t possibly get past the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning.” Nothing was tougher than this matchup. On the road, short week, facing the #1 seed in the AFC, President Trophy Winner (Even though that doesn’t exist in the NFL), A squad riding an 11 game win streak, Peyton Manning in his 1st playoff run in Denver, and the Ravens hadn’t beaten “The Sheriff” since 2001. Not to mention the gametime temperature at Empower Field at Mile High was 15 degrees with a windchill at -1. The coldest game in Ravens History! (The closest was Week 17 2017, that we do not talk about around here) If the Boys in Purple were to survive they would need to not only play their best game of the season, but to overcome every stereotype that faced them. Ray Lewis wasn’t going to let that get in the way. Before the game, he rounded his men in the locker room and they all screamed as men. “NO WEAPON FORGED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!” That thinking would be put to the test early and often. Following a 5 play defensive stand to start the game, the Broncos Trindon Holliday returned the ensuing punt 90 yards for a touchdown. Marylander: Oh, COME ON! Narrator: Settle down, we’re gonna answer ’em right here. Marylander: If you say so for yourself. Narrator: The Ravens in spite of the Salty Marylanders comments from a few seconds ago struck right back. “Torrey Smith has it at the 10, AND HE’S IN! TOUCHDOWN RAVENS!” Not even Champ Bailey, a future 1st Ballot Hall of Famer couldn’t keep up with the speed or Torrey Smith. Tie game in the Rocky Mountains. But not for long, in what was the beginning of a pure track meet, the Ravens defense responded to the tying score by getting one of their own. “INTERCEPTED COREY GRAHAM! HE’S GOING TO THE HOUSE AND THE RAVENS HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD!” Just like that in 42 seconds, it went from 7-0 Denver to 14-7 Baltimore. But Captain Omaha wouldn’t give up quickly. Denver responded with a scoring drive of their own with hot routes, and timely passes. The decisive blow was a TD pass to Former Raven Brandon Stokley. In the 1st 11 minutes, 28 combined points were scored. And those weren’t against trash units. Denver had the #2 defense during the season, and the Ravens unit was technically healthy for the 1st time all year despite missing 5 preseason starters. Midway through the 2nd Quarter, the Broncos would take the lead right back. Manning went right after Ed Reed and got away with it, as Knowshon Moreno burned him twice, the 2nd going for the go ahead score. But Flacco, as he had done all postseason, wasn’t about to quit. Late in the 1st Half, Denver missed a field goal which would have given them a 10 point lead with the ball to start the 2nd Half. That missed kick by Matt Prater would come back to haunt the Broncos. Why? Joe Cool and Torrey Smith burning Champ Bailey again that’s why. In a game which many saw the hometowners impose their will was now an epic clash between 2 Super Bowl Contenders at the height of their powers. Tied 21-21 at halftime, this epic clash was about to get even more bizarre. Just as Ray Lewis and his teammates said before the game “NO WEAPON FORGED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!” This time there would be a weapon forced against them. And it would appear again as the 2nd Half started. Marylander: YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! CAN YOU NOT KICK THE BALL WHERE TRINDON HOLLIDAY CAN RETURN IT! THIS MAN IS THE BEST RETURN GUY IN THE LEAGUE FOR A REASON! JOHNNY YOU’RE GETTING BEAT AT YOUR OWN GAME! Narrator: It sucks I know but there is still a whole half left to be played, and Flacco is in a groove. (YoYo Sound) Right until he fumbled the snap. Marylander: MAKE THIS STOP ALREADY! CAN SOMEONE STOP THIS ONGOING AVALANCHE! Narrator: I know what will. Denver fumbled on their very next possession. Poe: Whistling (Patience, Salty Marylander, don’t let anger get in your way.) Marylander: Ok Poe, I’ll try. Narrator: Luckily the Ravens this time were able to punch it into the endzone to make it 28 all. Both defenses would then trade 3 and outs keeping the score tied going into the 4th. But the Broncos and Manning were able to score and take the lead again with 7 minutes left. On the next drive, Baltimore would go down the field and get deep into Denver territory. Then came REFBALL to hold the Ravens back. Their excellent O-Line was now getting victimized by false starts. They had 2 in successive plays. Although they were able to get those penalty yards back. Then came a 3rd and 5. (DOINK!) Marylander: OH MY GOD! THAT WAS AN EASY CATCH AND WE BLEW IT! Narrator: And then they failed the 4th Down. It looked as if the season was over but the Ravens still had all 3 timeouts. And they held the Broncos offense to a 3 and out. Marylander: They are getting another chance. Alright! Narrator: That’s great anyways, here are the circumstances. (From 2012 Ravens America’s Game) “With 1:09 to go, the Ravens took the field down by 7. They had no timeouts, and were 77 yards away from the tying score.” This was a tough situation but as long as they used the sidelines, and got to the line quickly, they would be fine. However that’s not how it was planned early in the drive. On 1st Down, incomplete pass that nearly gets intercepted. 2nd Down, Flacco is forced out of the pocket and gains 7 yards with his feet. The issue, no timeouts, and everyone is downfield. Marylander: This can’t be the end of our season. Sandusky: “The Ravens need help from above, they are out of timeouts, the clock is running, the Ravens have to snap it quickly from the gun. (Ray: “There is no fear, DO WHAT YOU DO”) Denver rushes 3, Flacco steps up, throws deep, far sideline Jacoby Jones, (HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!!!) HAS IT AT THE 20! JACOBY JONES! TOUCHDOWN RAVENS!!! NO FLAGS ON THE PLAY! AND THE MIRACLE IS ANSWERED! I TOLD YOU NOT TO GIVE UP HOPE!” Ray Lewis: “When you see that ball drop in Jacoby’s hands, that’s the 1st time in an 80,000 seat stadium you could hear rats pissing on cotton.” Marylander: HAHA THERE IT IS BABY! JACOBY DIDN’T DROP THIS ONE! WE’RE GOING TO OVERTIME! Narrator: The problem that many people believed at the time when that long TD was scored. It didn’t win the game, it tied the game. Fun fact the guy that got burned on the Mile High Miracle was the same guy that knocked the ball away from Lee Evans. (It was a different player named Moore but still) Marylander: KARMA! Narrator: I know right, now we get to the part that many Ravens fans expected this game would go into. OT. The Ravens won the toss, and the ball, but could do little with the opportunity. At least the defense made a stop of their own. The downside, the Ravens were backed up in their own end. Then on 3rd and 13 from their own 3, Flacco delivered a strike to Dennis Pitta in the middle of the field for a huge 1st Down. This to me may have been the biggest play of the game. If Denver stops them, they get outstanding field position and most likely win and host the AFC Championship Game. Instead even as they stopped the Ravens, the Broncos would be backed up in their own end. Wow this game has gone on for what seems like forever. We may have to go to a 2nd OT. What do you think, Poe? Poe: Whistling (I love this drama, but I want a win right now) Narrator: I’m with you. And so is Corey Graham. “Manning in the shotgun, looks left, nothing there, looks over the middle, now he’s chased out of the pocket, on the run, Manning’s pass is, INTERCEPTED COREY GRAHAM AND THE RAVENS TAKE OVER! Marylander: COREY GRAHAM IN THE HOUSE BABY! 2 PICKS TODAY OFF OF MANNING! Narrator: I love it and I bet you do too, Poe. Poe: Whistling (I called it) Narrator: Now Justin Tucker can do the one thing Billy Cundiff couldn’t, All 3: END THE GAME! “A 47 yard field goal try, in overtime to win it. Snap, Sam Koch with the hold, kick on the way, kick is long enough. IT IS GOOD! AND THE RAVENS ARE GOING TO THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!” (League of Legends theme playing) FULL MARYLANDER ACTIVATED! Marylander: TAKE THAT PEYTON MANNING! YOU’RE WIN STREAK AGAINST US IS OVER! RAVENS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!! YEAAAAAAAAH! GET THOSE RESERVATIONS READY! WE’RE GOING BACK TO NEW ENGLAND! Narrator: The Ravens are going to the AFC Championship Game, and all 4 surprisingly have been away from M&T Bank Stadium. That’s saying something. To play that many AFC Title Games on the Road. That’s how battle tested this team really. Now with perhaps the biggest hurdle out of the way, Ravens fans like us 3 were saying, we’re going, we are beating the Patriots next Sunday Night. There is nothing that’ll stop us this time. All of the Ravens Flock was at a fever pitch. Because after taking down their biggest test of the playoffs, it’s fitting that 1 year after getting heartbroken in Foxboro in Conference Championship Sunday, the Ravens and Patriots would square off in another epic clash for the right to go to the Super Bowl.
Chapter 10: 2012 AFC Championship Game (The Rematch)
(Paris by Jay-Z and Kanye West playing) Sandusky: “Here we go again, same location, same teams, same stakes as a year ago.” Narrator: The rematch. Ravens, Patriots. 2 of the NFL’s Elites Head-Head for the right to go to the Big Easy for Super Bowl XLVII. The 3rd time these 2 teams will have met in the playoffs since 2009. Both teams had split the 1st 2 games, but now something had to give. John Harbaugh had everything to gain with this contest. Earlier in the day, his brother Jim Harbaugh who at the time was the Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers, had already punched his ticket to the Big Game by overcoming a 17-0 deficit against the high flying Atlanta Falcons on the road. There was no way Johnny was letting his brother go by himself, not with all the stars aligning perfectly for the Ravens after what happened in Denver the previous week. This was a typical Ravens vs Patriots matchup. An Important game with a raucous atmosphere. The difference between the last 2 matchups in the playoffs was simple. This was one of the few times that Gillette Stadium would be swarmed by opposing fans. In shocking numbers, 20,000 Ravens fans made the trip to New England. And during the National Anthem they made it clear by one yell. Ravens fans: “OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Poe: Whistling (Music to my ears) Narrator: On this night, the Ravens were not about to let this bid for the Super Bowl slip away. I wonder what the media said this time? Sandusky: “And we could never beat Tom Brady and the Patriots in Foxboro.” Narrator: Sounds like Skip Bayless and Stephen A to me doesn’t it. Marylander: Time to show you who’s boss, Patriots! It was shenanigans last time, this time, it’s our turn to win! Narrator: That belief was said by many Ravens fans. Early in the game New England would try to get an early lead. On their 2nd possession they used screen passes and play action. Both had been Belichick trademarks for years. Even without Gronk, they still had Aaron Hernandez to catch passes. (That would be the last game he played before you know what) But once they got inside the 15, Baltimore’s top ranked red zone defense stepped up and held the Pats out of the endzone. They would get a 3-0 lead though. The beginning of this game was a chess match between Belichick and his old DC Dean Peas. (Belichick was calling the plays on defense) Both men had excellent gameplans early on as both teams could do nothing. This was a boxing fight disguised as a football game. But the Ravens hung tough despite the mystique of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. On their 1st drive of the 2nd Quarter, Joe Flacco finally got out of his early slump and orchestrated a 90 yard drive capped off by a Ray Rice TD from 2 yards out. (Man that was a dirty cut to the left side) But as expected TB12 had an answer to the Patriots 1st deficit of the playoffs. They went on a long drive of their own which resulted in a touchdown pass to Wes Welker. This has been a New England tradition for years, take advantage of your weak spots on both sides. The Ravens weak spots were corners and the left side of the O-Line. (The offense wasn’t really flawed) Following a 3 and out, the Pats had a chance to extend the lead going into the half. And they did. The bad news for Patriots fans was that it was only a field goal, but it was still a 6 point lead. Many people who followed football closely thought that the game was already over. And for good reason. Guess what the Patriots record was when leading at halftime on their home turf in the Brady Era was? 67-0! Poe: Whistling (Welp, that streak is ending now!) Narrator: Indeed it would Poe. Flacco came out after halftime a different player. In one quarter he would basically put his team on his back AGAIN! The 1st TD drive of the 2nd Half was minutes after Wes Welker made another crucial drop in the playoffs. (It’s like they never left Super Bowl XLVI at all) The Raven offense wasn’t about to come away empty handed this time. Dennis Pitta made sure of it. His catch on a bullet throw was good enough to give Baltimore the lead. Ray Lewis and his boys on defense backed up Joe Cool by forcing Brady into a 3 and out. Next drive, same result. Even the Patriots broadcast booth was impressed. “Flacco is being a stud right now, sitting in the pocket delivering strikes. Cool as a cucumber with the game on the line.” I agree. The Ravens QB1 wasn’t going to fail again after 3 miserable performances in the AFC Title Game in the past 4 years. And on the first play of the 4th Quarter Anquan Boldin mossed Devin McCourty. 8 point lead! Oh if you thought that was a big blow, well 4 plays later there would be a bigger one. “Inside handoff, Ridley to the 45, oh big hit. BALL CAME OUT! Ball is Loose! AND THE RAVENS HAVE RECOVERED!” Agony thy name is Bernard Pollard! The same man that blew up Tom Brady, Wes Welker, and Rob Gronkowski’s knees over the years, blows up Stevan Ridley and knocks him out of the game. Thus giving the ball back to the Ravens offense. Who couldn’t be stopped at that point. Flacco even made a 14 yard scramble to get inside the redzone. Then came the potential knockout. “Patriots bring a blitz, Flacco throws down the middle. ANQUAN BOLDIN! TOUCHDOWN RAVENS!!! Jersey Joe is going for the throw!” Poe: Whistling (Vintage Sandusky) Narrator: I’m with you on that. Leading 28-13, the Ravens had a clear path to victory… (DRAMATIC MUSIC) But this is Tom Brady and the Patriots! They weren’t going to give up quietly. On their next drive, New England made it deep into Raven territory, but were stuffed on a 4th and 4. Ensuing possession, they were turned away by an interception by Dannell Ellerbe. You can thank a tipped pass from Pernell McPhee for that INT. Even as the Ravens weren’t able to run out the clock, New England was given one last go at a shot at a miracle comeback. “The Patriots are now in Hail Mary Territory.” Marylander: I can’t believe I’m saying this, the Patriots fans are leaving, they aren’t sticking it out until the end. Ravens fans are starting to take over Foxboro. Oh my god this is actually happening! The Ghosts of AFC Title Games past are about to be gone! End this game NOW! Sandusky: “Brady from the shotgun, steps up, fires to the endzone, and it is INTERCEPTED! INTERCEPTED BY CARY WILLIAMS! AND THE HAY IS IN THE BARN THE RAVENS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!” FULL MARYLANDER DOUBLE ACTIVATED! All 3: THE RAVENS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! YEAAAAAAAAAAAH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! TAKE THAT PATRIOTS AND ESPN! Narrator: Its official, after 3 devastating losses in Conference Championship Games over the past 4 years, the Baltimore Ravens were heading to Super Bowl XLVII. This journey was amazing just to get to the big game. Think about it. The Ravens had beat Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady, on the road in the playoffs, while being massive underdogs to go to the Super Bowl. (Plus a Colts team with plenty of Championship Experience too) Ray Lewis had a vision of how this season would play out. His vision was that one year after being heart broken by a dropped pass and missed field goal. Lewis and the Ravens would be holding the Lamar Hunt trophy in the visiting locker room at Gillette Stadium. That’s exactly what happened that night. During the Hunt Trophy presentation, Ray told Jim Nantz that only words can describe what had just happened. This team had to overcome every narrative, doubter, and 2nd guesser who thought this crew couldn’t make it to the Big Game. And now just 2 weeks after getting revenge on the Patriots, the Ravens would be playing the 49ers in what would be considered at the time. “The Most Hyped Super Bowl of All Time”
Chapter 11: Super Bowl XLVII (Festivus Maximus II)
(Rihanna’s Right Now playing) Sandusky: “The Ravens, the 49ers, AFC vs NFC, East vs West, and it collides today in Super Bowl XLVII!” Narrator: This to me is the Greatest Sporting Event I’ve ever been to. No game besides Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals even comes close to it. This matchup and the hype leading up to it, was a global sensation. “Not since Orville, and Wilbur Wright conquered the shores of Kitty Hawk have 2 brothers drawn so much attention for one afternoon’s work.” The Battle of the Harbaugh Brothers. This was a scenario that both Jim and John had dreamed about once they started coaching. Now these 2 fiery coaches were 60 minutes away from glory. The Ravens journey to the SuperBowl required the hard road, and so did the 49ers. San Francisco was coming off a backbreaking loss in the NFC Championship to the Giants the year before. (Shades of 1990) Expected to be the class of the NFC, the Niners had to overcome injuries and inconsistency all season. Their starting QB Alex Smith would get injured against the Rams in Week 12, thus knocking him out for the rest of the season. In his place would be Colin Kaepernick. An unknown 2nd year QB that had a lack of a National spotlight on him in college. Once he became the starter, Kaepernick wouldn’t look back. Just like Joe Flacco, he would go on a playoff run for the ages. Against the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round he rushed for the most yards by a QB in a game in League History. Leading San Fran to a convincing route. In the NFC Championship in Atlanta, Kaep and Frank Gore ran all over the Falcons in the 2nd Half, as the 49ers shocked the Georgia Dome. Plus San Francisco was loaded too. Kaepernick, Gore, Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Ted Ginn, Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, an outstanding O-Line, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, NaVarro Bowman, Amhad Brooks, and Donte Whitner. This was a clash of the 2 best teams in the NFL for much of the regular season. The 2 teams that many outside of Charm City and the Bay Area said were limping into the playoffs. Too bad they forgot how locked in these squads were. This was not only the Harbaugh Bowl, this game was the Battle of Last Rides. Ray Lewis and Randy Moss. 2 of the greatest players of this generation head to head to see who would end their legendary career with a ring. Moss had never won the Super Bowl, so there were plenty of people that were hoping for the so-called “SuperFreak” to hoist the Lombardi. Say it Gerry! Sandusky: “And how could the Ravens ever beat, the San Francisco 49ers who were favorites in Super Bowl XLVII?” Marylander: BUT RAY LEWIS WASN’T GOING TO MAKE IT THIS FAR ONLY TO FALL SHORT! Ray: No Weapon! Teammates: No Weapon. Ray: Forged against us! Teammates: Forged against us. Ray: Shall Prosper! Teammates: Shall prosper. Ray: NO WEAPON! Teammates: No Weapon! Ray: FORGED AGAINST US! Teammates: Forged Against Us! Ray: SHALL PROSPER! Teammates: Shall Prosper! Ray: NO WEAPON! Teammates: NO WEAPON! Ray: FORGED AGAINST US! Teammates: FORGED AGAINST US! Ray: SHALL PROSPER! Teammates: SHALL PROSPER! Ray: WHAT TIME IS IT!? Teammates: GAME TIME! Ray: WHAT TIME IS IT!? Teammates: GAME TIME! Ray: ANY DOGS IN THE HOUSE!? Teammates: WOO WOO WOO! WOO! Ray: ANY DOGS IN THE HOUSE!? Teammates: WOO WOO WOO! WOO! Ray: WHAT TIME IS IT!? Teammates: GAME TIME! Ray: WHAT TIME IS IT!? Teammates: GAME TIME! Ray: ANY DOGS IN THE HOUSE!? Teammates: WOO WOO WOO! WOO! Ray: ANY DOGS IN THE HOUSE!? Teammates: WOO WOO WOO! WOO! Ray: LET’S GO BOYS! DOMINATE ON 3! 1-2-3! All: DOMINATE!!! Narrator: From that pregame huddle, it was clear that Ravens fans were already taking over the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Not to mention there were almost twice as many Ravens fans as there were 49ers fans which is very odd considering that Niner fans are everywhere. This was due to Ray’s Last Ride, the fact that many Baltimore companies were associated with Zatarain’s which is based New Orleans so most of the Ravens fans were at that tailgating party before the game, and not to mention the Saints used to be in the same division as the 49ers until the 8 Division Era began in 2002, thus meaning many natives of the Big Easy were rooting for the Boys in Purple. You could hear the 7 Nation Army chants echo all around the Superdome even during NFL Gameday Morning inside the building. Plus before the game, NFL Network did a fan check to see who had more fans inside the Superdome. It was obvious that the Marylanders had indeed made their presence felt. Especially during the hour-long pregame ceremonies. Jim Nantz: “Welcome to the Super Bowl on CBS, the Ravens, the 49ers, the 1st Super Bowl to be contested here in 11 years. Now let’s meet the AFC Champions.” Lewis: “60 minutes away from being World Champs.” Suggs: “Football Immortality. They said we couldn’t do it.” Rice: “We here!” Suggs: “Now it’s the Ravens time.” Flacco: “No doubt about it.” Rice: “Last stop, New Orleans!” Reed: “Still hungry.” Suggs: “All of us, it’s our time.” Pitta: “Doing this for Ray.” Suggs: “It’s the ultimate gift you can give your bro.” Lewis: “They’re doing it for me, I’m doing it for them.” Rice: “Let’s do this” Lewis: “We Are, the Baltimore Ravens.” Reed: “You Ready!” Nantz: “Ladies and Gentlemen, (Marylander: HERE COME THE RAVENS!!!) the American Football Conference Champion Baltimore Ravens. (U2’s Where the Streets Have No Name playing)……………………………………………………………………….” Narrator: As soon as the Ravens ran out of the tunnel you saw no fear or excitement in their eyes. All of them treated it as a game played in September. This was what they were building for since John Harbaugh arrived. And as soon as the 49ers took the field. Ravens fans and New Orleans residents booed them badly. Oh if you thought that was loud wait till you see what happens during the National Anthem. Alicia Keys’ beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which of course was written in Baltimore featured The Loudest O of All Time. Ravens fans: “OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Narrator: That came in at 130 decibels loud! If you close your eyes you’d think you were at M&T Bank Stadium! Not to mention during the coin toss, they had the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame class as honorary captains. Guess who one of them was? Ravens Legend Jonathan Ogden, who got a thunderous ovation. The game hadn’t even started, and it felt like Baltimore was in control. And guess what the game began exactly in that fashion. The Ravens defense held the 49ers Run Heavy Offense to a 3 and out. (Remember the name Greg Roman) The Ravens not only got good field position, Flacco made sure they were using the right football. He told referee Jerome Boger that the ball that was currently on the field wasn’t their ball. So they asked for one of the balls on the Ravens sideline. And they got it. Now we can get back to the action. 2 major elements came into play on that possession. San Francisco’s outstanding pass rush would come at full speed, yet Joe Cool would be hard to take down. No matter how close Aldon Smith or Amhad Brooks came to him, Flacco still slung the ball with elite accuracy. In 5 plays they were already deep in enemy territory. But they stalled on a 3rd and 9. BEEP! Poe: Whistling (Don’t jump the hard count Niners) Narrator: Good call Poe. Narrator: And on the very next play Flacco took advantage of the free play with a Touchdown to Boldin. 7-0 Good guys! Great start, but Kaepernick and the 49ers offense would try to put up a quick response. They did. At the end of the 1st Quarter, they got deep in Ravens territory, only to come away with 3 points thanks to a sack by Paul Kruger on 3rd Down. After San Fran forced B-More to punt, controversy struck again. LaMichael James fumbled at the Ravens 25 yard line early in the 2nd Quarter, and Arthur Jones recovered it for Baltimore. Jim Harbaugh claimed that James’ forward progress was stopped which would have ruled him down by contact. Yet there was no evidence to overturn the call. Bay Area do you want to know how the next drive ended? Touchdown Dennis Pitta. Plus the Ravens got aided by a facemask call against Donte Whitner. As soon as Kaepernick regained the ball, disaster struck again. “Kaepernick steps up, throws down the middle, INTERCEPTED ED REED!” The Roman Empire was getting schooled by Ray Lewis and his ability to figure out the play call before it happened. Normally a mistake like this would lead to an even bigger event. That would come later in the 2nd Quarter. For now, Johnny decided to be way too cute. Marylander: WHY ARE YOU RUNNING A FAKE FIELD GOAL IN THE SUPER BOWL! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE MISSED POINTS COULD COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU! Narrator: Chill, chill, the defense at least is shutting down the vaunted 49ers Zone Read Offense. Poe: Whistling (I’ll get him to relax) Narrator: Poe you’re always on the spot. Anyways, Flacco would take a shot as soon as the Ravens got the ball back. “Flacco takes the snap, steps up in the pocket, throwing deep, he’s got Jacoby Jones open at the 10, Jones makes the catch, he’s not touched, bounces up, spins out of one tackle, running to the hash marks, LUNGES IN! TOUCHDOWN RAVENS! JACOBY JONES MR LONG DISTANCE HAS STRUCK AGAIN!” I thought when Jones caught it, he was down by contact. I thought hey, we have 1st and Goal from the 7. But what I didn’t realize was that no one touched him. Anyways I’ll take a 21-3 lead in the Super Bowl. The surprising small chunk of Niners fans were in shock, although in the NFC Title Game, they had faced the same deficit, so they knew it wasn’t over. They at least would close out the 1st Half with a field goal by David Akers. (Marylander: THE CHORES) Leading 21-6 at halftime the Ravens were 30 minutes away from their 2nd Championship. With a long halftime ahead of them, the large numbers of Ravens fans in attendance could relax and rest their voices during the halftime show. Although they would get plenty of oohs and ahs out of Beyonce and Destiny’s Child. Fun fact: all of the noise from the crowd during the show was from either Beyonce or 49ers fans. All of the Marylanders just had their bowl of popcorn and just enjoyed the show. Anyways as soon as the 2 teams returned to the field, RavensFlock was up and making noise. Instantly. “Here is Akers’ kickoff to start the 2nd Half. Fielded by Jacoby Jones 8 yards deep in the endzone, left hashmark 10, 15, 20, sheds a tackle 30. JACOBY JONES MIDFIELD! He Might 30, He Could, 20, NO FLAGS HE WILL GO ALL THE WAY JACOBY JONES 108 YARDS!!!” Wow, literally wow! The Ravens continue to make the big play even when people think they will cool off. Now the score was 28-6. Marylander: WE’RE WINNING THE SUPER BOWL! Narrator: Ravens do it, put the Bay Area out of their misery! (Arthur Jones sacks Kaepernick) Oh nice another sack, that so-called elite O-Line has gotten killed. Flacco: “Why’d the clock stop? ………… WHY’D THE CLOCK STOP!?” Marylander: What, WHAT! A POWER OUTAGE IN THE SUPER BOWL! WHAT KIND OF STUPID JUICE IS THE NFL DRINKING! ALL THIS TECHNOLOGY IN THE STADIUM AND YET THE POWER STILL GOES OUT! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU SUPERDOME!? Narrator: I’m with you this whole thing sucks. Poe: Whistling (It must be some Steelers or Browns fan up there) Narrator: Poe I was just thinking that. Or maybe someone that worked for the NFL said. “The Ravens are about to blow them out, man we gotta do something.” That likely was the case. Remember this was not only the Most Hyped Super Bowl of All Time, this was also at that point The Most Watched Event in Global History. And for this to be a major blowout in a game that was supposed to be close, no wonder why there was a power outage. This would ultimately change the momentum of the game. The Ravens had complete control of it, they were about to run the 49ers out of the building. And then that happened. Baltimore fans were in shock, everyone went from overly excited to being nervous and full of anxiety and PTSD from the 3 AFC Championship Losses. Not only that but the Niners sideline was all fired up, they had nothing to lose. And it showed quickly. Right out of the power outage, San Francisco finally was able to get into the endzone. Then they forced a 3 and out, plus got a major punt return taking them to the Ravens 15. And wouldn’t you know it, what was once a 28-6 lead was now 28-20. Even worse. CRACK! Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed were injured during that series. The injury bug had returned for the Ravens, and so did fumblitis. Marylander: OH MY GOD RAY RICE YOU CAN’T FUMBLE THE BALL DEEP IN YOUR OWN END! WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE BIG LEAD! Poe: Whistling (Well the lead is not gone but the huge lead is gone and now it’s 28-23) Narrator: Guys settle, the 49ers haven’t stopped the Ravens offense all day for the most part. That trend would continue. Even though they only got 3 points, Baltimore chewed up 6 minutes of clock and extended the lead to 8. But once the 4th Quarter began, San Fran was in full command. Kaepernick had regained the magic from the games against the Packers and Falcons. So did Frank Gore, and in 6 plays the Niners had cut the lead to 2 on a Kaepernick 15 run scramble. Luckily for the Boys in Purple they missed the 2 point conversion. Ed Reed would say these words while trying to stretch out his hamstring injury. “It ain’t nothing man, we gave it to them alright. We are still winning, we are still winning!” Even though Ed was not in the game at least yet, his leadership was still impactful. The Ravens would need it as they faced a 3rd and 1, in their own end. They had no choice but to get the 1st Down. Flacco was the only source of optimism left for the Ravens offense since Ray Rice was shut down, and Torrey Smith had been contained. So who did throw up a fade to? HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!! Anquan Boldin, that’s who. (Marylander: QUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!) This big conversion allowed the Ravens to eat up 5 ½ more minutes of clock and even though they didn’t deliver the knockout. It was back to a 5 point game. All that Ray Lewis and his defense had to do was make one last stop. But the 49ers were firing on all cylinders especially with Ngata and Reed on the sidelines due to injury. Exhibit A: A 33 yard run by Frank Gore as… Marylander: OH NO! THIS CAN’T BE THE WAY THIS SEASON ENDS! WE AREN’T BLOWING A (Censored) 28-6 LEAD IN THE SUPER BOWL! Narrator: Don’t worry, yes they got down inside the 5, but hey we have the #1 red zone defense in the league. Marylander: That’s great! Narrator: And look who’s back in the game. HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!!! Marylander: ED REED AND HALOTI NGATA! ROMAN I DARE YOU TO RUN ON US! Narrator: The 1st play went nowhere so the Niners only route to the endzone was by throwing since the Ravens defense blitzed all the gaps to get to Kaepernick. 2nd play, Kaep would roll to his right, yet slightly overthrow Michael Crabtree. (Jim Harbaugh: PASS INFERENCE! WHERE’S THE FLAG!?) 3rd play, same result, quick pass to Crabtree, incomplete pass. Now the fate of both teams’ legacies were on the line. It had to basically come down to this didn’t it. 2 brothers, 2 last rides, 2 storied franchises, 2 dedicated fanbases, 1 goal, ALL ON THE LINE! If you were a 49ers fan, you were thinking DON’T THROW THE FADE! Even if both Randy Moss and Crabtree were taller than Cary Williams, Jimmy Smith, and Corey Graham, they couldn’t catch one of those jump balls. The question was could they get one now. “Ray Lewis comes on a blitz, Kaepernick lobs to the endzone. INCOMPLETE! NO FLAGS ON THE PLAY!! INCOMPLETE!! RAY LEWIS AND THE DEFENSE DELIVER!!! AND STOP THE 49ERS AT THE 5!” Thank god, that was close. The Ravens were 5 yards from allowing at that time, the Greatest Comeback in Super Bowl History. Luckily that never happened, and even if it did the Ravens would still have time to either tie or win the game depending on the 2 point conversion. However San Francisco was able to prevent Flacco and the offense from running out the clock. Thus preventing Boy Wonder from getting a Gatorade Bath. Although he did have a trick up his sleeve. In an attempt to prevent Kaepernick and the Niners from getting one more chance at a Hail Mary. They decided to take an intentional safety in the endzone with Sam Koch running around for as long as possible. It worked, Koch chewed up 8 seconds off the clock as the 49ers made the score 34-31 with 4 seconds left. (Gangnam Style playing) Poe: Whistling (Oh has Camden Style come with us to the Big Easy?) Narrator: Yes it has Poe, and as soon as it was played on the loudspeakers it was like we were all back at Camden Yards in September and October during the Pennant Race. What a fitting way to end this year for Baltimore Sports. The Party Anthem of the Orioles playing, with several O’s players and Michael Phelps in attendance, and the Ravens on the doorstep of history. All that’s left to do is cover a free kick against the best returner in the NFC and the game is over. Nantz: “And he booms this one, and takes the fair catch free kick out of play, and there’s Ginn, Ginn to the 40, still on his at the 50. And the Ravens have won it! 34-31. The Super Bowl Belongs to Baltimore!” FULL MARYLANDER MEGA ACTIVATED! All 3: WE DID IT BOYS! THE RAVENS ARE SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!! THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF OUR LIVES!!! Narrator: I can’t believe they did it, how about you guys! Poe: Whistling (Edgar, Allan! OH MY GOD WE DID IT BROS!) Narrator: All 3 brothers reunited oh my god where’s my family at? WE DID IT! WE’RE WORLD CHAMPIONS! (My mother and grandparents were in tears when we won) Salty Marylander what do you think. Marylander: LUCK, MANNING, BRADY, JIM HARBAUGH, ALL DEFEATED! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! TAKE THAT NFL! YOU CAN’T STOP US! Narrator: That’s right, We’re the World Champions! THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT! (We Are The Champions playing) It happened. The Ravens had accomplished the unthinkable dream. Winning the Super Bowl during their Last Chance with the Core they had. Gerry Sandusky over to you. Sandusky: “The confetti falls from the roof of the Superdome! We’ve seen it all tonight in New Orleans, a spectacular start, a blackout in the 3rd Quarter, (It’s fitting that he called it the Blackout which is the Ravens loudest home game each year) a game that came down to nail bitter plays. It’s John Harbaugh over Jim Harbaugh!” Narrator: Alright let’s go down to the field for the Trophy Presentation. Roger Goodell: Ok Baltimore fans this is what you’ve been waiting for. 5 straight playoff appearances. And now you’ve reached the mountaintop. Steve, Coach Harbaugh, Ozzie, Dick, congratulations on a great championship. The Ravens are World Champions!” (Fans: YEAAAAAAAAH!) Narrator: Once Harbaugh got to the podium, he made a statement that has been very true about the Ravens even to this day. Harbs: “It’s never pretty, it’s never perfect, But It Is US!” That’s what it means to be a Raven. It won’t always be good but just find a way to win. Plus what a ride it’s been for Joe Flacco? The Greatest Playoff Run of All Time by a QB capped off with a Super Bowl MVP Award. He would then sign a 6 year $120M in celebration 1 month later. Finally Ray Lewis got one last curtain call. Ray: “BALTIMORE!!!…… It’s simple, when God is for you, who could be against you? It’s no greater way as a champ to go out on your last ride, with the men that I went out with, and my teammates. And Baltimore, BALTIMORE! WE COMING HOME BABY! WE DID IT!!!” Marylander: 2 TICKETS TO PARADISE! PACK YOUR BAGS WE CAN LEAVE TONIGHT! WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH!!! BALTIMORE! LETS GET IT! Narrator: You just think you’re Ed Reed now? Marylander: I don’t know but I love it. Narrator: Never change Salty Marylander. What a journey. What a journey this has been. After a long 12 year wait in the minds of many fans, the Baltimore Ravens were Super Bowl XLVII Champions. Sandusky: But the rest of the nation forgot what we know, and that is, when Ray Lewis said that this would be his last ride, we knew it would be a MAGIC CARPET RIDE!”
Chapter 12: Final Thoughts
Narrator: I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII. It feels like it’s been a lifetime since then. This was bittersweet for me because this was the last NFL season that I endured while living in Baltimore. 6 months later me and my family moved to Milwaukee and spent 6 memorable years there. Even though I didn’t see my other cherished team in the Bucks win a Championship while I lived there, I made it back to watch them win their 1st Title in 50 years against the Phoenix Suns. Now after a decade of reminiscing I have come to a conclusion. The 2012 Baltimore Ravens are my Favorite Team of All Time. (I am literally crying as I say that) They share a special place in my heart. They capped off the Greatest Sports Year in Baltimore since 1970 with one of the Greatest if not the Greatest Playoff Run in NFL History. The sad part is that this team was not meant to be a dynasty. That year was their final shot at a Super Bowl before Cap Hell arrived. Ray Lewis, and Matt Birk, retired. Anquan Boldin and Bryant McKinnie were traded, Bernard Pollard, Ed Reed, Dannell Ellerbe, Cary Williams, and Paul Kruger left in free agency. Many more would leave in the next few years. All that’s left on the Ravens now from the Super Bowl XLVII team is Justin Tucker and Josh Bynes. Plus John Harbaugh, a few other coaches and most of the executives. The success of this squad would be short lived thanks to heartbreaking losses in Week 17, injuries, and going through a rebuild while competing. The only time the Ravens have made it to the AFC Championship Game since the Super Bowl year was in 2014 where they blew 2 separate 14 point leads against Tom Brady and the Patriots and ended up losing in the final seconds to the eventual Super Bowl XLIX Champions. The best team that the Ravens have had since 2012, was in 2019 where they went 14-2 with Lamar Jackson having an MVP Season, that dream was crushed in the Divisional Round by Derrick Henry and the archrival Tennessee Titans. It’s been depressing that it’s been that long since the Ravens have made it that far but hopefully this might be the year. They are now healthy, Lamar is on his 5th year option just like Joe was, the talent on defense is still there, Tucker is still elite, a potent run game, and an underrated receiver core. But that’s for another time. Anyways, it’s been a pleasure doing this series. It’s one of if not my favorite project I’ve ever done on Bragging Rights Sports. And before we go, I will leave you with one last highlight film of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Goodnight everyone. (It’s so hard to say Goodbye playing) “The Baltimore Ravens have selected Ray Lewis, Linebacker, University of Miami. With the 24th Pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, The Baltimore Ravens select Ed Reed, Safety, University of Miami.” “PICKED OFF! Ray Lewis has the ball, he’s on the 40, 30, could go all the way, 20, still on his feet! TOUCHDOWN RAY LEWIS!” “Ed Reed. Interception! And Ed Reed brings it out of the endzone! 106 yards!” “ED REED PICKS IT UP 20 yard line, 15, 10, sidesteps a man, SPINS HIS WAY IN FOR A TOUCHDOWN! ED REED!” “Ladies and Gentlemen the Most Valuable Player for Super Bowl XXXV, for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis.” “The Greatest 1-2 Defensive Duo in NFL History.” Ray Lewis and Ed Reed defined what it means to play defense in the NFL.” “There will never be another 2-some like those 2 were.” “They are the Baltimore Ravens since their inception.” “Super Bowl 4th Quarter, 2 Hurricanes on the Field.” “GINN IS TACKLED! AND THE HAY IS IN THE BARN!!! THE BALTIMORE RAVENS ARE SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!! LET’S BUST OUT THE CRABCAKES LET FEAST!!!” (Fireworks going off in the background)
(Thank you Baltimore Ravens, Orioles, and Michael Phelps for all that you have done for me. I would never be where I am as a sports fan without you. My request for the rest of 2022: On the 10 Year Anniversary of this fantastic run of success. LETS RECREATE THE MAGIC!)
Bragging Rights Sports 