The Baltimore Ravens and Their Brief Football History

The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996, from the existing Cleveland Browns. Prior to their arrival in Baltimore, there were three professional teams. They were the Baltimore Colts, who moved to Indianapolis in 1984, the Stallions of the Canadian Football League and the Stars from the United States Football League (sportsecyclopedia).

All former teams achieved championships in their respective leagues. The Cleveland Browns move to Baltimore was the result of bad debt, and lack of support from investors. The name Raven is a salute to famous home town poet Edgar Allan Poe and his masterpiece "The Raven" reported by NFL History The Ravens played their first two years in the famous Memorial Stadium of the MLB's Orioles. In 1998 they would play their first game in the newly built stadium located in downtown Baltimore. After building an impressive roster including Peter Boulware, veteran Rod Woodson, Chris McCalister, and experienced defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis. Led by head Coach Brian Billick in 2000 the Ravens would capture their first Super Bowl Title as a franchise. Since the memorable season in 2000 the Ravens have finished ranked in the top 5 for defenses in all accept two seasons.

In an attempt to restore the teams prominence the Ravens made enormous changes to their roster. They went on to release most of their roster over the years and acquiring young talent such as Terrell Suggs and Kyle Bolier. In 2005 Art Model sold the Ravens to general owner Steve Bisciotti. 2006 was the year they were building for. With a new Quarterback in Steve McNair the Ravens finished the 2006 season with a 13-3 record witch was the 2nd best record in the league. They would enter the playoffs as the Second seed, after their first-round bye they would face the eventual Super Bowl champions and former franchise, The Indianapolis Colts. Trying to tie the game to force an overtime the Ravens battled back to be in a position to win. Steve McNair through a costly interception on the one-yard line that lost the game for the Ravens. After the Ravens golden season they would fall short of expectations the next year with a final record of 5-11 concluded by BaltimoreRavens.com. This led to the firing of long-time coach Brian Billeck. Now they have a new head coach John Harbugh witch they hope will bring new life to a low-spirited team. They do however have high hopes for a new offense. With the draft of Ray Rice and a well planed healing process for star running back Willis McGahee the Ravens plan to build identical to the once proven ground threat of Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor.