Baltimore Ravens

HISTORY
Founded as the Cleveland Browns of the AAFC in 1946. Joined the NFL in 1950. Moved to the AFC in 1970 as part of the AFL/NFL merger. Relocated and changed name to Baltimore Ravens in 1996.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY
League Championships: 9 - 1946 (AAFC), 1947 (AAFC), 1948 (AAFC), 1949 (AAFC), 1950 (NFL), 1954 (NFL), 1955 (NFL), 1956 (NFL), 1964 (NFL), 2000 (Super Bowl)

Conference Championships: 12 - 1950 (AFC), 1951 (AFC), 1952 (AFC), 1953 (EFC), 1954 (EFC), 1955 (EFC), 1957 (EFC), 1964 (EFC), 1965 (EFC), 1968 (EFC), 1969 (EFC), 2000 (AFC)

Division Championships: 11 - 1967 (NFL Century), 1968 (NFL Century), 1969 (NFL Century), 1971 (AFC Central), 1980 (AFC Central), 1981 (AFC Central), 1985 (AFC Central), 1986 (AFC Central), 1987 (AFC Central), 1989 (AFC Central), 2003 (AFC North)

Playoff Appearances: 31 - 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2003

2005 Finish: 6-10, 3 rd Place AFC North
2006 Finish: 13-3

After two seasons of relative mediocrity, the Ravens fought and battled their way back to the playoffs with an awesome regular season record of 13-3. Obviously a loss to the Colts in their first playoff game wasn't how the Ravens wanted to finish, especially the way it crumbled. Adding Steve McNair was supposed to quell their quarterback deficiencies, but against one of the league's more porous defenses, the Ravens only managed 6 points, committing 4 turnovers, 2 McNair interceptions, one McNair Fumble, and a Todd Heap fumble as well. I'm not saying Peyton Manning's numbers weren't more pathetic, but he won, and eventually got to the Super Bowl. Steve just followed Kyle Boller's mold, and the Ravens lost another big game because of poor quarterbacking. This off-season will all but definitely see Steve back at the reigns, and most of the 13-3 Ravens back in uniform. But some questions definitely have to be answered. At running back, Jamal Lewis could very well be let go, leaving room for the Ravens to draft a young back, or possibly go hunting in free agency or a draft day trade. The receiver position is looking pretty decent. Mark Clayton came on strong toward the end of the season, and Todd Heap is always solid. Defensively, so free agents loom, but I wouldn't be surprised if Baltimore's defense was stout once again.

Recent Records:

2004: 9-7 2005: 7-9 2006: 13-3

Off-Season Plans:

First things first for the Ravens, and that's dealing with their free agents. On the offensive side of the ball, that means making a decision on Jamal Lewis. On the defensive side of the ball, top priority has to be Adalius Thomas, who could be the most athletic player in football. Youngster can do anything. In a season of coaching vacancies, the Ravens resigned Brian Billick, after he took the offensive and pounded the ball to the best season in franchise history. All in all, the Ravens have to figure out what they are going to do with the guys they have, either resigning some longtime players, or cutting ties and going in another direction. The Draft has plenty of defensive end, outside linebacker possibilities, and although the running back class is relatively light, someone like Mike Bush, Kenny Irons, or Lorenzo Booker could end up being a steal after Round 1. Lots of options.

See the Ravens draft situation at Lucky's Mock Draft!