Tag Archives: Baltimore Ravens
January 28, 2001….Super Bowl XXXV…..Ravens 34, Giants 7
In one of the lowest points in my 45-year history of watching the team, the Giants’ performance in Super Bowl XXXV has got to be as disappointing as they come…
The Giants had just crushed the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game, 41-0 and appeared to be a legit Super Bowl team. But the Ravens defense was one for the ages in 2000.
They manhandled the Giants easily in the big game, outhustling and out-executing Big Blue – and even intimidating them, which was the biggest embarrassment.
Some experts pointed to the poor preparation of head coach Jim Fassel, who took his team to the movies during Super Bowl week while the AFC Champion Baltimore Ravens were all business.
On the first play of the game, Giants’ QB Kerry Collins threw short pass that was broken up by MLB Ray Lewis, who went into his routine, whipping the Ravens into a froth. The Giants looked – and played – scared the remainder of the game, leaving many of the faithful embarrassed to say they were Giant fans….
Fassel’s approach to the Super Bowl may be the reason he has not been offered a head coaching job since being dismissed by the Giants in 2003.
Tagged Baltimore Ravens, Jim Fassel, Kerry Collins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, New York Giants Blogs, NFC Championship Game, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XXXV |
The Baltimore Ravens (13-4) go back to Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon to play the hated Steelers (12-4) in an AFC Divisional matchup which features perhaps the most heated rivalry in the NFL.
The Ravens and Steelers are meeting for 3rd time in postseason. Steelers are 2-0 vs. Ravens in playoffs.
Kickoff: 4:30 pm ET Site: Heinz Field Surface: Grass The Line: Steelers by 3 1/2; O/U 37
Tagged AFC Playoffs, Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Heinz Field, Joe Flacco, National Football League, New York Giants Blogs, NFL, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Steelers |
THE GIANTS WILL FACE THE RAVENS TOMORROW NIGHT IN BALTIMORE
With wins against the Panthers (17-12) and Redskins (23-3), the Ravens are 2-0 to start the preseason. The defense turned in an impressive performance a week ago against Washington, forcing four turnovers and knocking quarterback Donovan McNabb out of the game with an ankle injury. A lot is expected from Baltimore this year, but before fans get too excited about the quick start, keep in mind that the Ravens were 4-0 in the preseason last year, and went on to a 9-7 regular season record, a disappointment to some, though they did beat the Patriots in the playoffs before losing to the Colts the following week.
The Ravens are one of NFL’s best run organizations. Led by GM Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh, the team drafts as well as anyone, and the organization is solid from top to bottom. The defense carried Baltimore to a Super Bowl win in 2001. In 2010, the offense has the potential to be one of the league’s best, while the defense was third best in the NFL in 2009.
The Ravens are led on offense by quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Ray Rice, and wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason. Donte’ Stallworth, who is returning after a one-year suspension, and Mark Clayton provide depth in the receiving corps. Center Matt Birk anchors a strong offensive line. Todd Heap is back at tight end, but the team did draft Ed Dickson in the third round and Dennis Pitta in the fourth round to learn from the veteran. Willis McGahee will get the call in short-yardage situations.
Tagged Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, NFL, NFL Preseason |
