2000 Baltimore Ravens season

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2000 Baltimore Ravens season
OwnerArt Modell
Head coachBrian Billick
General managerOzzie Newsome
Offensive coordinatorMatt Cavanaugh
Defensive coordinatorMarvin Lewis
Home fieldPSINet Stadium
Results
Record12–4
Division place2nd AFC Central
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs (vs. Broncos) 21–3
Won Divisional Playoffs (at Titans) 24–10
Won AFC Championship (at Raiders) 16–3
Won Super Bowl XXXV (vs. Giants) 34–7
Pro BowlersFS Rod Woodson
DT Sam Adams
K Matt Stover
T Jonathan Ogden
LB Ray Lewis

The 2000 season was the Baltimore Ravens' fifth in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Brian Billick.The Ravens ended the season as Super Bowl XXXV Champions.

The Ravens concluded their season with a 12–4 record, finishing 2nd in the AFC Central and qualifying for the playoffs as a wild card team. In the franchise's first post-season appearance, the Ravens won all three games, culminating in a trip to Tampa, Florida for Super Bowl XXXV, where they defeated the New York Giants, 34–7. The team's defense, which set a league record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game regular season with 10.3 points per game, is considered among the greatest of all time, including 4 games where they kept their opponents from scoring.

Though just five seasons removed from the team's relocation from Cleveland, only three players (Matt Stover, Rob Burnett, Larry Webster) and no coaches remained from the 1995 Cleveland Browns roster and staff.

Offseason[]

The Ravens spent most of the offseason concerned with the status of their star linebacker Ray Lewis, who, along with two acquaintances, was arrested and charged with murder after an incident outside an Atlanta nightclub on January 31, 2000. On June 5, a plea bargain was struck, and murder and aggravated assault charges were dropped in exchange for Lewis' testimony against his companions. Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to one year of probation. The NFL fined Lewis $250,000.[1]

The Ravens made some key moves in the offseason to help bolster the team. They signed defensive tackle Sam Adams and tight end Shannon Sharpe in free agency. They used the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft on running back Jamal Lewis.

Draft[]

2000 Baltimore Ravens draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 5 Jamal Lewis *  RB Tennessee
1 10 Travis Taylor  WR Florida
3 75 Chris Redman  QB Louisville
5 148 Richard Mercier  OG Miami (FL)
6 186 Adalius Thomas *  LB Southern Miss
6 191 Cedric Woodard  DT Texas
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Season summary[]

2000 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV Ring
Rod Woodson presents a jersey to President George W. Bush during the Ravens' White House visit on June 8, 2001.

The Ravens started the season with a 5–1 mark, with three of their victories coming by shutout. Despite the great play of the defense, the offense hit a major swoon after the first month of the season. Following a 37–0 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens would not score a touchdown for five consecutive games. The Ravens won the first two of these games due to their defense and field goals from kicker Matt Stover, then lost the next three, including a critical division loss at home to the Tennessee Titans. During this game, quarterback Tony Banks was benched in favor of Trent Dilfer, who would take over for the rest of the season. After a loss at home to Pittsburgh to fall to 5–4, the Ravens broke both their touchdown-less streak and losing streak against the Bengals the next week. It would be the first of seven straight wins to end the regular season.

The Ravens finished one game behind the Titans in the AFC Central, so the Ravens had to begin their playoff run at home in the wild card round against the Denver Broncos. The team cruised to a 21–3 victory, setting up a date with the Titans the following week in Nashville. The Ravens prevailed 24–10, with linebacker Ray Lewis's 50-yard interception return for a touchdown clinching the game. The team then traveled to Oakland to meet the Raiders for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The Ravens advanced to their first Super Bowl after a 16–3 victory, as the defense held Oakland, the league's top rushing offense during the season, to just 24 yards on the ground. The Ravens easily defeated the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, 34–7, as Ray Lewis led another dominant performance by the defense and was named most valuable player of the game for his efforts.

The Ravens relied heavily on their defense, which set several NFL records during the 2000 season, including fewest points ever allowed during a 16-game season (165) and fewest rushing yards ever allowed (970). The defense also forced more turnovers than any team in the league that year (49), and Ray Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Starting cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Duane Starks combined to intercept ten passes, and defensive end Rob Burnett contributed with 10.5 sacks. Defensive tackle Sam Adams was voted to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro, as was safety Rod Woodson, who had four interceptions and ranked second on the team in tackles during the regular season. The defense also had plenty of other key players, including linebacker Jamie Sharper, outside linebacker Peter Boulware, and defensive tackle Tony Siragusa. Siragusa played alongside Sam Adams, as the two men combining for nearly 700 pounds and were big factors in the Ravens setting the run-stopping record.

Offensively, the Ravens relied heavily on the running game. Rookie running back Jamal Lewis led the way with 1,364 yards and veteran Priest Holmes added 588 rushing yards. The passing game was rather pedestrian (23rd in yards passing), but Trent Dilfer brought stability to the position when he took over for Tony Banks mid-season. Tight end Shannon Sharpe, acquired as an unrestricted free agent from Denver during the offseason, was the team's leading pass receiver with 67 catches for 810 yards. Left tackle Jonathan Ogden was selected first-team All-Pro, and widely regarded as the league's best Offensive Lineman. The Ravens also had one of the best special teams units in the NFL. Return specialist Jermaine Lewis scored two touchdowns on punt returns during the season, and ran back a kickoff for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Placekicker Matt Stover made 35 field goals on 39 attempts and was voted to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.[2]

The 2000 Ravens team marked Baltimore's first playoff appearance in 23 years, since the Baltimore Colts were AFC East champions and made it to the AFC Divisional game in 1977.

Staff[]

2000 Baltimore Ravens staff
Front office
  • Owner – Art Modell

Head coaches

  • Head Coach – Brian Billick
  • Assistant Head Coach/Secondary – Steve Shafer

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive Coordinator – Marvin Lewis
  • Defensive Line – Rex Ryan
  • Linebackers – Jack Del Rio
  • Defensive Backs – Donnie Henderson
  • Defensive assistant/Defensive Line – Mike Smith

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Russ Purnell
  • Assistant Special Teams – Paul McCord
  • Assistant Special Teams – Bennie Thompson

Strength and conditioning

  • Head Athletic Trainer – Bill Tessendorf
  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Jeff Friday
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Chip Morton
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Paul Ricci

Final roster[]

2000 Baltimore Ravens final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

  • 29 Chuck Evans
  • 32 Sam Gash FB
  • 33 Priest Holmes
  • 31 Jamal Lewis

Wide receivers

Tight ends

  • 81 Ben Coates
  • 82 Shannon Sharpe
Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad

  • 39 Alan Ricard FB
  • 46 RB
  • 59 Rod Payne C
  • 73 Kelly Gregg DT


Rookies in italics

Schedule[]

Preseason[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Game
recap
1 August 5 Philadelphia Eagles W 16–13 1–0 PSINet Stadium Recap
2 August 12 New York Jets W 10–0 2–0 PSINet Stadium Recap
3 August 18 at Carolina Panthers W 24–13 3–0 Ericsson Stadium Recap
4 August 25 at New York Giants W 24–17 4–0 Giants Stadium Recap

[3]

Regular season[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Game
recap
1 September 3 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 16–0 1–0 Three Rivers Stadium Recap
2 September 10 Jacksonville Jaguars W 39–36 2–0 PSINet Stadium Recap
3 September 17 at Miami Dolphins L 6–19 2–1 Pro Player Stadium Recap
4 September 24 Cincinnati Bengals W 37–0 3–1 PSINet Stadium Recap
5 October 1 at Cleveland Browns W 12–0 4–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
6 October 8 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 15–10 5–1 Alltel Stadium Recap
7 October 15 at Washington Redskins L 3–10 5–2 FedExField Recap
8 October 22 Tennessee Titans L 6–14 5–3 PSINet Stadium Recap
9 October 29 Pittsburgh Steelers L 6–9 5–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
10 November 5 at Cincinnati Bengals W 27–7 6–4 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
11 November 12 at Tennessee Titans W 24–23 7–4 Adelphia Coliseum Recap
12 November 19 Dallas Cowboys W 27–0 8–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
13 November 26 Cleveland Browns W 44–7 9–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
14 Bye
15 December 10 San Diego Chargers W 24–3 10–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
16 December 17 at Arizona Cardinals W 13–7 11–4 Sun Devil Stadium Recap
17 December 24 New York Jets W 34–20 12–4 PSINet Stadium Recap

Postseason[]

Playoff round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Game
recap
Wild Card December 31 Denver Broncos (5) W 21–3 13–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
Divisional January 7, 2001 at Tennessee Titans (1) W 24–10 14–4 Adelphia Coliseum Recap
AFC Championship January 14, 2001 at Oakland Raiders (2) W 16–3 15–4 Network Associates Coliseum Recap
Super Bowl XXXV January 28, 2001 vs. New York Giants (N1) W 34–7 16–4 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Division standings[]

AFC Central
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(1) Tennessee Titans 13 3 0 .813 346 191 W4
(4) Baltimore Ravens 12 4 0 .750 333 165 W7
Pittsburgh Steelers 9 7 0 .563 321 255 W2
Jacksonville Jaguars 7 9 0 .438 367 327 L2
Cincinnati Bengals 4 12 0 .250 185 359 L1
Cleveland Browns 3 13 0 .188 161 419 L5

Game summaries[]

Regular season[]

Week 1: at Pittsburgh Steelers[]

Week 1: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
1 2 34Total
Ravens 10 3 3016
Steelers 0 0 000

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 3
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,049
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Tasker
  • Recap
Game information

In the opening game for Baltimore's regular season, they squared off against division rivals Pittsburgh Steelers at their turf. In a game where the Ravens had 336 yards of total offense, they first scored points with a field goal kick from Matt Stover. Later in the first quarter, Qadry Ismail would catch a pass from Tony Banks for seven more points. After another field goal kick, the Steelers were being shut out by the end of halftime, 13–0. The final score in the game resulted from another field goal from Stover, and the final score resulted with the Ravens winning 16–0. With this win, the Ravens began their season at 1–0.

Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars[]

Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 17 6 31036
Ravens 0 7 151739

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: September 10
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 74 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,843
  • Referee: Johnny Grier
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist, Dan Dierdorf, and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Recap
Game information

At the Ravens first home game, Baltimore trailed the Jacksonville Jaguars for the majority of the game, where the home team gained another 300+ yards of total offense. The first quarter was dominated by Jacksonville, where the time period ended with two touchdown passes from Mark Brunell to Jimmy Smith and a field goal from Mike Hollis (17–0). Baltimore put up their first points in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Tony Banks to Travis Taylor. However, the first half ended with two more field goals from the Jaguars. The third quarter began with the Ravens trailing 23–7. Two further touchdowns by the Ravens (one which was for two extra points) and a field goal from Jaguars put the home team with less than a touchdown differential. In the continuing scoring shootout, the Ravens scored first in the fourth quarter with a touchdown to lead for the first time during the entire game, 29–26. By the later portion of the quarter, the Jaguars had surpassed Baltimore once more at 36–32. In the last scoring drive of the game, Shannon Sharpe completed a 29-yard pass from Banks to defeat Jacksonville, 39–36. With this win, Baltimore's record elevated to 2–0.

Week 3: at Miami Dolphins[]

Week 3: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins
1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 0 336
Dolphins 3 3 7619

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida

  • Date: September 17
  • Game time: 8:20 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 73,464
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber
  • Recap
Game information

In week 3, the Ravens and the Miami Dolphins gained little offense in a defensive struggle for both teams. The first half was highlighted by Dolphins placekicker Olindo Mare's two field goals. The Ravens attacked back during the second half, with two field goals of their own by Matt Stover; however, with a touchdown pass from Jay Fiedler to Lamar Smith and a rushing touchdown from the latter, the Dolphins overcame Baltimore 19–6. In a game where the Ravens got just above 250 yards of total offense, Baltimore ultimately fell to a 2–1 record.

Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals[]

Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 0 000
Ravens 10 14 31037

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: September 24
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,481
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
  • Recap
Game information

In an attempt to redeem their road loss to the Dolphins, the Ravens faced division rivals Cincinnati Bengals. In a complete shut out, the Ravens gained a near 400 yards (391 yards exact) in a game where the defense shut down the Bengals for only 94 yards of offense. During the first half, the Ravens scored three touchdowns (two passes from Tony Banks to Travis Taylor and Shannon Sharpe, and a rush by Jamal Lewis) and a field goal by Matt Stover. The second half ended with two more field goals and a rushing touchdown from Obafemi Ayanbadejo to finish with a score of 37–0. With this win, Baltimore's record elevated to 3–1.

Week 5: at Cleveland Browns[]

Week 5: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 6 3012
Browns 0 0 000

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: October 1
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 73,018
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Mark May
  • Recap
Game information

The Ravens began a five-game touchdown drought with their matchup against Cleveland. In a game dominated by both defenses, the Ravens allowed just under 250 offensive yards. The first half ended with three field goals from kicker Matt Stover, with the longest being from 45 yards in order to advance the Ravens to the locker room at 9–0. The final scoring in the game came during the third quarter when Stover kicked another field goal from 22 yards. In a shutout for the Browns, the Ravens improved their record to 4–1.

Week 6: at Jacksonville Jaguars[]

Week 6: Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 3 3615
Jaguars 3 0 0710

at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: October 8
  • Game time: 8:20 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,194
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber
  • Recap
Game information

Baltimore would travel back to Jacksonville in a Week 2 rematch against the Jaguars at their turf in Jacksonville. The Ravens went with their second consecutive game without a touchdown with their kicker Matt Stover delivering all their points. In the first quarter, Jaguars kicker Steve Lindsey delivered a 49-yard field goal but was answered with a Stover 47-yard field goal to tie up the game. The second quarter ended with another Stover kick that would take the game to halftime with the Ravens winning 6–3. Stover would kick three more consecutive field goals to increase the score to 15–3, but the Jaguars retaliated with the final score of the game: a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Fred Taylor. However, the game was ultimately decided at 15–10 and the Ravens record elevated to 5–1.

Week 7: at Washington Redskins[]

Week 7: Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins
1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 3 003
Redskins 0 3 0710

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: October 15
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 64 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 83,252
  • TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Recap
Game information

The Ravens traveled to their Capital Beltway neighbors, the Washington Redskins, for their third straight road game. In a defensive struggle, both teams allowed under 250 yards of total offense. Halftime ended with both teams tied at 3–3 as a result of two field goals: one from the Redskins (37 yards by Kris Heppner) and the Ravens (Matt Stover from 51 yards). That field goal from Stover would be the only score that the Ravens put up in this game, where in the fourth quarter, Stephen Davis ran for a 33-yard touchdown that put Washington 10–3 over the Ravens. With this final score, the Ravens suffered their second loss and fell to 5–2.[4]

Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans[]

Week 8: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 7 7014
Ravens 3 3 006

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 60 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,200
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Daryl Johnston and Beasley Reece
  • Recap
Game information

In Week 8, the Ravens flew back home to face off against division rivals Tennessee Titans. The Ravens continued their touchdown-less streak, where Matt Stover produced the only score for Baltimore with two field goals (from the 21- and 38-yard lines). In the second quarter, Titans quarterback Steve McNair threw a 9-yard pass to Rodney Thomas to go ahead of the home team. Just under one point, the Ravens sought to get ahead of Tennessee, however, Tony Banks produced a game high of three interceptions, with the last one sealing the game for the Titans as they won 14–6. With this loss, the Ravens fell to 5–3.

Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers[]

Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 639
Ravens 0 6 006

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Windy, 47 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,200
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Mark May
  • Recap
Game information

In a rematch from week 1, Baltimore continued their streak without a touchdown. However, second-string quarterback Trent Dilfer started in replacement of Tony Banks, who in the past four games had not thrown one touchdown but rather more interceptions. In this game, unlike Banks, Dilfer threw no interceptions but was unable to connect with any receiver into the endzone. The Ravens had the advantage heading into halftime with two field goals from Matt Stover that were over 40 yards. In the third quarter, the Steelers retaliated with six points of their own as a result of a touchdown and a missed extra point from Kris Brown.

Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals[]

Week 10: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 21 0327
Bengals 0 0 707

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: November 5
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,759
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman
  • Recap
Game information

In a rematch of Week 4, the Ravens traveled to Ohio against AFC Central adversaries, Bengals. Matt Stover put the Ravens on the board with three points after a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter. Baltimore entered their season best second quarter in this game with three touchdown passes from new starting quarterback Trent Dilfer that had the Ravens up by 24 unanswered points. Cincinnati answered with a touchdown, and their only score, during the third quarter with Peter Warrick's 4-yard rush. The game came to a close following a field goal from Stover that had the Ravens defeat the Bengals 27–7. The Ravens improved their record to 6–4 and began a seven-game winning streak.

Week 11: at Tennessee Titans[]

Week 11: Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
1 2 34Total
Ravens 7 10 0724
Titans 0 14 0923

at Adelphia Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,490
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Recap
Game information

Just after battling against Tennessee three weeks earlier, Baltimore traveled to Nashville to face off against the Titans. The Ravens attacked by adding seven points to their score in the first quarter after a reception by Qadry Ismail from Trent Dilfer. Jamal Lewis would then double the points with a 2-yard rush that put up the Ravens 14–0 during the second quarter. The Titans answered with two touchdown passes from Steve McNair to Derrick Mason and Lorenzo Neal, respectively. After a field goal from Matt Stover, halftime stood at 17–14, favoring the Ravens. In a defensive struggle in the third quarter, no team was able to score. However, the game became tied at 17–17 with a 23-yard field goal from Al Del Greco upon the final quarter. Tennessee sought to end the game after Perry Phenix intercepted a pass from Dilfer and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown; however, Del Greco failed to convert the extra point. This allowed the Ravens to end the game with a touchdown pass to Patrick Johnson from Dilfer and a successful extra point conversion. With this win, the Ravens raised their record to 7–4 and became the first team to defeat the Titans in Adelphia Coliseum.

Postseason[]

AFC Wild Card Game vs Denver Broncos[]

Wild Card game: Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 003
Ravens 0 14 7021

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: December 31
  • Game time: 12:30 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 28 °F (−2 °C)
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • BAL – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Matt Stover Kick), Ravens 7–0
  • DEN – Jason Elam 31-yard field goal, Ravens 7–3
  • BAL – Shannon Sharpe 58-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Matt Stover kick), Ravens 14–3

Third quarter

  • BAL – Jamal Lewis 27-yard run (Matt Stover kick), Ravens 21–3

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Tennessee Titans[]

Division Game: Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 7 31424
Titans 7 0 3010

at Adelphia Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: January 7
  • Game time: 12:30 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 43 °F (6 °C)
  • TV: CBS
Game information
First quarter
  • TEN – Eddie George 2-yard run (Al Del Greco Kick), Titans 7–0

Second quarter

  • BAL – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Matt Stover Kick), Tied 7–7

Third quarter

  • TEN – Al Del Greco 21-yard field goal, Titans 10–7
  • BAL – Matt Stover 38-yard field goal, Tied 10–10

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Anthony Mitchell 90-yard blocked field goal return (Matt Stover kick) Ravens 17–10
  • BAL – Ray Lewis 50-yard interception return (Matt Stover kick) Ravens 24–10

AFC Championship Game at Oakland Raiders[]

AFC Championship: Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders
1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 10 3316
Raiders 0 0 303

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: January 14
  • Game time: 4:05 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 50 °F (10 °C)
  • TV: CBS
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • BAL – Shannon Sharpe 96-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Matt Stover Kick), Ravens 7–0
  • BAL – Matt Stover 31-yard field goal, Ravens 10–0

Third quarter

  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 24-yard field, Ravens 10–3
  • BAL – Matt Stover 28-yard field goal, Ravens 13–3

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, Ravens 16–3

Super Bowl XXXV vs New York Giants[]

Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
1 2 34Total
Ravens 7 3 141034
Giants 0 0 707

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida

  • Date: January 28
  • Game time: 6:30 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 57 °F (14 °C)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Bonnie Bernstein, and Armen Keteyian
Game information
First quarter
  • BAL – Brandon Stokley 38-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Matt Stover kick), Ravens 7–0

Second quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 47-yard field goal, Ravens 10–0

Third quarter

  • BAL – Duane Starks 49-yard interception return (Matt Stover kick), Ravens 17–0
  • NYG – Ron Dixon 97-yard kickoff return (Brad Daluiso kick), Ravens 17–7
  • BAL – Jermaine Lewis 84-yard kickoff return (Matt Stover kick), Ravens 24–7

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Jamal Lewis 3-yard run (Matt Stover kick), Ravens 31–7
  • BAL – Matt Stover 34-yard field goal, Ravens 34–7

The Ravens and Giants set a Super Bowl record by scoring three touchdowns in three consecutive plays, tallying just 36 seconds in the third quarter. The Ravens defense completely shut down the Giants offense, not yielding a single point. The only points the Giants would score on would be a kickoff return for a touchdown. The Ravens held the Giants to 152 total yards of offense and forced five turnovers along with four sacks. The Ravens defense surrendered just one offensive touchdown in four playoff games and only allowed 16 points (4.0 points per game).

Defensive legacy[]

The Ravens defense in 2000 is often named among the greatest NFL defenses of all time. Baltimore gave up only 970 rushing yards (60.6 per game) all year, an NFL record for a 16-game season,[5] and 186 fewer yards than the next lowest team, Baltimore's Super Bowl XXXV opponent, the New York Giants. Baltimore gave up only five rushing touchdowns all season, and allowed a paltry 2.7 yards per rush, both league bests. Baltimore only allowed 165 points all season, also an NFL record for a 16-game season. Including the postseason, Baltimore's defense allowed only 188 points in 20 games to opposing offenses that year (9.4 points per game). The Ravens allowed three other touchdowns that came from their opponents' defense and special teams (two interception returns and one kickoff return). Furthermore, the Ravens recovered an astronomical 26 opponent's fumbles during the season, double the total of the second-ranked team.[6] Their defense also intercepted 23 passes to give them a total of 49 turnovers forced that season, most in the NFL. They did all of this despite their own offense's passing struggles and going five consecutive games without scoring a touchdown.

Statistical site Football Outsiders noted, "One more interesting note on the Baltimore defense: it was the only dominant defense of the past few years to be based on stopping the run instead of controlling the pass. For all the clichés about the need to stop the run, in general the best defenses are ranked the highest because they have the best ratings against the pass, not against the run – just like the best offenses are ranked the highest because they are the best through the air, not on the ground. The 2000 Ravens only rank seventh in defense against the pass, but their rushing defense ... is far and away the best of the past six seasons."[7]

Awards[]

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Five players represented the Ravens in the Pro Bowl: Lewis joined defensive tackle Sam Adams, safety Rod Woodson, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, and kicker Matt Stover. Matt Stover joined Lewis and Ogden on the associated press' All-Pro first team. Defensive end Rob Burnett joined Adams and Woodson on the AP All-Pro second team.

  • Sam Adams, AFC Pro Bowl Selection,[8]
  • Brian Billick, USA Today AFC Coach of the Year,[9]
  • Trent Dilfer, Football Digest Comeback Player of the Year,[9]
  • Jamal Lewis, USA Today Offensive Rookie of the Year,[9]
  • Marvin Lewis, Football Digest Assistant Coach of the Year,[9]
  • Marvin Lewis, Pro Football Writers Association Assistant Coach of the Year,[9]
  • Marvin Lewis, USA Today AFC Assistant Coach of the Year,[9]
  • Ray Lewis, Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year,[9]
  • Ray Lewis, Football Digest Defensive Player of the Year,[9]
  • Ray Lewis, Pro Football Writers Association Defensive Most Valuable Player,[9]
  • Jonathan Ogden, AFC Pro Bowl Selection,[8]
  • Matt Stover, Golden Toe Award[9]
  • Rod Woodson, AFC Pro Bowl Selection,[8]

References[]

  1. ^ https://www.nfl.info/nflmedia/news/2000news/NFL-37.htm
  2. ^ [1][bare URL]
  3. ^ 2000 Baltimore Ravens schedule and results
  4. ^ "Baltimore Ravens 3 at Washington Redskins 10". October 15, 2000. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  5. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1940 to 2011, in the regular season, sorted by ascending opp Rushing Yds
  6. ^ 2000 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics
  7. ^ 2000 DVOA Ratings and Commentary
  8. ^ a b c NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 362
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 201
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