Favorite Ravens Team

[berad]

Instead of doing the cliche 'all-time Ravens' team thread, I decided to do something similar but with a twist. Instead of putting down the most talented or productive players that played here, make a starting line-up of your favorite players.

 

They didn't have to ever be starters or even on the team for an extended period of time, just the players that you liked most at their position - 11 on offense, 11 on defense, and a various amount of STers. I'm not going to fuss about formations. Granted, many 'favorite' lists may overlap with 'all-time' lists but don't be afraid to put 'your guy' on your roster. A compilation of your favorite guys throughout the Ravens franchise history.

 

Offense

QB - Joe Flacco

RB - Ray Rice

FB - LeRon McClain

WR - Derrick Mason, hilarious and the only consistent offensive weapon in all his years here

WR - Torrey Smith

TE - Daniel Wilcox, blogged on the site, got married in M&T, and was super friendly

LT - JO

LG - KO, hard to choose here but KO seems like a likeable guy

C - Matt Birk

RG - Yanda, corn-fed and drove his stuff in a U-Haul after he signed his deal

RT - Zues, big guy big heart

 

Defense

DE - Corey Redding, was only here for a year but, man, was he a leader

DT - Kelly Gregg, Buddy Lee

DT - Tony Siragusa, re-watching Hard Knocks reminded me how funny he was

DE - Haloti Ngata

OLB - Adalius Thomas, the first AD

MLB - Ray Lewis, did I even have to say?

OLB - Terrell Suggs

CB - Chris McAlister, first jersey I bought

CB - Lardarius Webb

SS - Dawan Landry, always liked him, a hard-worker

FS - Ed Reed

 

Special Teams

K - Matt Stover, autoMATTic

P - Sam Koch, a real athlete, not even joking

KR/PR - Jacoby Jones

[SecretAgentMan]

I assume we are also running the Cam Cameron offense in this thread too :P

[ravens__]

Offense
QB - Joe Flacco
RB - Ray Rice
FB - Vonta Leach/Lorenzo Neal - We've had some damn good fullbacks on the team. I never liked LeRon's character
WR - Derrick Mason
WR - Michael Jackson - Such an amazing player whose career was cut short by injuries
WR - Kelley Washington - Adding a third receiver just cause. Washington was such a beast over the middle in his lone season with the team
TE - Todd Heap - Heeeeeeaaaaaaap
LT - Jonathan Ogden
LG - Kelechi Osemele
C - Matt Birk
RG - Marshal Yanda
RT - Orlando "Zeus" Brown

Defense
DE - Michael McCrary - way underrated. Our front 7 in 2000 was ridiculous
DT - Sam Adams - One of the best nose tackles ever in my opinion
DT - Tony Siragusa - Goose was a goofball off the field and a terror on it
DE - Haloti Ngata
OLB - Jarrett Johnson - Guy just showed up to play every week. Very quiet off the field
MLB - Ray Lewis
OLB - Terrell Suggs
CB - Chris McAlister
CB - Lardarius Webb
SS - Bernard Pollard - I don't really care what the real reason was behind his release, he'll always be a Raven in my eyes. He certainly played like one both of his years here
FS - Ed Reed

Special Teams
K - Matt Stover
P - Sam Koch
KR/PR - Jacoby Jones

[berad]

I assume we are also running the Cam Cameron offense in this thread too :P

 

If that's your favorite then an end-around it is!

[berad]

Loved Kelley Washington, perfect role player and always there for a third down.

 

LeRon waned on some but, to me, he was so funny and had that 'wiggle' to get past guys. He also spit on Channing Crowder which earns double points.

[ravens__]

Loved Kelley Washington, perfect role player and always there for a third down.

LeRon waned on some but, to me, he was so funny and had that 'wiggle' to get past guys. He also spit on Channing Crowder which earns double points.

My problem with LeRon is he was way outspoken. He was just too much of a diva for a fullback. When he came out and publicly said he wanted to get more touches on the offense and printed these silly "Vote McClain 4 RB" T-Shirts he was done for me. Aside from the two I picked, I'd take Sam Gash over him also.

[balimore]

I really like Lee Evans and would choose him as one of my WR. Before Torrey Smith he was my favorite receiver in the NFL. I just wish things could have ended up better. Sadly that one play will forever stick with him here in Baltimore. But I know everything happens for a reason. We won the superbowl the next year and it felt great crushing the patriots. He might be remembered for the "drop" but he had an awesome one handed catch against Houston. Id rather remember that.

[JoeyFlex5]

to everyone listing 4-3 defenses, ngata plays a dt in that, not a DE, and as a matter of fact, hes a natural 3-4 NT but he had to move to DE to keep him on the field because in our lineup, we wanted to keep him in front of sizzle, he is not a 4-3 DE 

 

butttt anyway 

 

QB - obviously joe 

HB - tough one, but for the team im trying to build, im gonna have to go with jamal 

FB - lorenzo neal, was always one of my favorite players and i was thrilled when he came here 

WR - derrick mason, my all time favorite raven on offense 

WR - torrey smith, high character guy, big heart, big plays, big hair, hes just awesome 

WR - boldin, we got a go to #1, a playmaker #2, and a sure handed clutch manbeast in the slot 

TE - pitta, never was a big fan of heap at all, i thought he was a cry baby because he always seemed to be hurt and dramatic about it, maybe we can blame boller for leading him into massive hits, but still, you gotta be healthy 

LT - JO, self explanitory 

LG - KO's ceiling is way higher than grubbs 

C - tie between jason brown and matt birk, because for 2 seasons i watched birk get manhandled by premier NT's and i was just sick of watching the pressure in joes face, but his smarts mostly seemed to make up for it, while jason brown was one of the best centers in the league when he was with us 

RG - obvious yanda 

RT - michael oher, but ONLY if he never has to move to LT, EVER, hes an excellent RT, but a god awful LT 

 

my 4-3 defense

 

DE - Michael McCrary, he was just a nasty man beast and a complete player, stopped the run, rushed the passer with the best of em, loved his attitude 

DT - the goose is loose baby 

DT - ngata, self explanitory, possible hall of famer that is built like a NT, and can pass rush, run stuff, and even drop in coverage, as any spot on the d-line, in any defensive formation, just a key cog of any DC's dreams 

DE - sizzle, was originally a pass rushing DE and he thrives in sack number when he can pin his ears back, he isnt a premier pass rusher because he gets about 10-12 sacks in asolid year, but also gets picks and lots of run stops. 

OLB - Boulware, best 4-3 olb we ever had, he got tons of sacks as a 4-3 olb which isnt a easy task 

MLB - duh 

OLB - jamie sharper, another one that is just what i like to call a nasty manbeast, dude was absolutely ferocious and hit like a mack truck, and had underrated speed 

FS - obviously ed reed 

SS - rod woodson from his SB year 

CB - c-mac, he was dominant, end of story 

CB - webb, he IS dominant, end of story(just stay healthy) 

and ill add a 3rd cb because its essentially a starting position in todays nfl.. 

CB3 - duane starks 

[display name]

to everyone listing 4-3 defenses, ngata plays a dt in that, not a DE, and as a matter of fact, hes a natural 3-4 NT but he had to move to DE to keep him on the field because in our lineup, we wanted to keep him in front of sizzle, he is not a 4-3 DE 

 

butttt anyway 

 

QB - obviously joe 

HB - tough one, but for the team im trying to build, im gonna have to go with jamal 

FB - lorenzo neal, was always one of my favorite players and i was thrilled when he came here 

WR - derrick mason, my all time favorite raven on offense 

WR - torrey smith, high character guy, big heart, big plays, big hair, hes just awesome 

WR - boldin, we got a go to #1, a playmaker #2, and a sure handed clutch manbeast in the slot 

TE - pitta, never was a big fan of heap at all, i thought he was a cry baby because he always seemed to be hurt and dramatic about it, maybe we can blame boller for leading him into massive hits, but still, you gotta be healthy 

LT - JO, self explanitory 

LG - KO's ceiling is way higher than grubbs 

C - tie between jason brown and matt birk, because for 2 seasons i watched birk get manhandled by premier NT's and i was just sick of watching the pressure in joes face, but his smarts mostly seemed to make up for it, while jason brown was one of the best centers in the league when he was with us 

RG - obvious yanda 

RT - michael oher, but ONLY if he never has to move to LT, EVER, hes an excellent RT, but a god awful LT 

 

my 4-3 defense

 

DE - Michael McCrary, he was just a nasty man beast and a complete player, stopped the run, rushed the passer with the best of em, loved his attitude 

DT - the goose is loose baby 

DT - ngata, self explanitory, possible hall of famer that is built like a NT, and can pass rush, run stuff, and even drop in coverage, as any spot on the d-line, in any defensive formation, just a key cog of any DC's dreams 

DE - sizzle, was originally a pass rushing DE and he thrives in sack number when he can pin his ears back, he isnt a premier pass rusher because he gets about 10-12 sacks in asolid year, but also gets picks and lots of run stops. 

OLB - Boulware, best 4-3 olb we ever had, he got tons of sacks as a 4-3 olb which isnt a easy task 

MLB - duh 

OLB - jamie sharper, another one that is just what i like to call a nasty manbeast, dude was absolutely ferocious and hit like a mack truck, and had underrated speed 

FS - obviously ed reed 

SS - rod woodson from his SB year 

CB - c-mac, he was dominant, end of story 

CB - webb, he IS dominant, end of story(just stay healthy) 

and ill add a 3rd cb because its essentially a starting position in todays nfl.. 

CB3 - duane starks 

I agree with most of the list, but I would take a healthy Heap over Pitta, mainly for the blocking abilities and also considering Pitta's dropped a couple balls this year. And I also disagree with your explanation as to how Heap handled the injuries.

And considering Lorenzo Neal was only here for a year, I would have Leach. But that's it. Good list.

[RavenFan28105]

Offense

QB - Joe Flacco -doesn't deserve the hate he gets but haters are gonna hate

RB - Ray Rice- Love the versatility on him on running and catching

FB - Vonta Leach- I remember that hit on Patrick Willis in the Thanksgiving game

WR - Derrick Mason- Played like a Ravens. I remember the Dallas game where he separated his shoulder and still played

WR - Torrey Smith- To play against the Patriots after losing his brother. Another guy that plays like a Raven

TE - Dennis Pitta- I love the way he plays, something about him just seems like a very likable guy. Barely beat out Heap.

LT - Jonathan Ogden- Dude was massive and anchored the OLine for a while. Great guy and still helps off the field today.

LG - Kelechi Osemele- Something about him I really liked when he played last year.

C - Matt Birk- Ever since he came to Baltimore, I've always enjoyed watching the former pro bowler play.

RG - Yanda- I love Yanda, dude is a true Baltimore Raven.

RT - Michael Oher- His whole story on how he got to the NFL is a great story. Very likable guy.

 

Defense

DE - Michael McCrary- Underrated I felt like with the DLine in the 2000 Ravens with everyone else around him.

DT - Kelly Gregg- I just always enjoyed watching Kelly Gregg play before he went to Kansas City.

DT - Tony Siragusa- Watched Hard knocks again and he was hilarious and also a force on the field.

DE - Haloti Ngata- One of the best at his positions, also own one of his jersey's

OLB - Jarrett Johnson- That hit on Hines Ward will always be remembered.

MLB - Ray Lewis- Obvious choice.

OLB - Terrell Suggs- To come back after tearing his ACL, true warrior.

CB - Chris McAlister- A true shut down corner. Also remember the missed FG he returned for a TD.

CB - Lardarius Webb- True class act and a great corner in the 2011 season.

SS - Dawan Landry- I found him to be underrated.

FS - Ed Reed- Another obvious choice.

 

Special Teams

K - Matt Stover- I wanted to put Tucker here for his fun character, but Stover was a great guy and great player.

P - Sam Koch- Very smart punter and great on faking field goals and punts.

KR/PR - Jacoby Jones- Hilarious guy and a terrific returner.

 

I know this next one isn't a part of anyone's list but without it there is no team.

Head Coach

John Harbaugh- I love what this guy means and brings to the table. Makes the players work hard and a very likable and understanding guy. We're very lucky to have him as a head coach.

[blitzking33]

My problem with LeRon is he was way outspoken. He was just too much of a diva for a fullback. When he came out and publicly said he wanted to get more touches on the offense and printed these silly "Vote McClain 4 RB" T-Shirts he was done for me. Aside from the two I picked, I'd take Sam Gash over him also.

Le'Ron was a punisher and always ran with authority when the move to HB was sudden. He started dancing and doing a bunch of other crap and became useless when he started speaking out about it.

[flynismo]

Offense
QB - Joe Flacco
RB - Ray Rice / Jamal Lewis (too tough to choose a favorite!)
FB - Vonta Leach
WR - Derrick Mason - a friggin' warrior
WR - Anquan Boldin (my 2nd favorite WR of all time, after Moss)
TE - Todd Heap
LT - Jonathan Ogden
LG - Edwin Mulitalo - epitome of who our team was...tough, gritty, sometimes overachieve sometimes underachieve
C - Matt Birk
RG - Marshal Yanda
RT - Zeus

Defense
DE - Michael McCrary - way underrated. Our front 7 in 2000 was ridiculous
DT - Sam Adams - So good that they named one of my favorite beers after him
DT - Goose - how can you not like the fatboy?
DE - Haloti Ngata
OLB - Peter Boulware
MLB - Ray Lewis
OLB - Terrell Suggs
CB - Chris McAlister
CB - Samari Rolle
NB - Lardarius Webb
SS - Bernard Pollard
FS - Ed Reed

Special Teams
K - Matt Stover
P - Sam Koch
KR/PR - Jacoby Jones / BJ Sams

Since you said you wont haggle over formations, I have twelve defensive players lol

[ravensdan]

One name I would like to throw in at safety as one of my favorites who has not been mentioned yet is Jim Leonard. He is such a smart tough football player. He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. Solid special teamer.

[ROH522155]

I may be the only person on this Earth who was a genuine fan of Kyle Boller. I've never been a fan that hates players on my own team. I loved Kyle Boller even though he was pretty bad for most of his career here. Keep in mind that I was a naive little 9 and 10 year old in the Boller days. Joe is of course my favorite Ravens QB ever, but I had to confess my love for Kyle Boller.

I think I may be the only person ever to proudly sport a Kyle Boller jersey around at school.

[1/28/01]

I may be the only person on this Earth who was a genuine fan of Kyle Boller. I've never been a fan that hates players on my own team. I loved Kyle Boller even though he was pretty bad for most of his career here. Keep in mind that I was a naive little 9 and 10 year old in the Boller days. Joe is of course my favorite Ravens QB ever, but I had to confess my love for Kyle Boller.

I think I may be the only person ever to proudly sport a Kyle Boller jersey around at school.

Sorry, his fault or not, he sucked. I wasnt one of those to boo him when he got injured (was at that Indy game and it was horrible to hear), but I certainly would have welcomed ANY other QB during our dominating defensive years. We left at least 2 SB's on the table simply due to our offensive defencies, led by the (not so trusty) QB.

[austin4224]

OffenseQB - Joe FlaccoRB - Ray Rice / Jamal Lewis (too tough to choose a favorite!)FB - Vonta LeachWR - Derrick Mason - a friggin' warriorWR - Anquan Boldin (my 2nd favorite WR of all time, after Moss)TE - Todd HeapLT - Jonathan OgdenLG - Edwin Mulitalo - epitome of who our team was...tough, gritty, sometimes overachieve sometimes underachieveC - Matt BirkRG - Marshal YandaRT - ZeusDefenseDE - Michael McCrary - way underrated. Our front 7 in 2000 was ridiculousDT - Sam Adams - So good that they named one of my favorite beers after himDT - Goose - how can you not like the fatboy?DE - Haloti NgataOLB - Peter BoulwareMLB - Ray LewisOLB - Terrell SuggsCB - Chris McAlisterCB - Samari RolleNB - Lardarius WebbSS - Bernard PollardFS - Ed ReedSpecial TeamsK - Matt StoverP - Sam KochKR/PR - Jacoby Jones / BJ SamsSince you said you wont haggle over formations, I have twelve defensive players lol

Finally someone has boulware

[rmw10]

I'll cater mine to guys that I've met and have been really cool.

 

 

OFFENSE:

QB - Kyle Boller... Yeah, he sucked, but he was an incredibly nice guy

RB - Ray Rice... His work in the community shows enough

FB - Lorenzo Neal... He's absolutely hilarious

WR - Mark Clayton... He's always been a true class act

WR - Brandon Stokley... Echo Clayton's statement

TE - Daniel Wilcox... I was actually friends with him at a point, so he has to go here

LT - Jonathan Ogden... A great player and person

LG - Edwin Mulitalo... Always very personable

C - Matt Birk... He's done tons of work in the community

RG - Marshal Yanda... For a guy with a mean streak, he's very nice

RT - Orlando Brown... Another true class act, RIP

 

DEFENSE:

DL - Arthur Jones... He's a great all-around person

DL - Tony Siragusa... He's the Goose, enough said

DL - Kelly Gregg... Everyone loves Buddy Lee

OLB - Edgar Jones... Not sure what position to put him, but he always did whatever the team asked

ILB - Ray Lewis... No comment needed

ILB - OJ Brigance... A true inspiration

OLB - Jarret Johnson... A true down to earth guy

CB - Lardarius Webb... This guy is the epitome of class off the field

CB - Corey Ivy... Average player, but great with the fans

FS - Haruki Nakamura... He's hugged me numerous times, so I guess he can go here for being nice haha

SS - Bernard Pollard... Regardless of why he's gone, he's always been real cool to me when I've met him

 

SPECIAL TEAMS:

K - Matt Stover... The nicest athlete I've ever met

P - Kyle Richardson... Another one of those class acts

KR/PR - Jacoby Jones... He's hilarious, so obviously he earns a spot

 

 

Now, obviously this would be a very disappointing team, but all of these guys have been great in my times meeting them.

[J-nonymous]

OFFENSE:
QB - Anthony Wright
RB - Musa Smith
FB - Sam Gash
WR - Travis Taylor
WR - Michael Jackson
TE - Quinn Sypnewski
LT - Adam Terry
LG - Bobbie Williams
C - David Hale
RG - Chris Chester
RT - Oneil Cousins

DEFENSE:
DL - Gary Stills
DL - Larry Webster
DL - Anthony Weaver
OLB - Dan Cody
ILB - Ray Lewis... No comment needed
ILB - Mike Smith
OLB - Edgerton Hartwell
CB - Dale Carter
CB - Deion Sanders
FS - Darren Stone
SS - Gerome Sapp

SPECIAL TEAMS:
K - Rhys Lloyd
P - Dave Zustadil
KR/PR - BJ Sams

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Loved Kelley Washington, perfect role player and always there for a third down.

LeRon waned on some but, to me, he was so funny and had that 'wiggle' to get past guys. He also spit on Channing Crowder which earns double points.

Speaking of Channing, I heard he was making a comeback.

[wademan2636]

offense:

 

Qb:  Flacco

RB: jamal lewis

FB:  sam gash

WR:  Derrick Mason

WR:  Michael Jackson (our beast from the mid 90's)

TE:  Shannon Sharpe

LT:  Obviously Ogden

LG:  Edwin Mulitalo

C:  Birk

RG:  Yanda

RT:  Oher

 

Defense: 

 

4-3 (front 7)

DE:  trevor pryce

DE:  Michael McCrary

DT:  Kelly Gregg

DT:  Haloti

OLB:  boulware

MLB:  Ray

OLB:  adalius thomas

 

Honorable Mention:  OLB-Jamie Sharper (couldn't find a spot for him)

 

3-4 (front 7)

 

DT:  Haloti

DE:  Cory Redding

NT:  Justin Bannan

OLB:  Suggs

OLB:  Jarret Johnson

ILB:  Hartwell

ILB: Bart Scott

 

Secondary (both 3-4 and 4-3)

 

CB:  Chris McAllister

CB:  Duane Starks

FS:  woodson/reed (both were legends)

SS:  Dawan Landry

 

K:  Stover

P:  Koch

KR/PR:  Jermaine Lewis

[wademan2636]

OFFENSE:
QB - Anthony Wright
RB - Musa Smith
FB - Sam Gash
WR - Travis Taylor
WR - Michael Jackson
TE - Quinn Sypnewski
LT - Adam Terry
LG - Bobbie Williams
C - David Hale
RG - Chris Chester
RT - Oneil Cousins

DEFENSE:
DL - Gary Stills
DL - Larry Webster
DL - Anthony Weaver
OLB - Dan Cody
ILB - Ray Lewis... No comment needed
ILB - Mike Smith
OLB - Edgerton Hartwell
CB - Dale Carter
CB - Deion Sanders
FS - Darren Stone
SS - Gerome Sapp

SPECIAL TEAMS:
K - Rhys Lloyd
P - Dave Zustadil
KR/PR - BJ Sams

 

yesssss!!!! someone besides me remembers michael jackson!  he was such a beast.  he was the main reason testaverde broke out for us our first 2 years.

[Guest nflfan123]

QB: Troy Smith

HB: Jamal Lewis

FB: Ovie Mughelli

WR: TJ Houshmandzadeh

WR: Lee Evans

TE: Todd Heap

LT: JO

OG: Ben Grubbs

C: Birk

OG: Yanda

RT: Oher

 

DE Ngata

NT Kelly Gregg

DE Art Jones

OLB Suggs

ILB Bart Scott

ILB Ray Lewis

OLB Jarret Johnson

CB: Deion Sanders

CB: Cary Williams

FS: Reed

SS: Rod Woodson

 

K: Matt Stover

P: Sam Koch

KR: David Reed

[SecretAgentMan]

QB: Joe Flacco(seriously bro?)

HB: Jamal Lewis

FB: Sam Gash

WR:  Derrick Mason

WR:  Torrey Smith

TE: Todd Heap

LT: JO

OG: Ben Grubbs

C: Birk

OG: Yanda

RT: Oher

 

DE Ngata

NT Kelly Gregg

DE Art Jones

OLB Suggs

ILB Bart Scott

ILB Ray Lewis

OLB Peter Boulware

CB: Chris McCalister

CB: Duane Starks

FS: Reed

SS: Rod Woodson

 

K: Matt Stover

P: Sam Koch

KR: Jermaine Lewis

Corrections made

[rmw10]

 

WR: TJ Houshmandzadeh

 

 

Just curious more than anything, why Housh?

[GrimCoconut]

I see nflfan123 is trolling us.

[Guest nflfan123]

I see nflfan123 is trolling us.

I am not

TJ Housh is persian, so am I

[Guest nflfan123]

Corrections made

No. It's random favorites

[GrimCoconut]

I am not
TJ Housh is persian, so am I

I wasn't referring to Housh. I was talking about Troy Smith, David Reed and Cary Williams over Flacco, Lewis and McAlister.

[Guest nflfan123]

I wasn't referring to Housh. I was talking about Troy Smith, David Reed and Cary Williams over Flacco, Lewis and McAlister.

Oh it's just random favorites. I always liked Troy Smith and Cary Williams was hated here but I always thought he was a decent corner and he made plays. Reed was a good KR.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Offense

QB - Joe Flacco

RB - Ray Rice

FB - Vonta Leach

WR - Derrick Mason

WR - Torrey Smith

TE - Todd Heap

LT - JO

LG - Grubbs

C - Matt Birk

RG - Yanda

RT - Zues

 

Defense

DE - Courtney Upshaw

DT - Kelly Gregg

DE - Haloti Ngata

OLB - Peter Boulware

MLB - Ray Lewis

MLB - Bart Scott

OLB - Terrell Suggs

CB - Chris McAlister

CB - Lardarius Webb

SS - Bernard Pollard

FS - Ed Reed

 

Special Teams

K - Matt Stover

P - Sam Koch

KR/PR - Jermaine Lewis