Baltimore Ravens: The Best NFL Franchise in the Last 5 Years

[usmccharles]

Considering what our team went through this year....losing our star rb, the injuries, etc....and we still made it as far as we did, i think this just shows how good our team is all around and we will continue to get better with all the young players we have.  I think we win another within the next 5 years if not sooner

[Tenacious Faulker]

Yeah, the older, heritage franchises have decades of history they add to their worth.  I don;t think that present roster is a big factor though.  Not bringing Cleveland's history with the franchise meant having a new identity that no one outside Baltimore understood.  I think they did a great job over 18 season do ing that and adapting in the process - run first, heavy defensively to a balanced offensive team.  Winning has become part of the team culture.  That has value.  Newsome, DeCosta, Harbaugh have value. 

 

In any case I'm not really interested in the value of the team.  To real fans, its priceless as it.

[Nightman]

November 6 is 20th anniversary of when Art Modell announced the original Cleveland Browns were moving to Baltimore.  I still supported the Stallions until they moved because the dust hasn't settled yet until March when the team was renamed the Ravens.  I wonder if they are going to have commemorative patch or a video of their history.  Went to the first preseason and regular season home games and I've never missed a home playoff game.  Lost a few friends in Rockville because they said this team was stolen, but joined a Ravens Roost in Bowie and even after they folded I'm part of the DC/Nova Ravens meetup group that meets at Rock Bottom in Arlington.  I think they have surpassed the Cowboys as the number 2 popular NFL team in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.

[Rodgers_To_Nelson]

I voted for my pack but I agree the Ravens are a great football team and I root for them as long as it doesn't effect us. You guys got a super bowl win and probably more to come under Flacco and Harbaugh.

[Moderator 3]

How do you feel about McCarthy as HC? I don't get to watch many Packers games, but just wondered what the criticism of him was prior to and after the game.

Please take that discussion to Other NFL Teams.

[redrum52]

Please take that discussion to Other NFL Teams.

Sorry about that.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I voted for my pack but I agree the Ravens are a great football team and I root for them as long as it doesn't effect us. You guys got a super bowl win and probably more to come under Flacco and Harbaugh.

Agreed. I'd vote for the Pack, too if they were my team. A Rogers and their organization are definately elite. I tend to support them when (of course) they're not playing us or works against us. 

 

I just want to update you on our Ravens: 2 Super Bowls in less than 20 years with 7 of 8 playoff appearances recently.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

November 6 is 20th anniversary of when Art Modell announced the original Cleveland Browns were moving to Baltimore.  I still supported the Stallions until they moved because the dust hasn't settled yet until March when the team was renamed the Ravens.  I wonder if they are going to have commemorative patch or a video of their history.  Went to the first preseason and regular season home games and I've never missed a home playoff game.  Lost a few friends in Rockville because they said this team was stolen, but joined a Ravens Roost in Bowie and even after they folded I'm part of the DC/Nova Ravens meetup group that meets at Rock Bottom in Arlington.  I think they have surpassed the Cowboys as the number 2 popular NFL team in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.

I've had several jobs around the country and in every place I went there was a Ravens Fan Club. It felt like home. I wish the NFL would have granted our Colts Legacy to stay in Baltimore, but I've noticed that real students of the game give us that legacy no matter. I'm just proud that the surviving (real) Colts supported the Ravens and took a place in our Ring of Honor. That spoke volumes.

In hindsight, I think that has been one of the keys that helped to define us as to the importance of 'legacy' and put us on the path to be one of the best franchises going forward.

[Nightman]

Actually its the Baltimore Colts elected to the Hall of Fame that are in the Ring of Honor. If you look closely its their numbers on the sign that says "Johnny Unitas and Baltimore Colts"   Here are the next three Ravens that should be in, 2015 Ed Reed, 2016 Brian Billick, and maybe in 2017 O.J. Briagance.. 

 

Here is a video sponsored by Tide about NFL teams colors, they said that Baltimore could not have the Colts because they went to Indianapolis, in reality Jim Irsay offered the name for hundreds of millions of dollars, Art Modell was so broke that we didn't have a practice squad the first year or so and he settled out of court with Cleveland to give them their name, colors and history.  Fact the Ravens are the only team with two primary dark colors, purple and black, although there's a slight gold trim.

 

 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Actually its the Baltimore Colts elected to the Hall of Fame that are in the Ring of Honor. If you look closely its their numbers on the sign that says "Johnny Unitas and Baltimore Colts"   Here are the next three Ravens that should be in, 2015 Ed Reed, 2016 Brian Billick, and maybe in 2017 O.J. Briagance.. 

 

Here is a video sponsored by Tide about NFL teams colors, they said that Baltimore could not have the Colts because they went to Indianapolis, in reality Jim Irsay offered the name for hundreds of millions of dollars, Art Modell was so broke that we didn't have a practice squad the first year or so and he settled out of court with Cleveland to give them their name, colors and history.  Fact the Ravens are the only team with two primary dark colors, purple and black, although there's a slight gold trim.

 

 

GREAT POST! I really like the team colors history that you added. Good stuff. Thank you.

 

I was very aware of the HOF connection with our Ring of Honor and may not have made my 'surviving Colts' statement clear enough. I just thought that the support of those legends that attended that day (Lenny Moore, Art Donovan, Jim Parker, Raymond Berry and John Mackey) truly spoke volumes. Because they knew where the hearts and passions of the Baltimore Legacy from playing with and/or personally knowing those who could not be there (especially Johhny Unitas). Their acceptance of this new Baltimore legacy was a validation that is priceless.

 

It will be interesting to follow the next 2 seasons. With 1 or 2 more playoff appearances and another SB win - the Ravens would most likely have to be crowned one of the next new dynastys. Another Seahawk SB win this Sunday would probably do the same for them. Exciting times, but it's hard not to argue that...we are in a great position moving forward.

[redrum52]

Which ever team wins tonight takes this title.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Which ever team wins tonight takes this title.

Actually, the Patriots have just entered the possible consideration for possible 'new' best franchise. When putting it all in honest ranking with recent Super Bowl winners they are still below the Ravens and Seahawks (respectively).

 

The simple fact that their earlier dynasty is fading do to QB and coach's longevity and unavoidable retirements gives pause. Once you add-in all the other qualifiers (go back to original thread post) - you see that even with 1 SB win in the last 9+ years they can't seriously be considered a 'new' dynasty. This could change if radical changes take place like 'new' replacement QB and coach, core unit, culture, etc. take place in no more than 2 years, but that would be unprecedented.

 

Just Consider - The only franchise to successfully do that with a sub-20 years history was the Ravens.

[jimjim5]

Actually, the Patriots have just entered the possible consideration for possible 'new' best franchise. When putting it all in honest ranking with recent Super Bowl winners they are still below the Ravens and Seahawks (respectively).

 

The simple fact that their earlier dynasty is fading do to QB and coach's longevity and unavoidable retirements gives pause. Once you add-in all the other qualifiers (go back to original thread post) - you see that even with 1 SB win in the last 9+ years they can't seriously be considered a 'new' dynasty. This could change if radical changes take place like 'new' replacement QB and coach, core unit, culture, etc. take place in no more than 2 years, but that would be unprecedented.

 

Just Consider - The only franchise to successfully do that with a sub-20 years history was the Ravens.

 

Man, you make no sense.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Man, you make no sense.

It's simple. How can anyone suggest that a team like the Patriots with a 37 years old quarterback, a coach close to retirement, currently under NFL league investigations and took nearly 10 years to win another Super Bowl - a "Best New Franchise" (Up and Coming Dynasty) in the last 5 years? All you have to do is read the topic page to figure it out.

 

I hope this helped.

[Bruce_Almty]

Ravens are certainly the best NFL franchise in Baltimore. All other discussion about this subject is just homer talk...and I'm thinking Homer Simpson.

[redrum52]

It's simple. How can anyone suggest that a team like the Patriots with a 37 years old quarterback, a coach close to retirement, currently under NFL league investigations and took nearly 10 years to win another Super Bowl - a "Best New Franchise" (Up and Coming Dynasty) in the last 5 years? All you have to do is read the topic page to figure it out.

 

I hope this helped.

Seahawks then.  I didn't read the first page, but 2 back to back Sb appearances, one of the youngest teams and doing it in one of the toughest divisions in football.  Also, aren't they the first team under .500 to win a playoff game?  What Pete Carroll has done there is Madden like, so far.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Seahawks then.  I didn't read the first page, but 2 back to back Sb appearances, one of the youngest teams and doing it in one of the toughest divisions in football.  Also, aren't they the first team under .500 to win a playoff game?  What Pete Carroll has done there is Madden like, so far.

Agreed. The back-to-back Super Bowl appearances makes an extremely strong argument for 'next new dynasty' and 'best up and coming franchise'. No one saw this coming before their first appearance (including myself). I thought that the 49ers would have been in that position before the Seahawks, but their roles changed drastically.

 

That said, if the Ravens were to win the Super Bowl in the next 2 seasons and the Seahawks do not win another anytime soon, then who would be the strongest argument for 'best new franchise/up-and-coming dynasty'? If this happened than it would most likely be the Ravens. (Ravens 2-0 SB Champs and Seahawks 1-1 SB Champs within the most recent polling).

 

Once you take into account the 'thread description' (a most read in order to add any relevant contribution to this thread or any other fan blog) it highlights even more how team rankings can change drasitically year-to-year like the 49ers did.

 

Yes, Seattle has definitely increased their position in this narrative; however, it will take a few more SB wins, a few more winning seasons and a few more organizational assessments to crown a definitive franchise.

Because I'm a Ravens fan I hope that it's us, but I'm also a bona-fide 'student of the game' with objective research and analysis to support whatever team eventually wins that crown. If anyone would like to add supportive data to better this thread - I support it totally. Let's turn the science into real conversation.

 

My only verification for this thread: "We were Here."  Meaning: We are currently in the conversation

.

[Nightman]

Ravens are certainly the best NFL franchise in Baltimore. All other discussion about this subject is just homer talk...and I'm thinking Homer Simpson.

They are the elite team of the Mid Atlantic area, and the second most popular NFL team in the DC Metro area.   I see more people down here with Ravens swag, than Cowboys.  I've been rooting for them back when they were the laughingstock of the NFL under Ted Marcibroada whose record was 16-31-1 and we had that ugly "Winged B" logo.  There are two Ravens bars here, one in DC and one in Arlington.  The reason there isn't more is virtually all the games are televised on local TV, being that its the secondary market for them here and most people would rather watch them at home.

[Tru11]

past 5 years patriots then hawks.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

past 5 years patriots then hawks.

Not sure what you're using to support your statement, but I thought it was worthy of some kind of supporting facts/comparisons.

 

            2010      2011      2012     2013     2014

 

Seattle                                        

            7-9         7-9        11-5     13-3       12-4              50 wins

                                                    Won SB Lost SB         1-1 SB    50%

 

Ravens

            12-4       12-4      10-6      8-8         10-6              52 wins 

                                        Won SB                                   1-0 SB   100%

 

For 'Best NEW Dynasty/Franchise' it's closer than many may think. I hope this helped.

 

edit - stat breakdown

[ravensdan]

I don't see how the Seahawks are even in this conversation. Overrating what we saw last. They only have 2 years in the mix legitimately.

1. Patriots

2. Ravens

3. Broncos

4. Seahawks/49ers/packers/Saints. Not much separating these in recent years.

[Tru11]

jkm5bmore, on 08 Feb 2015 - 01:32 AM, said:

Not sure what you're using to support your statement, but I thought it was worthy of some kind of supporting facts/comparisons.

 

            2010      2011      2012     2013     2014

 

Seattle                                        

            7-9         7-9        11-5     13-3       12-4              50 wins

                                                    Won SB Lost SB         1-1 SB    50%

 

Ravens

            12-4       12-4      10-6      8-8         10-6              52 wins 

                                        Won SB                                   1-0 SB   100%

 

For 'Best NEW Dynasty/Franchise' it's closer than many may think. I hope this helped.

 

edit - stat breakdown

 

hawks won 3 divisional titles in the past 5 years and went to 2 SBs losing 1

 

ravens won 2 divisional titles in the past 5 years and only made it to 1 SB and 1 time lost in the conference championship.

 

so in the past 5 years they did better if your goal is to reach and win the SB lol.

 

2 SB appearences are better then 1.

 

now if you want to argue a dynasty in the making then its clearly the hawks as they have been to back to back SB in the last 2 years , are still young and core players are still under contract.

 

Dynasties get to the SB and also win the SB in a short time span.

So far the hawks have the edge on us.

 

also your stats show the hawks are getting better while the ravens where on the decline with 2013 the low point and 2014 an improvement but not on the level of the hawks.

 

if based on the stats you posted we advance 2 years it will be nowhere to being close.

 

TBH id trade those 2 more wins we have in the regular at the moment for a chance at winning the SB in a heartbeat lol.

 

its only close if you lessen the value of actually making the SB.

[Tru11]

I don't see how the Seahawks are even in this conversation. Overrating what we saw last. They only have 2 years in the mix legitimately.

1. Patriots

2. Ravens

3. Broncos

4. Seahawks/49ers/packers/Saints. Not much separating these in recent years.

 

that's funny cause they made the divisional rounds as many times as we did in the past 5 years and lost as many times as we did namely 2.

 

they missed they play offs 1 time just like we did.

 

from the remaning 2 years both teams made it past the divisional rounds the hawks made it both times to the SB while we are stuck at 1.

 

Both teams have 1 SB win while 1 has 2 SB appearances which already give them the edge.

 

if you place value in division titles then the hawks have 3 while we have 2 in the past 5 years.

 

most fun part is that both teams have a 7-3 w/l record in the plays offs over the past 5 years yet its the team with 2 SB appearances that's overrated......

[redrum52]

I don't see how the Seahawks are even in this conversation. Overrating what we saw last. They only have 2 years in the mix legitimately.

1. Patriots

2. Ravens

3. Broncos

4. Seahawks/49ers/packers/Saints. Not much separating these in recent years.

2 appearances.  Only missed the post season once and didn't they bounce the defending champs from the playoffs in 10?  More division titles, most recent SB appearance and the past few years have shown more consistency with a tougher schedule. 

 

 

 

They also didn't draft Sergio Kindle, Cody, Matt Elam or Art Brown...

[redrum52]

that's funny cause they made the divisional rounds as many times as we did in the past 5 years and lost as many times as we did namely 2.

 

they missed they play offs 1 time just like we did.

 

from the remaning 2 years both teams made it past the divisional rounds the hawks made it both times to the SB while we are stuck at 1.

 

Both teams have 1 SB win while 1 has 2 SB appearances which already give them the edge.

 

if you place value in division titles then the hawks have 3 while we have 2 in the past 5 years.

 

most fun part is that both teams have a 7-3 w/l record in the plays offs over the past 5 years yet its the team with 2 SB appearances that's overrated......

This...

[FlocksGottaFeed]

hawks won 3 divisional titles in the past 5 years and went to 2 SBs losing 1

 

ravens won 2 divisional titles in the past 5 years and only made it to 1 SB and 1 time lost in the conference championship.

 

so in the past 5 years they did better if your goal is to reach and win the SB lol.

 

2 SB appearences are better then 1.

 

now if you want to argue a dynasty in the making then its clearly the hawks as they have been to back to back SB in the last 2 years , are still young and core players are still under contract.

 

Dynasties get to the SB and also win the SB in a short time span.

So far the hawks have the edge on us.

 

also your stats show the hawks are getting better while the ravens where on the decline with 2013 the low point and 2014 an improvement but not on the level of the hawks.

 

if based on the stats you posted we advance 2 years it will be nowhere to being close.

 

TBH id trade those 2 more wins we have in the regular at the moment for a chance at winning the SB in a heartbeat lol.

 

its only close if you lessen the value of actually making the SB.

Thanks for posting. Never wanted to suggest that the Ravens have more or less of a claim than the Seahawks on who will be the next 'new' dynasty or up and coming franchise. That's still to be determined.

 

For example: There hasn't been a recent Super Bowl winner that has won more than 1 SB. Yes, SB wins do have a lot to do with determining who that franchise will be - not loses (Remember the Bills were never considered a 'Dynasty' even though they had 4 consecutive SB appearances.) That said, If the Ravens win the SB next season it would drastically change opinions.

 

If you've read all the indicators along with the 'SB Wins' criteria (1 part of 3 critera), then I trust you would agree that it's simply closer than many might think. That's all.

[ravensdan]

The hawks were completely irrelevant in those previous years. They do not have the consistency if these other top teams. Not by a long shot.

[Tru11]

Thanks for posting. Never wanted to suggest that the Ravens have more or less of a claim than the Seahawks on who will be the next 'new' dynasty or up and coming franchise. That's still to be determined.

 

For example: There hasn't been a recent Super Bowl winner that has won more than 1 SB. Yes, SB wins do have a lot to do with determining who that franchise will be - not loses (Remember the Bills were never considered a 'Dynasty' even though they had 4 consecutive SB appearances.) That said, If the Ravens win the SB next season it would drastically change opinions.

 

If you've read all the indicators along with the 'SB Wins' criteria (1 part of 3 critera), then I trust you would agree that it's simply closer than many might think. That's all.

 

well in the past 5 years the hawks are the only ones with back to back sb appearances.

 

also the hawks winning % is also showing more improvement over us.

our best seasons where 2010 and 2011 which where there worst.

so when those fall away chances are it will favor them more then it favor us.

 

so based on the past 5 years if 1 where to predict which team has a better chance at becoming a dynasty in the coming years its hard not pick the hawks.

 

both indicator 1 as 2 will favor them if your where to due a prognose.

 

indicator 3 TBH I have never really dugged into but I guess If their success keeps growing at a larger pace then ours I think they might surpass us.

 

but given the way the nfl is you never know.

1 bad decision orso and its all gone.

prime example the niners who went a away from the run to try and turn keap in an elite passer or whatever they where trying to do.

 

its close for now sure but I wonder how close it will be when we wont count 2010 and 2011 anymore.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

well in the past 5 years the hawks are the only ones with back to back sb appearances.

 

also the hawks winning % is also showing more improvement over us.

our best seasons where 2010 and 2011 which where there worst.

so when those fall away chances are it will favor them more then it favor us.

 

so based on the past 5 years if 1 where to predict which team has a better chance at becoming a dynasty in the coming years its hard not pick the hawks.

 

both indicator 1 as 2 will favor them if your where to due a prognose.

 

indicator 3 TBH I have never really dugged into but I guess If their success keeps growing at a larger pace then ours I think they might surpass us.

 

but given the way the nfl is you never know.

1 bad decision orso and its all gone.

prime example the niners who went a away from the run to try and turn keap in an elite passer or whatever they where trying to do.

 

its close for now sure but I wonder how close it will be when we wont count 2010 and 2011 anymore.

Thanks. Totally agree with our opinions regarding "If 2010-11 seasons were taken-off our winning percentage." and the Hawks showing more winning percentage growth recently. That could change everything. Currently, the Ravens lead them in both season and playoff winning percentage. If they continue as they have in the last 3 years they will most likely surpass or seriously challenge us.

 

That said, I tend to believe that they will somewhat take a dip in wins this season.

2 Considerations:

• Russell Wilson's projected 'BIG' payday (most new franchise QB contracts come with wins declining that year)
• Their 2015 schedule (A run-first scheme with limited passing plays into AFCN teams' strengths).

History shows that they may not even make the playoffs. Not saying that 'history' is always right, though. Vegas has them pretty high to make it back to the SB. Kap is studying to improve his game with Kurt Warner this off-season. I'm sure (like the Ravens) he also wants to prove 'history' right and Vegas wrong in 2015. In conference and out-of-conference could have a big impact on winning percentages overall.

 

My thought is the same as I've predicted 3 seasons ago: The Ravens win another SB between 2013-2016. I don't know who will be the 'next new dynasty', but we're still in the conversation. We win another and we change the narrative.

 

Oh, the only reason that I haven't mentioned the Patriots as a consideration for 'new' is because they've been around too long to suddenly be put into the 'new/up-and-coming' theme. Brady's 37 and Bilicheck is near retirement.

[Inqui]

I can't believe the Saints got my second vote. Shows just how much of a lifetime ago this poll was made, but what was I thinking?