The Baltimore Ravens are a fairly new franchise in the NFL. It took a lot of time, stress, and conversations for Art Modell to get the NFL to agree to the Ravens moving to Baltimore (from Cleveland). The first two years, of their new career, was spent in Memorial Stadium (the home of the Baltimore Colts). After this stint, the Raven's new stadium was ready for play. Over the next 10 years the stadium would undergo numerous name changes, leaving the Ravens without a true 'home'.
by MattRyan
The Baltimore Ravens are a fairly new franchise in the NFL. It took a lot of time, stress, and conversations for Art Modell to get the NFL to agree to the Ravens moving to Baltimore (from Cleveland). The first two years, of their new career, was spent in Memorial Stadium (the home of the Baltimore Colts). After this stint, the Raven's new stadium was ready for play. Over the next 10 years the stadium would undergo numerous name changes, leaving the Ravens without a true 'home'.
The move to the stadium was supposed to motivate the team, which would -- in turn -- help them to play better. This; however, did not happen. Their next two years were just like the two years previous, unimpressive. After a 6-10 year, the team got a new head coach by the name of Brian Billick (who replaced Marchibroda). The season of 1999, their first year with Billick, had a rough start but ended on good terms. The Ravens had their best year yet with an 8-8 record at the end of '99.
Only nine years later, the team had another phenomenal year. While they did not make it to the Super Bowl, due to a last minute steal by another NFL team, they did get closer than they ever had before. In fact, the Ravines had secured the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs. Regardless, the Ravens had an exceptional year. Team members, staff, fans, and even those not fond of their team waited, during off season, to see what this would bring.
Fans were hoping that the '09 season would have been the chance they have been waiting for, to brag about their Ravens. The team played hard during training over the summer, and preseason practice and games looked strong for the Ravens. Additionally, their placement in 2008, got them the 26th draft pick for the '09 season, which they used wisely by picking Michael Oher.
Taking everything into consideration, 2009 was a good year for the Ravens. Whether it truly is or not, fans are in high hopes. It is a must to see at least 1 home game of the Ravens in 2010 because it might just be the year. The team seems to have everything they need to make it to the Super Bowl.
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