30 Facts About Ravens NFL Schedule

Source: Newsnationnow.com

What makes the Baltimore Ravens' NFL schedule so intriguing? The Ravens, established in 1996, have built a reputation for their fierce defense, dynamic offense, and passionate fan base. Known for their two Super Bowl victories and iconic players like Ray Lewis and Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' schedule is always packed with must-watch games. Whether it's their intense rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers or the electrifying atmosphere at M&T Bank Stadium, each season brings excitement. From record-setting performances to community engagement, the Ravens' schedule reflects their commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Dive into these 30 facts to understand why the Ravens' schedule captivates fans year after year.

Key Takeaways:

The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996 after the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore, and have since won two Super Bowl titles, boasting iconic players like Ray Lewis and Lamar Jackson.
With a strong focus on community involvement and fan experience, the Ravens have become a beloved NFL franchise, consistently drawing large crowds and engaging with fans both on and off the field.

Table of Contents

The Birth of the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have a storied history that began with a significant move in the NFL landscape. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about their journey and achievements.

Establishment and Relocation: The Ravens were born in 1996 when Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell moved his team to Baltimore. Cleveland retained the Browns' name, history, and colors, making the Ravens technically an expansion team.
Super Bowl Victories: The Ravens have clinched two Super Bowl titles—Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 and Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. Their first win was under coach Brian Billick, and their second under John Harbaugh.

Home Turf and Iconic Players

The Ravens' home stadium and their roster of legendary players have played a crucial role in their success.

Home Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium in downtown Baltimore is where the Ravens play their home games. It seats over 70,000 fans and is known for its electrifying game-day atmosphere.
Notable Players: The Ravens have had several standout players, including Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, Ed Reed, and Lamar Jackson. Ray Lewis, a 13-time Pro Bowler, is arguably the most famous Raven.
Lamar Jackson’s Rise: Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' current quarterback, won the NFL MVP award in 2019. He set an NFL record with 3,296 team rushing yards that year and led the Ravens to a 13-4 record in 2023.

Coaching and Defense

The Ravens' coaching staff and their formidable defense have been key to their success.

Head Coaches: Brian Billick and John Harbaugh have both led the Ravens to Super Bowl victories. Harbaugh continues to be a successful coach for the team.
Defense: Known for their strong defense, the Ravens often rank among the best in the league for yards allowed and points per game. Their defense has earned them the nickname "The Purple People Eaters."

Records and Rivalries

The Ravens have set numerous records and have fierce rivalries that add to the excitement of their games.

Franchise Records: Terrell Suggs holds the franchise record for career sacks, while Joe Flacco has the most passing yards in Ravens history with over 38,000 yards. Ray Rice is the all-time leading rusher with over 6,000 yards.
Pro Football Hall of Famers: Four former Ravens are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Shannon Sharpe.
Rivalry with Pittsburgh Steelers: The Ravens' biggest rival is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their matchups are intense and often crucial for division titles and playoff spots.

Fan Base and Community

The Ravens have a passionate fan base and are deeply involved in their community.

Fan Base: Known as the “Ravens Flock,” the team's fans are dedicated and create an electric atmosphere at both home and away games.
Mascot: Poe, named after writer Edgar Allan Poe, is the Ravens' official mascot and a beloved figure at games and community events.
Division Titles: The Ravens have won several division titles, including a notable one in 2018 that marked a significant turnaround for the team.
Playoff Appearances: As of 2021, the Ravens have made the playoffs 13 times since 1996, showcasing their consistent performance under pressure.
Notable Coordinators: The team has had several notable coordinators, including Don "Wink" Martindale, who became the defensive coordinator in 2018.

Enhancing Fan Experience

The Ravens have made several efforts to enhance the game-day experience for their fans.

Community Involvement: The Ravens are committed to community service, supporting local youth and promoting health and wellness through various initiatives.
Concession Price Reduction: In 2018, the Ravens introduced Flock Friendly Fare, reducing gameday concession prices to improve the fan experience.
Ticketing Process: The Ravens have moved to a digital ticketing system, making it easier and more secure for fans to enter M&T Bank Stadium.

Memorable Moments and Financial Success

The Ravens have had many memorable moments and have achieved significant financial success.

Season Opener Records: In their 2019 season opener against the Miami Dolphins, the Ravens set team records for most points (59) and yards (643) in a game. Lamar Jackson had a perfect passer rating.
Hall of Fame Inductions: Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Shannon Sharpe are among the Ravens inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Franchise Value: As of 2023, the Ravens are valued at over $3 billion, making them one of the NFL's most valuable franchises.
Revenue and Operating Income: In 2022, the Ravens generated over $500 million in revenue, with operating income exceeding $100 million.
Player Salaries: The team's player payroll for the 2022/23 season exceeded $200 million, reflecting their investment in top talent.

Attendance and Fan Engagement

The Ravens consistently draw large crowds and engage with fans through various platforms.

Average Attendance: In the 2023 season, the Ravens averaged over 70,000 fans per game, ranking among the top-attended teams in the NFL.
Average Ticket Price: The average ticket price for a Ravens game is around $100, though prices vary by opponent and seating location.
Fan Cost Index: The Fan Cost Index measures the cost of attending a game, including tickets, concessions, and merchandise. In 2023, the Ravens ranked high in the FCI.
Regular Season Home Attendance: The Ravens' regular season home attendance in 2023 exceeded 700,000 fans, showcasing strong local support.
Social Media Presence: The Ravens have millions of followers on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, helping them connect with fans.
Community Engagement: The team hosts various events and initiatives to promote health, education, and social welfare in the community.
Legacy and Impact: The Ravens' two Super Bowl victories, consistent playoff appearances, and passionate fan base have left a lasting impact on the NFL. Their commitment to community service and innovative initiatives make them a beloved franchise.

The Ravens' Legacy and Future

The Baltimore Ravens have built a strong legacy since their start in 1996. With two Super Bowl victories, a dedicated fan base, and standout players like Ray Lewis and Lamar Jackson, they've become a powerhouse in the NFL. Their home, M&T Bank Stadium, is known for its electric atmosphere, drawing over 70,000 fans per game. The team's commitment to community service and fan engagement, like the Flock Friendly Fare initiative, shows their dedication beyond the field. Consistent playoff appearances and fierce rivalries, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlight their competitive spirit. As they continue to evolve, the Ravens' blend of strong defense, dynamic offense, and passionate support promises an exciting future. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, the Ravens' story is one of resilience, community, and excellence in football.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhy do Ravens play more night games than other teams?

Ravens often find themselves under the bright lights of night games due to their strong performance and large fan base. Networks aim to showcase high-stakes matchups featuring teams with a solid track record and passionate followers, making Ravens a frequent pick for prime time slots.

QWhat's the deal with Ravens' bye week timing?

Bye weeks are strategically placed throughout the NFL schedule, and for the Ravens, it often falls mid-season. This timing allows players to rest and recover from injuries, giving them a much-needed break to regroup for the second half of the season.

QHow are opponents decided for the Ravens each season?

Ravens' opponents are determined by a set NFL formula, which rotates every year. They face each team in their division twice, teams from another AFC division, an NFC division, and two teams that finished in the same place in their respective divisions. This ensures a mix of familiar and new challenges each season.

QWhy do Ravens sometimes have back-to-back road games?

Scheduling for the NFL is a complex puzzle, involving stadium availability, broadcasting rights, and minimizing travel strain on teams. Despite efforts to balance home and away games, logistical challenges sometimes result in the Ravens playing consecutive games on the road.

QCan Ravens fans influence the schedule?

While fans can't directly influence the schedule, their enthusiasm and attendance at games don't go unnoticed. High engagement levels can make Ravens more attractive for prime time slots, indirectly affecting future schedules.

QHow does the NFL schedule impact Ravens' playoff chances?

The strength of the schedule plays a crucial role in playoff prospects. Facing tougher opponents might seem daunting, but it can also prepare the team for high-pressure games, potentially improving their performance when it matters most.

QWhat's unique about Ravens' divisional matchups?

Divisional matchups are always highly anticipated, filled with rivalry and intense competition. For the Ravens, these games are not just about winning but also about establishing dominance in the AFC North, making each encounter a must-watch event.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.