Looking Back At The 2007 Ravens
I don't know why, but I have been thinking back to the 2007 season recently. Most Ravens fans probably want to forget it, but I think that there is alot we can learn about the Ravens foundation by looking back. Last season, many people thought that the Ravens came out of no where, but I disagree. In 2007, many of the pieces that made the Ravens a playoff team remained, but the Ravens had a horrible string of injuries and an uncertain QB situation. However, our foundation was still good. More than any other game, the game versus New England personified the Ravens 2007 season. The heart and talent that they played with was a testament to the caliber of the team, but the unbelievably bad luck at the end of the game showed why the Ravens finished with a 5-11 record.
Even though it was a loss, the game we played against the Patriots was the best game that we played all season. I think that it was one of the finest games in Raven's history, and because of the large audience, it will always be one of the most memorable. The loss was insignificant. The way the Ravens played was legendary. In the face of adversity, grief and injuries, the Ravens dominated one of the most prolific teams in history. In a way, we can see the heart and foundation of the team through this game.
Yes, I would have loved to win the game at the time, but looking back, we can now see that the Patriots were destined to make their first loss a bigger one. Whether it was punishment for spygate, revenge for the Ravens or just the biggest choke in NFL history, the Patriots lost and their dreams of perfection were shattered. The following is a summarization of that Monday night game versus the New England Patriots on December 3, 2007:
December 3, 2007 - Monday Night Football - Patriots 27 Ravens 24.
In what might likely be viewed as the 2007 Ravens' last stand, and finest moment, they faced the New England Patriots, in Baltimore, on Monday Night Football. In what seemed like a fated meeting, it seemed as if everything was going right for the Ravens for the first time all season, as the entire team played to near perfection, the defense sacking Tom Brady (who was otherwise rarely sacked all season) multiple times, Willis McGahee having a career game, and even Devard Darling, who had beforehand rarely shown much life in his four seasons with the Ravens, managed to step up big time.
And most impressive of all, Kyle Boller, behind and unusually steady offensive line, managed to match Tom Brady play for play, both QBs ending the game with 2 TDs and 1 INT, but Boller actually managed to get the upper hand in the contest, as his final QB rating was 105.3 to Brady's 73. It was arguably the best game of Kyle's young career, outplaying what many were calling the best Quarterback in the NFL, in a Monday Night Football game that drew in the highest ratings of the program's history. Sadly, in what seemed like the theme of the entire season, the Ravens suffered painful heartbreak, as a brave defensive stand on 4th and 1, in which they managed to stop the Patriots not once, but twice, were both negated, first on a time out called by defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, and then again by an alleged holding penalty against the Patriots. Inevitably, Tom Brady finally made good on what many argued was a questionable TD pass, and after an emotional meltdown that cost the Ravens severe yardage on the following kickoff, even in the final moments of the game the Ravens had a chance to win the game, as Boller heaved a 52 yard "Hail Mary" pass downfield, which was caught by Mark Clayton. Unfortunately, as time expired, he was stopped, 2 yards short of the end zone, and the Ravens lost one of their finest games in franchise history.
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
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Comments
I know that this is a random post.
It is something that I have been meaning to write about for some time, and after the draft, I feel like it’s a good time to look back at where the Ravens have come from. All in all, I’m proud of this team, where they’ve come from and the future of the franchise. More than anything, thinking back makes me appreciate the character and toughness of the Ravens even more.
by BAL_Hawk on Apr 28, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But also remember the Colts game
It was next week, and was really bad… They beat us very easy
THE MEXICAN RAVEN
by JORGE NITALES on Apr 28, 2009 12:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What a shitty game
Shitty weather, as it rained the whole time.
Shitty defense. Wasnt the score 38-0 at the end of the first?
Shitty offense.
At least Yamon got a nice kick return for a TD and Troy Smith scored his first TD as a Raven in the regular season.
But what a shitty game.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Apr 28, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only time
I left a game early..at least I did’nt pay for the tix..
by adh on Apr 28, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We shot our wad in the Pats game
and were emotionally drained for that Colts game,…and got hammered, again I think, on national TV.
Rexx
by Rexx on Apr 28, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a game
That was the most cold and windy game I have ever gone to in the 8 years Ive been going to the games. Literally 50 mph winds.
But loved that game for Willis and Kyle. As always, rocking my black McGahee jersey, the man stepped it up and ran all over the Pats. Remember him making Seau do a full 540 spin trying to tackle him? So funny.
Those refs were just terrible to. Calling the most ludicrous penalties. Those definitely would not have been called against the Pats, that’s for sure.
Then the always famous, Rex Ryan timeout when we stop Brady on a QB sneak 4th and 1. Ray coming out of the pile with a hand in the air, thinking he just sealed the game. But of course with the Billick luck, someone else calls a timeout.
Kyle had his best performance ever. He may have not put up numbers like he did in the past, but he managed that offense in a way that has rarely been seen by Ravens fans. Poised, calm, and collective, he made nearly all the right decisions, accept for that interception. But cant knock on the guy for out doing arguably the greatest QB to ever play the game.
When I look back, I am glad we lost that game. Cause when the Pats lost in the Superbowl, it really made it that much sweeter knowing that it was their first loss in their last game.
But it would have been nice to win that one.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Apr 28, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No a win would have been much, much better
and made the entire embarassment of the 2007 much more palatable.
Rexx
by Rexx on Apr 28, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
A win would have been MUCH better… especially since my brother in law is an outspoken Pats fan. However, I have very fond memories of this game. Even after the loss, I was never more proud of the team. They played their hearts out!
by BAL_Hawk on Apr 28, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great video!
Thanks for the addition.
Rexx
by Rexx on Apr 28, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can hear Chris Berman watching this
and going,“whoop, whoop” as Seau misses and then runs by Willis, whiffing on the tackle!
Rexx
by Rexx on Apr 28, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was crying about the penalties too.
I was called a “sore loser” many times, but even today, I think that those penalties were ridiculous. There were just so many penalties in the most critical point of the game. I don’t think that the referees were being biased (well, maybe a little)… I just think that the Patriots were incredibly lucky, and the Ravens were incredibly unlucky.
by BAL_Hawk on Apr 28, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A great game..
even with the loss. It was funny, this Pats fan was sitting in front of us. His buddies from Boston kept texting him " What the hell is going on!!" This guy even brought a big cardboard sign, never got to read it cause it stayed under his seat the whole game.
by adh on Apr 28, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank the good lord I had Club Seats for the Indy game
the first one I ever spent a bunch of time inside watching while drowning my sorrows at the bar.
Rexx
by Rexx on Apr 28, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
my dirty little secret
I was pulling for the ravens that game… man ya’ll got the shaft sorry
by tannofsteel84 on May 1, 2009 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heart
What the Ravens lacked in 07 was heart. They just stopped believing in themselves and especially in Brian Billick. They hit the field that year already beaten in their minds. I told the author of this blog that they played like they didn’t care and most of them didn’t. I was at the Colts and Pats game last year. Against the Pats, they played for keeps leaving nothing on the field except some self disciplin. Against the Colts, they took the field and played like they just didn’t care. It was embarassing. The proof of my point was last years season. Last year, everyone played through their injuries and they played their hearts out pushing until there was nothing left. They had totally bought into the Harbaugh system and Joe Flacco in particular. In 09, we’ll have the injured players back like Gregg and Williams, we’ll get a bye and we won’t have to play a seemingly endless road stand. But, most important, we’ll play like winners, with heart. I can’t wait.
by RAVENS-FAN on May 2, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heart had little to do w/ it!
Until you’ve played pro ball you have no idea what you’re talking about when you mention heart. These guys leave it all out on the field and are playing for their meal tickets. Heart? Try injuries galore to the most important positions on the field, from CB to DL to OL. That’s the difference between 2007 and the combo of 2006 & 2008!
Rexx
by Rexx on May 3, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think that it showed how badly we need a steady QB and a year later what did we get
by 2000 ravens on May 3, 2009 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Compared to the 2007 fiasco that was Medicare McNair, even Mark Clayton would look good as a “steady QB.”
No offense, Mark.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on May 3, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, I appreciate that
Rexx, Thanks for the slap in the face. It’s always refreshing to have your opinions shoved down your throat and get kicked in the ass to boot. I appreciate it. All in a public venue too. No, I’ve never played pro football. Have you? If so, Bravo, I bow to your supior first hand knowledge.
But, I watched every game in 07 and followed the team. I saw the injuries. Everyone did. I have played football and I do own a business with a number of employees. I know the difference between just putting in your time and putting your heart and sole into something. Take the 07 Pats for instance. Are you honestly telling me that the Pats would have played that game with exactly the same desire, belief, enthusiasm, or “heart” if the had been say 4 and 6? If your point is valid, then how do you explain the Colts game a week later. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more lackluster performance. Do you expect me the believe that the Ravens played as hard and with the same drive and “heart” as they did just a week earlier? If so, maybe you’re not such an expert.
by RAVENS-FAN on May 4, 2009 7:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just my humble opinion, R-F.
Not “shoving” it down your throat, just like everyone else does when they feel strongly about a point. Grow some.
Still say heart has little to do with it, and the team was clicking on all cylinders and outplaying the Pats. These guys are in the trenches fighting for their jobs, especially with the season we were having and the changes in store fo rus afterwards. The Pats were fighting for immortaility as well. Both teams left it all out on the field that night and pure physical skills and gameplanning were the reason. The Indy game was a total failure on our part to match up with them as always and the weather conditions plus the injuries to our corners, two of whom (McAlister/Rolle) that played in the Pats game did NOT play in the Colts loss. Once again, heart had nothing to do with it. Just my strong, yet humble opinion.
Rexx
by Rexx on May 4, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually agree with RAVENS-FAN...
to an extent. I think that the problems in the 2007 season started with the injuries, but the team (the coaching staff in particular) did not have the mental fortitude to push past them. It is the coach’s job to hold the team together and maintain focus through adversity. Obviously, it’s nearly impossible to beat the Colts when your starting corners are injured, but as I stated in this fan-post, I think that the Ravens were underachieving. This is where Harbaugh has helped to focus the team. I’m not saying that the players are undisciplined or lack heart. I’m just say that the coaching staff in 2007 did not keep the team together. The difference in the Patriots game was simple: The team came together under the leaders of the team (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Willis McGahee) who were playing their hearts out for Sean Taylor. They left everything on the field that night, and the loss tore their hearts out. The injuries and the heavy hearts from the loss to the Patriots led to the Indianapolis massacre.
by BAL_Hawk on May 4, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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