In 1995, Art Modell and the Cleveland Browns infamously decided to move their franchise to Baltimore. Cleveland wasn't left empty-handed though as the league settled with Modell that he would allow the relocation only if he would leave the Browns' name and history in Ohio. Modell agreed and the Baltimore Ravens were born.
The Ravens team debuted in the NFL in 1996 and even if they weren't so fortunate in their first four seasons, their run in the past two decades is arguably one of the most successful in the league. Baltimore started the turn of the century by making it to their first postseason. They would eventually go all the way, winning four straight playoff games and taking the franchise's first ever Lombardi Trophy. Not a bad way to start the new millennium, and they haven't stopped since.
In their last 20 years in Maryland, the Ravens have only missed the playoffs eight times. In their 12 trips to the postseason, they have amassed a record of 15 wins, four AFC title games and two successful trips to the Super Bowl. And just last year, Baltimore enjoyed its best regular season in franchise history, ending with a record of 14 wins and two losses and clinching their sixth division title along the way.
Although the Ravens' success can largely be attributed to their dominant defensive play over the years, brought on by legends like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs to name a few, they haven't been slouches on the offensive side either, especially this past year.
The previous season, Baltimore had one of the more dynamic and explosive offensive duos in the entire NFL. Led by MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and starting running back Mark Ingram, there's a reason the Ravens were so successful lat year. But before Jackson and Ingram lead their team on another historic run, let's take a look back at some of great ballcarriers in their franchise's history and see how they stack up.
Here's our list of the three best running backs in Baltimore Ravens history.
Honorable mentions:
Justin Forsett, Priest Holmes, Mark Ingram
3. Willis McGahee, 2007-2010
Not a consistent starter or a statistical marvel, Willis McGahee still makes our list for a simple reason: It really wan't his fault.
The Miami native arrived in Baltimore via trade from the Buffalo Bills and was exceptional in his first year with the Ravens. In the 2007 season, The former first-round pick rushed for 1,207 yards and scored seven touchdowns off carries and had an additional 43 receptions.
McGahee did everything for the Ravens, including being a reliable blocker, but ultimately his career in Baltimore would take a hit because of the arrival of another player on our list. Still, his play did not drop off as a back-up, essentially giving the Ravens the luxury of having two top running backs on their team.
Though his time on the field was reduced, McGahee's production and efficiency were still above-average. He would play three more years and end his time in Baltimore with totals of 2,802 rushing yards, 31 rushing touchdowns, 96 receptions and 544 receiving yards.
2. Ray Rice, 2008-2013
The top two spots on our list barely have any separation in between them. And if it weren't for problems off the field, there's no question Ray Rice would have been able to cement himself as the best running back in Ravens history.
Taken in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft, Raymell Mourice Rice had an average rookie season. Baltimore still had McGahee in tow and he was coming off one of his best seasons. Rice would end up starting only four games that year but would quickly leave an impression on the Ravens organization. The following year he was named the starter over McGahee and he would take the job and run with it, literally.
From 2009 to 2012, Rice was the bell-cow for the Baltimore franchise. He would be named a Pro Bowler thrice in that span and would help lead the Ravens to the postseason. Over those four season, Rice would have averages of 1,267 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 70 receptions and 610 receiving yards. Rice's career with the Ravens would reach its peak in the 2011-2012 season, where he would win a Super Bowl ring.
Outside the numbers and accolades, Rice will be remembered for his electric play on the field. One of his most iconic moments in a Ravens jersey would come during the famous 4th and 29 play against the San Diego Chargers. Coming off a short pass by Joe Flacco, Rice would proceed to run circles around the Chargers defense earning the Ravens another shot at winning in overtime.
Despite his domestic violence charges that led to his release from Baltimore and ultimately end his NFL career, there's no denying Rice's talent on the football field.
1. Jamal Lewis, 2000-2006
Rice was a close second, but considering everything that has transpired over the past few years, Jamal Lewis undeniably deserves the top spot on our list.
Drafted by Baltimore fifth overall in 2000, it didn't take long for Lewis to introduce himself to the Ravens franchise and its history books. In only his first year in the NFL, the former Tennessee standout would help Baltimore reach its very first postseason.
He would start 13 games in the process and put up more than average numbers. The successful debut campaign wouldn't stop there, as Lewis and the Ravens would win out in the playoffs, taking home the Lombardi Trophy in their first ever try. Lewis would contribute over 300 yards and four touchdowns to their Super Bowl run.
Unfortunately, Lewis would be sidelined the following year due to injury but would return to play five more seasons with the Ravens. His best would come in 2003, when he had career highs in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns. His 2,066 rushing yards is still the only 2,000-plus yards season by a Ravens back and ranks fifth all-time in NFL history.
Lewis was a force of nature at his peak and he could have possibly been an all-time great in league history. Though that wasn't the case, Lewis will still go down as the best to ever run it for the Ravens.
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