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2000 Baltimore Ravens season
2000 Baltimore Ravens season
2000 Baltimore Ravens season
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The 2000 season was the Baltimore Ravens' fifth in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Brian Billick. The Ravens ended the season as Super Bowl XXXV champions.

Key Information

The Ravens finished the year with a 12–4 record (their first winning season), finishing 2nd in the AFC Central and qualifying for the playoffs as a wild card team. In the franchise's first post-season appearance, the Ravens won all three games, culminating in a trip to Tampa, Florida for Super Bowl XXXV, where they defeated the New York Giants, 34–7. The team's defense, which currently holds the all-time league record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game regular season with just 165 (10.3 points per game), is considered among the greatest of all time, including 4 games where they kept their opponents from scoring.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Though just five seasons removed from the relocation from Cleveland, only three players (Matt Stover, Rob Burnett, Larry Webster) and zero coaches remained from the 1995 Cleveland Browns roster and staff.

The 2000 Ravens ranked #22 on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary. They were the highest ranked team which did not win its division, and also the highest that had to win 4 playoff games.[9][10]

Despite the team's defensive dominance, Baltimore only faced three teams in the regular season that finished with a winning record, the Steelers (9-7), the Dolphins (11-5), and the Titans (who finished with the best record in the NFL, 13-3).

Offseason

[edit]

The Ravens spent most of the offseason concerned with the status of their star linebacker Ray Lewis, who, along with two acquaintances, was arrested and charged with murder after an incident outside an Atlanta nightclub on January 31, 2000. On June 5, a plea bargain was struck, and murder and aggravated assault charges were dropped in exchange for Lewis' testimony against his companions. Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to one year of probation. The NFL fined Lewis $250,000.[11]

The Ravens made some key moves in the offseason to help bolster the team. They signed defensive tackle Sam Adams and tight end Shannon Sharpe in free agency. They used the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft on running back Jamal Lewis.

Additions Subtractions
TE Shannon Sharpe (Broncos) QB Scott Mitchell (Bengals)
DT Sam Adams (Seahawks) RB Errict Rhett (Browns)
TE Ben Coates (Patriots) QB Stoney Case (Lions)
FB Sam Gash (Bills) CB DeRon Jenkins (Chargers)
QB Trent Dilfer (Buccaneers) G Jeff Blackshear (Chiefs)
T Orlando Bobo (Browns) T Everett Lindsay (Browns)
CB Robert Bailey (Lions) DE Fernando Smith (Rams)
G Kipp Vickers (Redskins)

Draft

[edit]
Main article: 2000 NFL draft
2000 Baltimore Ravens draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 5 Jamal Lewis *  RB Tennessee
1 10 Travis Taylor  WR Florida
3 75 Chris Redman  QB Louisville
5 148 Richard Mercier  OG Miami (FL)
6 186 Adalius Thomas *  LB Southern Miss
6 191 Cedric Woodard  DT Texas
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

[edit]
2000 undrafted free agents of note
Player Position College
DeJuan Alfonzo Defensive back Indiana State
Dan McGuire Kicker Boston College

Season summary

[edit]
2000 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV Ring
Rod Woodson presents a jersey to President George W. Bush during the Ravens' White House visit on June 8, 2001.

The Ravens started the season with a 5–1 mark, with three of their victories coming by shutout. Despite the great play of the defense, the offense had major struggles after the first month of the season. Following a 37–0 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens would not score a touchdown for five consecutive games. The Ravens won the first two of these games due to their defense and field goals from kicker Matt Stover, then lost the next three, including a critical division loss at home to the Tennessee Titans. During this game, quarterback Tony Banks was benched in favor of Trent Dilfer, who would take over for the rest of the season. After a loss at home to Pittsburgh to fall to 5–4, the Ravens broke both their touchdown-less streak and losing streak against the Bengals the next week. It would be the first of seven straight wins to end the regular season.

The Ravens finished one game behind the Titans in the AFC Central, so the Ravens had to begin their playoff run at home in the wild card round against the Denver Broncos. The team cruised to a 21–3 victory, setting up a date with the Titans the following week in Nashville. The Ravens prevailed 24–10, with linebacker Ray Lewis's 50-yard interception return for a touchdown clinching the game. The team then traveled to Oakland to meet the Raiders for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The Ravens advanced to their first Super Bowl after a 16–3 victory, as the defense held Oakland, the league's top rushing offense during the season, to just 24 yards on the ground. The Ravens easily defeated the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, 34–7, as Ray Lewis led another dominant performance by the defense and was named most valuable player of the game for his efforts.

The Ravens relied heavily on their defense, which set several NFL records during the 2000 season, including fewest points ever allowed during a 16-game season (165) and fewest rushing yards ever allowed (970). The defense also forced more turnovers than any team in the league that year (49), and Ray Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Starting cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Duane Starks combined to intercept ten passes, and defensive end Rob Burnett contributed with 10.5 sacks. Defensive tackle Sam Adams was voted to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro, as was safety Rod Woodson, who had four interceptions and ranked second on the team in tackles during the regular season. The defense also had plenty of other key players, including linebacker Jamie Sharper, outside linebacker Peter Boulware, and defensive tackle Tony Siragusa. Siragusa played alongside Sam Adams, as the two men combining for nearly 700 pounds and were big factors in the Ravens setting the run-stopping record.

Offensively, the Ravens relied heavily on the running game. Rookie running back Jamal Lewis led the way with 1,364 yards and veteran Priest Holmes added 588 rushing yards. The passing game was rather pedestrian (23rd in yards passing), but Trent Dilfer brought stability to the position when he took over for Tony Banks mid-season. Tight end Shannon Sharpe, acquired as an unrestricted free agent from Denver during the offseason, was the team's leading pass receiver with 67 catches for 810 yards. Left tackle Jonathan Ogden was selected first-team All-Pro, and widely regarded as the league's best offensive lineman. The Ravens also had one of the best special teams units in the NFL. Return specialist Jermaine Lewis scored two touchdowns on punt returns during the season, and ran back a kickoff for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Placekicker Matt Stover made 35 field goals on 39 attempts and was voted to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.[12]

The 2000 Ravens team marked Baltimore's first playoff appearance in 23 years, since the Baltimore Colts were AFC East champions and made it to the AFC Divisional game in 1977.

Staff

[edit]
2000 Baltimore Ravens staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head athletic trainer – Bill Tessendorf
  • Head strength and conditioning – Jeff Friday
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Chip Morton
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Paul Ricci

Final roster

[edit]
2000 Baltimore Ravens roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams (ST)

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 5 reserve, 5 practice squad

Schedule

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 5 Philadelphia Eagles W 16–13 1–0 PSINet Stadium Recap
2 August 12 New York Jets W 10–0 2–0 PSINet Stadium Recap
3 August 18 at Carolina Panthers W 24–13 3–0 Ericsson Stadium Recap
4 August 25 at New York Giants W 24–17 4–0 Giants Stadium Recap

[13]

Regular season

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 3 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 16–0 1–0 Three Rivers Stadium Recap
2 September 10 Jacksonville Jaguars W 39–36 2–0 PSINet Stadium Recap
3 September 17 at Miami Dolphins L 6–19 2–1 Pro Player Stadium Recap
4 September 24 Cincinnati Bengals W 37–0 3–1 PSINet Stadium Recap
5 October 1 at Cleveland Browns W 12–0 4–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
6 October 8 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 15–10 5–1 Alltel Stadium Recap
7 October 15 at Washington Redskins L 3–10 5–2 FedExField Recap
8 October 22 Tennessee Titans L 6–14 5–3 PSINet Stadium Recap
9 October 29 Pittsburgh Steelers L 6–9 5–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
10 November 5 at Cincinnati Bengals W 27–7 6–4 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
11 November 12 at Tennessee Titans W 24–23 7–4 Adelphia Coliseum Recap
12 November 19 Dallas Cowboys W 27–0 8–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
13 November 26 Cleveland Browns W 44–7 9–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
14 Bye
15 December 10 San Diego Chargers W 24–3 10–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
16 December 17 at Arizona Cardinals W 13–7 11–4 Sun Devil Stadium Recap
17 December 24 New York Jets W 34–20 12–4 PSINet Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason

[edit]
Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card December 31 Denver Broncos (5) W 21–3 13–4 PSINet Stadium Recap
Divisional January 7, 2001 at Tennessee Titans (1) W 24–10 14–4 Adelphia Coliseum Recap
AFC Championship January 14, 2001 at Oakland Raiders (2) W 16–3 15–4 Network Associates Coliseum Recap
Super Bowl XXXV January 28, 2001 vs. New York Giants (N1) W 34–7 16–4 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Division standings

[edit]
AFC Central
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(1) Tennessee Titans 13 3 0 .813 346 191 W4
(4) Baltimore Ravens 12 4 0 .750 333 165 W7
Pittsburgh Steelers 9 7 0 .563 321 255 W2
Jacksonville Jaguars 7 9 0 .438 367 327 L2
Cincinnati Bengals 4 12 0 .250 185 359 L1
Cleveland Browns 3 13 0 .188 161 419 L5

Game summaries

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]

Week 1: at Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week 1: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 10 3 3016
Steelers 0 0 000

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 3
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,049
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Tasker
  • Recap
Game information

In the opening game for Baltimore's regular season, they squared off against division rivals Pittsburgh Steelers at their turf. In a game where the Ravens had 336 yards of total offense, they first scored points with a field goal kick from Matt Stover. Later in the first quarter, Qadry Ismail would catch a pass from Tony Banks for seven more points. After another field goal kick, the Steelers were being shut out by the end of halftime, 13–0. The final score in the game resulted from another field goal from Stover, and the final score resulted with the Ravens winning 16–0. With this win, the Ravens began their season at 1–0.

Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]
Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 17 6 31036
Ravens 0 7 151739

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

At the Ravens first home game, Baltimore trailed the Jacksonville Jaguars for the majority of the game, where the home team gained another 300+ yards of total offense. The first quarter was dominated by Jacksonville, where the time period ended with two touchdown passes from Mark Brunell to Jimmy Smith and a field goal from Mike Hollis (17–0). Baltimore put up their first points in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Tony Banks to Travis Taylor. However, the first half ended with two more field goals from the Jaguars. The third quarter began with the Ravens trailing 23–7. Two further touchdowns by the Ravens (one which was for two extra points) and a field goal from Jaguars put the home team with less than a touchdown differential. In the continuing scoring shootout, the Ravens scored first in the fourth quarter with a touchdown to lead for the first time during the entire game, 29–26. By the later portion of the quarter, the Jaguars had surpassed Baltimore once more at 36–32. In the last scoring drive of the game, Shannon Sharpe completed a 29-yard pass from Banks to defeat Jacksonville, 39–36. With this win, Baltimore's record elevated to 2–0.

Week 3: at Miami Dolphins

[edit]
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 0 336
Dolphins 3 3 7619

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida

Game information

In week 3, the Ravens and the Miami Dolphins gained little offense in a defensive struggle for both teams. The first half was highlighted by Dolphins placekicker Olindo Mare's two field goals. The Ravens attacked back during the second half, with two field goals of their own by Matt Stover; however, with a touchdown pass from Jay Fiedler to Lamar Smith and a rushing touchdown from the latter, the Dolphins overcame Baltimore 19–6. In a game where the Ravens got just above 250 yards of total offense, Baltimore ultimately fell to a 2–1 record.

Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]
Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 0 000
Ravens 10 14 31037

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: September 24
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,481
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
  • Recap
Game information

In an attempt to redeem their road loss to the Dolphins, the Ravens faced division rivals Cincinnati Bengals. In a complete shut out, the Ravens gained a near 400 yards (391 yards exact) in a game where the defense shut down the Bengals for only 94 yards of offense. During the first half, the Ravens scored three touchdowns (two passes from Tony Banks to Travis Taylor and Shannon Sharpe, and a rush by Jamal Lewis) and a field goal by Matt Stover. The second half ended with two more field goals and a rushing touchdown from Obafemi Ayanbadejo to finish with a score of 37–0. With this win, Baltimore's record elevated to 3–1.

Week 5: at Cleveland Browns

[edit]
Week 5: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 6 3012
Browns 0 0 000

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: October 1
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 73,018
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Mark May
  • Recap
Game information

The Ravens began a five-game touchdown drought with their matchup against Cleveland. In a game dominated by both defenses, the Ravens allowed just under 250 offensive yards. The first half ended with three field goals from kicker Matt Stover, with the longest being from 45 yards in order to advance the Ravens to the locker room at 9–0. The final scoring in the game came during the third quarter when Stover kicked another field goal from 22 yards. In a shutout for the Browns, the Ravens improved their record to 4–1.

Week 6: at Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]
Week 6: Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 3 3615
Jaguars 3 0 0710

at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

Baltimore would travel back to Jacksonville in a Week 2 rematch against the Jaguars at their turf in Jacksonville. The Ravens went with their second consecutive game without a touchdown with their kicker Matt Stover delivering all their points. In the first quarter, Jaguars kicker Steve Lindsey delivered a 49-yard field goal but was answered with a Stover 47-yard field goal to tie up the game. The second quarter ended with another Stover kick that would take the game to halftime with the Ravens winning 6–3. Stover would kick three more consecutive field goals to increase the score to 15–3, but the Jaguars retaliated with the final score of the game: a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Fred Taylor. However, the game was ultimately decided at 15–10 and the Ravens record elevated to 5–1.

Week 7: at Washington Redskins

[edit]
Week 7: Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 3 003
Redskins 0 3 0710

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Game information

The Ravens traveled to their Capital Beltway neighbors, the Washington Redskins, for their third straight road game. In a defensive struggle, both teams allowed under 250 yards of total offense. Halftime ended with both teams tied at 3–3 as a result of two field goals: one from the Redskins (37 yards by Kris Heppner) and the Ravens (Matt Stover from 51 yards). That field goal from Stover would be the only score that the Ravens put up in this game, where in the fourth quarter, Stephen Davis ran for a 33-yard touchdown that put Washington 10–3 over the Ravens. With this final score, the Ravens suffered their second loss and fell to 5–2.[14]

Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans

[edit]
Week 8: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Titans 0 7 7014
Ravens 3 3 006

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

In Week 8, the Ravens flew back home to face off against division rivals Tennessee Titans. The Ravens continued their touchdown-less streak, where Matt Stover produced the only score for Baltimore with two field goals (from the 21- and 38-yard lines). In the second quarter, Titans quarterback Steve McNair threw a 9-yard pass to Rodney Thomas to go ahead of the home team. Just under one point, the Ravens sought to get ahead of Tennessee, however, Tony Banks produced a game high of three interceptions, with the last one sealing the game for the Titans as they won 14–6. With this loss, the Ravens fell to 5–3.

Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 639
Ravens 0 6 006

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Windy, 47 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,200
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Mark May
  • Recap
Game information

In a rematch from week 1, Baltimore continued their streak without a touchdown. However, second-string quarterback Trent Dilfer started in replacement of Tony Banks, who in the past four games had not thrown one touchdown but rather more interceptions. Dilfer was unable to connect with any receiver into the endzone on top of throwing a lone interception. The Ravens had the advantage heading into halftime with two field goals from Matt Stover that were over 40 yards. In the third quarter, the Steelers retaliated with six points of their own as a result of a touchdown and a missed extra point from Kris Brown.

Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]
Week 10: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 21 0327
Bengals 0 0 707

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: November 5
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,759
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman
  • Recap
Game information

In a rematch of Week 4, the Ravens traveled to Ohio against AFC Central adversaries, Bengals. Matt Stover put the Ravens on the board with three points after a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter. Baltimore entered their season best second quarter in this game with three touchdown passes from new starting quarterback Trent Dilfer that had the Ravens up by 24 unanswered points. Cincinnati answered with a touchdown, and their only score, during the third quarter with Peter Warrick's 4-yard rush. The game came to a close following a field goal from Stover that had the Ravens defeat the Bengals 27–7. The Ravens improved their record to 6–4 and began a seven-game winning streak.

Week 11: at Tennessee Titans

[edit]
Week 11: Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 7 10 0724
Titans 0 14 0923

at Adelphia Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,490
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Recap
Game information

Just after battling against Tennessee three weeks earlier, Baltimore traveled to Nashville to face off against the Titans. The Ravens scored first on a 46-yard reception by Qadry Ismail from Trent Dilfer in the first quarter. Jamal Lewis would then double the points with a 2-yard rush that put up the Ravens 14–0 during the second quarter. The Titans answered with two touchdown passes from Steve McNair to Derrick Mason and Lorenzo Neal, respectively. After a field goal from Matt Stover, halftime stood at 17–14, favoring the Ravens. In a defensive struggle in the third quarter, no team was able to score. However, the game became tied at 17–17 with a 23-yard field goal from Al Del Greco upon the final quarter. Tennessee sought to end the game after Perry Phenix intercepted a pass from Dilfer and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown; however, Del Greco failed to convert the extra point. This allowed the Ravens to end the game with a touchdown pass to Patrick Johnson from Dilfer and a successful extra point conversion. The Titans did drive into field goal range in the final seconds, but Del Greco missed a 43 yard field goal as time expired. With this win, the Ravens raised their record to 7–4 and became the first team to defeat the Titans in Adelphia Coliseum.

Week 12: vs. Dallas Cowboys

[edit]
Week 12: Dallas Cowboys at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 0 000
Ravens 10 7 01027

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

The Ravens defense put up another dominant performance in a 27–0 shutout of the Dallas Cowboys. Troy Aikman threw three interceptions and the Cowboys were held to 192 total yards and went 1/10 on third down. On the other hand, the Ravens offense racked up 479 total yards, which would be the most yards they would have that season. Jamal Lewis rushed for 187 yards and Priest Holmes put the game well out of reach with a late fourth quarter touchdown. With their third-straight win, the Ravens improved to 8–4, matching their win total from the previous season.

Postseason

[edit]
Main article: 2000–01 NFL playoffs

AFC wild card game vs Denver Broncos

[edit]
Wild Card game: Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 003
Ravens 0 14 7021

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: December 31
  • Game time: 12:30 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 28 °F (−2 °C)
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms and Armen Keteyian
Game information

AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Tennessee Titans

[edit]
Division Game: Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 7 31424
Titans 7 0 3010

at Adelphia Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: January 7
  • Game time: 12:30 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 43 °F (6 °C)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
Game information

AFC Championship Game at Oakland Raiders

[edit]
AFC Championship: Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 10 3316
Raiders 0 0 303

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: January 14
  • Game time: 4:05 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 50 °F (10 °C)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Armen Keteyian and Bonnie Bernstein
Game information

Super Bowl XXXV vs New York Giants

[edit]
Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 7 3 141034
Giants 0 0 707

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida

Game information

The Ravens and Giants set a Super Bowl record by scoring three touchdowns in three consecutive plays, tallying just 36 seconds in the third quarter. The Ravens defense completely shut down the Giants offense, not yielding a single point. The only points the Giants would score on would be a kickoff return for a touchdown. The Ravens held the Giants to 152 total yards of offense and forced five turnovers along with four sacks. The Ravens defense surrendered just one offensive touchdown in four playoff games and only allowed 16 points (4.0 points per game).

Defensive legacy

[edit]

The Ravens defense in 2000 is often named among the greatest NFL defenses of all time. Baltimore gave up only 970 rushing yards (60.6 per game) all year, an NFL record for a 16-game season,[15] and 186 fewer yards than the next lowest team, Baltimore's Super Bowl XXXV opponent, the New York Giants. Baltimore gave up only five rushing touchdowns all season, and allowed a paltry 2.7 yards per rush, both league bests. Baltimore only allowed 165 points all season, also an NFL record for a 16-game season. Including the postseason, Baltimore's defense allowed only 188 points in 20 games to opposing offenses that year (9.4 points per game). The Ravens allowed three other touchdowns that came from their opponents' defense and special teams (two interception returns and one kickoff return). Furthermore, the Ravens recovered an astronomical 26 opponent's fumbles during the season, double the total of the second-ranked team.[16] Their defense also intercepted 23 passes to give them a total of 49 turnovers forced that season, most in the NFL. They did all of this despite their own offense's passing struggles and going five consecutive games without scoring a touchdown.

Statistical site Football Outsiders noted, "One more interesting note on the Baltimore defense: it was the only dominant defense of the past few years to be based on stopping the run instead of controlling the pass. For all the clichés about the need to stop the run, in general the best defenses are ranked the highest because they have the best ratings against the pass, not against the run – just like the best offenses are ranked the highest because they are the best through the air, not on the ground. The 2000 Ravens only rank seventh in defense against the pass, but their rushing defense ... is far and away the best of the past six seasons."[17]

Awards

[edit]

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Five players represented the Ravens in the Pro Bowl: Lewis joined defensive tackle Sam Adams, safety Rod Woodson, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, and kicker Matt Stover. Matt Stover joined Lewis and Ogden on the associated press' All-Pro first team. Defensive end Rob Burnett joined Adams and Woodson on the AP All-Pro second team.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

2000 Baltimore Ravens season

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens season was the fifth year for the franchise in the () and marked their first championship, as they finished with a 12–4 regular season record, second place in the AFC Central Division, and advanced through the to defeat the 34–7 in . Under head coach , the Ravens relied heavily on one of the most dominant defenses in history, which allowed just 165 total points (10.3 per game, the league's lowest) and a record-low 970 rushing yards (60.6 per game) during the regular season. This unit, anchored by linebacker and safety , recorded 49 takeaways and held opponents to under 250 total yards per game on average, contributing to four shutouts and a franchise-best defensive performance. Offensively, the Ravens managed 333 points (20.8 per game, 14th in the ), starting the season with quarterback Tony Banks for the first eight games before switching to , who led the team to a 7–1 finish and went 4–0 in the postseason. In the playoffs, the defense continued its dominance, allowing only 23 total points across four games: a 21–3 wild card win over the , a 24–10 divisional victory against the , a 16–3 AFC Championship triumph over the , and the rout of the Giants. The season capped a remarkable turnaround for the , established in 1996 after relocating from , and solidified their identity as a defensive powerhouse en route to their inaugural Lombardi Trophy.

Offseason

Free agency

The Ravens prioritized defensive reinforcements during the 2000 free agency period, targeting improvements to their front seven under to address run defense vulnerabilities from the prior season. The marquee signing was Sam Adams, acquired from the on April 15, 2000, via a four-year, $20 million contract that included substantial guarantees. Adams, regarded as the premier on the market, was brought in to anchor the interior alongside nose tackle , enhancing Lewis' aggressive 4-3 scheme with his size and pass-rush ability. Complementing Adams' arrival, the team re-signed defensive end Rob Burnett to a four-year, $14 million extension in February 2000, securing a rotational who had contributed 6.5 sacks the previous year. Burnett's retention provided continuity and depth to the defensive line, allowing Lewis to maintain pressure on quarterbacks without over-relying on younger talent. The Ravens also tendered a one-year, $1 million offer to linebacker Jamie in February 2000, which he accepted in June, preserving a key coverage specialist who led the team with 95 tackles in 1999. Additionally, safety Kim Herring joined as an unrestricted on April 18, 2000, bolstering the secondary with his versatility after four seasons in . Offensively, the Ravens made only one notable addition by signing tight end Shannon Sharpe from the Denver Broncos to a four-year, $13.8 million deal, aiming to upgrade red-zone efficiency, but otherwise pursued no significant free agents to address skill positions or the line. Departures were limited and primarily involved depth players; backup quarterback Stoney Case, a restricted free agent, received a one-year tender but saw his role diminish amid competition, while other minor contributors like guard Orlando Bobo and fullback Sam Gash entered unrestricted free agency without re-signing, clearing minor cap space. These transactions strained the Ravens' , with Adams' and Sharpe's deals accounting for roughly $10 million in immediate cap hits, prompting restructures like ' conversion of base salary to bonus to generate $3 million in relief before . The emphasis on defensive spending aligned with Lewis' philosophy of building from the trenches, fostering a unit that ranked first in points allowed during the and enabling a balanced roster strategy heading into the draft.

2000 NFL Draft

The entered the with two first-round selections, acquired through prior offseason maneuvers that positioned them to address key offensive deficiencies following a 1999 season in which the team ranked 24th in the league with just 109.6 rushing yards per game. The fifth overall pick originated from a 1999 trade with the , in which the Ravens sent their second-round selection (43rd overall) to Atlanta in exchange for the Falcons' future first-rounder; Atlanta's subsequent 5-11 record in 1999 elevated that pick to No. 5. Their own first-round pick, originally at No. 15 based on the 1999 standings, was traded up during to No. 10 in a deal with the , sending Denver the Nos. 15 and 45 overall selections (the latter being Baltimore's original second-round pick). This aggressive approach under general manager focused on bolstering the ground attack and passing game, complementing defensive reinforcements from free agency such as safety . With the fifth overall pick, the Ravens selected running back Jamal Lewis from the , a powerful 6-foot-1, 240-pound back who rushed for 1,364 yards and 13 touchdowns in his senior season, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Lewis was targeted to revitalize Baltimore's stagnant rushing offense, providing a workhorse complement to the existing backfield and immediate starter potential behind a line anchored by veterans like guard Jeff Blackshear. Immediately after, at No. 10 overall, the team drafted wide receiver Travis Taylor from the , who had posted 1,030 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior, adding speed and deep-threat ability to a receiving corps led by . These back-to-back first-round choices on offense marked a departure from the Ravens' defensive emphasis in prior drafts, aiming to balance the roster for head coach Brian Billick's West Coast-style scheme. In the third round (No. 75 overall), Baltimore added Chris Redman from the as a developmental prospect and potential long-term successor to starter Tony Banks, following Redman's prolific college career that included 13,147 passing yards and 112 touchdowns. The fifth round brought guard Richard Mercier from the (FL), a versatile interior lineman expected to provide depth and competition at a position thinned by free agency losses. Later selections infused defensive talent: sixth-round picks Adalius Thomas, a linebacker from Southern noted for his athleticism (4.58 at the combine), and Cedric Woodard, a from the University of Texas, both projected as rotational players to deepen the front seven.
RoundOverallPlayerPositionCollege
15Jamal LewisRB
110Travis TaylorWR
375QBLouisville
5148Richard MercierGMiami (FL)
6186Adalius ThomasLBSouthern Mississippi
6191Cedric WoodardDT
The draft class, particularly Lewis—who signed a five-year, $7.9 million contract—offered instant roster impact by addressing the 1999 rushing woes, while Taylor and Redman provided offensive versatility; Thomas would later emerge as a key special teams and linebacker contributor in subsequent seasons. No additional trades occurred during the later rounds, allowing the Ravens to consolidate their selections without further asset expenditure.

Undrafted free agents

Following the , the engaged in the standard league-wide frenzy of signing undrafted free agents to enhance competition and roster depth, a process that allows teams to acquire unselected college talent without draft capital constraints. This immediate post-draft activity, often occurring within hours or days of the event's conclusion, helps fill out practice squads and evaluate prospects in a low-risk manner. On May 19, 2000, the Ravens signed several undrafted free agents, targeting defensive positions to align with the team's emphasis on fortifying an already formidable unit that would go on to lead the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV success. Despite their potential, none of the 2000 undrafted free agent signings advanced beyond training camp to secure spots on the 53-man active roster or practice squad for the regular season. Their roles were limited to preseason preparation, where they helped simulate game scenarios and pushed drafted players like Jamal Lewis and Chris McAlister in practice. This outcome reflected the intense competition within the Ravens' system, where only the most standout performers earned extended stays. Overall, the class had negligible long-term impact compared to the team's high-profile draft picks and veteran acquisitions, underscoring the hit-or-miss nature of undrafted signings in building depth for a championship run.

Personnel

Coaching staff

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens coaching staff was led by head coach , who was in his second season with the team after being hired in January 1999. Billick oversaw the overall offensive scheme, emphasizing a balanced attack that relied on a strong running game to support the position. Under his leadership, the Ravens achieved a 12-4 regular season record. Defensive coordinator served as the architect of the Ravens' elite defense, implementing a versatile 4-3 scheme that prioritized physicality and coverage. Lewis's unit allowed a league-low 165 points during the regular season, setting an record for a 16-game schedule and providing critical support for the team's postseason run. Offensive coordinator managed a run-heavy, conservative offense designed to protect the football and complement the dominant defense. Cavanaugh, who also coached quarterbacks, focused on efficient play-calling that featured rushing attacks led by backs like Jamal Lewis and , resulting in the team ranking 14th in points scored with 333 total. The position coaches played key roles in player development and scheme execution. Rex Ryan coached the defensive line, fostering a disruptive front that limited opponents to just 2,615 rushing yards; handled linebackers, contributing to the corps' tackling prowess and leadership from players like ; Donnie Henderson guided the defensive backs, emphasizing zone coverage that intercepted 21 passes. On offense, Jim Colletto developed the offensive line, which paved the way for a top-10 rushing attack, while Wade Harman worked with tight ends and assisted with the line, enhancing blocking schemes. Steve Shafer served as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, ensuring disciplined units across kicking and coverage roles. The staff exhibited overall stability from the 1999 season, with no major changes to the core group, allowing for refined execution of established strategies.

Final roster

The final 53-man roster for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens season featured a balanced mix of veterans and young talent, particularly emphasizing a dominant defense while the offense relied on key acquisitions from . Organized by position groups below, the roster included starters noted in parentheses where applicable, with taking over as the primary after Week 8 and Jamal Lewis emerging as the lead as a . Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers Tight Ends Offensive Linemen
  • (left tackle starter)
  • (left guard starter)
  • Jeff Mitchell (center starter)
  • Mike Flynn (right guard starter)
  • Harry Swayne (right tackle starter)
  • Orlando Bobo
  • Spencer Folau
  • Kipp Vickers
  • John Hudson (long snapper)
  • Sammy Williams
Defensive Linemen
  • Rob Burnett (defensive end starter)
  • Sam Adams (defensive tackle starter)
  • (defensive tackle starter)
  • (defensive end starter)
  • Lional Dalton
  • Carl Powell
  • Adalius Thomas
  • Larry Webster
Linebackers Defensive Backs
  • Duane Starks (cornerback starter)
  • (cornerback starter)
  • (free safety starter)
  • Kim Herring (strong safety starter)
  • Robert Bailey
  • Clarence Love
  • Anthony Mitchell
  • Anthony Poindexter
  • James Trapp
Special Teams
  • Matt Stover (kicker)
  • Kyle Richardson (punter)
  • John Hudson (long snapper, also OL)
This roster integrated key free agents and draftees such as Jamal Lewis from the , contributing to the team's depth. The total active players numbered 53, with no specific inactive list detailed here as it varied weekly.

Season overview

Regular season summary

The compiled a 12–4 regular season record in 2000, finishing second in the AFC Central division behind the 13–3 and earning a wild card berth in the . The team's success was driven almost entirely by its defense, as the offense struggled throughout the year—including a stretch of five consecutive games (Weeks 5-9) without an offensive touchdown, during which they went 2-3 relying solely on field goals from kicker Matt Stover—averaging just 20.8 points per game—the lowest among all playoff qualifiers—and relying heavily on Jamal Lewis, who rushed for 1,364 yards to anchor the ground attack. Facing early inconsistencies at , head coach benched Tony Banks after a 5–3 start in the first eight games, installing as the starter for the final eight games, during which went 7–1. The defense, coordinated by , emerged as one of the most dominant units in , allowing only 165 points for the season (10.3 per game), a record low for a 16-game schedule that stood until the adoption of the 17-game format. This stingy performance included a league-high 49 takeaways, fueling short fields and turnovers that compensated for the offense's limitations. Key milestones underscored the defense's prowess, including four shutouts and several low-scoring games that highlighted their dominance. These efforts propelled Baltimore through a late-season surge, transforming early doubts into a confident push toward the postseason.

Postseason summary

The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2000 NFL playoffs as the AFC's No. 4 seed after a 12-4 regular season, launching a dominant four-game run that established their defense as one of the most suffocating units in league history. Coordinated by Marvin Lewis, the Ravens' defense allowed just 23 total points across the postseason—3 against Denver, 10 against Tennessee, 3 against Oakland, and 7 against the New York Giants—setting an NFL record for the fewest points surrendered in a four-game playoff march to the Super Bowl. This performance extended their regular-season mark of 165 points allowed, the lowest in a 16-game era, for a combined 188 points over 20 games. The unit permitted only one offensive touchdown in the playoffs, forcing 10 turnovers while holding opponents to an average of 203.5 yards per game. In the Wild Card round on December 31, 2000, the Ravens hosted the at Stadium in their first home playoff game since the franchise's relocation from , prevailing 21-3 behind a stout defensive effort that limited Denver to 177 total yards and sacked seven times. Advancing to the Divisional round, traveled to Adelphia Coliseum and upset the No. 1-seeded 24-10 in a rematch of their tight 24-23 regular-season thriller earlier that year, with the Ravens' defense sacking five times and restricting to 261 yards while the offense controlled the clock with 158 rushing yards led by Jamal Lewis. The Ravens' playoff dominance peaked in the on January 14, 2001, at the Network Associates Coliseum, where they shut out the 16-3 in a defensive masterclass. Baltimore's front seven, anchored by and , harassed Raiders quarterback into three interceptions and an injury via a sack by , holding Oakland—a regular-season averaging 29.9 points per game—to 191 yards and just one field goal. Culminating the run, the Ravens defeated the 34-7 in on January 28, 2001, at in , where their defense again shone by forcing five turnovers, including two interceptions by Duane Starks, and limiting the Giants to 152 yards. Offensively, quarterback managed efficient games with minimal mistakes, as the Ravens averaged 23.8 points per game in the playoffs—up from 20.8 during the regular season—fueled by a balanced attack that committed zero turnovers across the four contests and relied on Lewis's ground game (356 rushing yards total) alongside timely passes to receivers like and . This postseason surge, powered by defensive shutouts in three of four games, propelled to its inaugural Lombardi Trophy and cemented the 2000 team's legacy as a benchmark for defensive excellence.

Schedule

Preseason schedule

The 2000 preseason for the consisted of four exhibition games, providing an opportunity for coach to assess the team's depth and integrate new players ahead of the regular season.
WeekDateOpponentLocationResultScore
1August 5PSINet Stadium, , MDW16–13
2August 12PSINet Stadium, , MDW10–0
3August 18at Ericsson Stadium, Charlotte, NCW24–13
4August 25at , East Rutherford, NJW24–17
The Ravens finished the preseason undefeated with a 4–0 record. These games were particularly valuable for evaluating rookies, such as Jamal Lewis, the team's first-round draft pick.

Regular season schedule

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens played their home games at PSINet Stadium in , . The team had a bye in week 14 on December 3, which helped provide rest heading into the season's final stretch and contributed to their overall 12–4 record. The regular season schedule, including dates, opponents, locations, times (Eastern), TV networks (primarily CBS for afternoon AFC games, ABC for primetime), and results, is listed below.
WeekDateOpponentLocationTime (ET)TVResult
1Sep. 3at Pittsburgh, PA1:00 p.m.W 16–0
2Sep. 10vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.W 39–36 (6OT)
3Sep. 17at Miami, FL8:30 p.m.ABCL 6–19
4Sep. 24vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.W 37–0
5Oct. 1at Cleveland, OH1:00 p.m.W 12–0
6Oct. 8at Jacksonville, FL8:30 p.m.ABCW 15–10
7Oct. 15at Washington Landover, MD1:00 p.m.L 3–10
8Oct. 22vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.L 6–14
9Oct. 29vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.L 6–9
10Nov. 5at Cincinnati, OH1:00 p.m.W 27–7
11Nov. 12at Nashville, TN1:00 p.m.W 24–23
12Nov. 19vs. PSINet Stadium4:15 p.m.W 27–0
13Nov. 26vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.W 44–7
14Dec. 3Bye————
15Dec. 10vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.W 24–3
16Dec. 17at Tempe, AZ4:15 p.m.W 13–7
17Dec. 24vs. PSINet Stadium1:00 p.m.W 34–20

Postseason schedule

The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2000 NFL playoffs as the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 12–4 regular-season record, securing a home wild card matchup and ultimately winning all four postseason contests en route to the franchise's first title.
DateRoundOpponentResultVenueAttendanceTV Network
December 31, 2000AFC Wild CardW 21–3PSINet Stadium
Baltimore, MD		69,638
January 7, 2001AFC Divisionalat W 24–10Adelphia Coliseum
Nashville, TN		68,192
January 14, 2001AFC Championshipat W 16–3Network Associates Coliseum
Oakland, CA		62,784
January 28, 2001W 34–7
Tampa, FL		71,921
The Ravens' defensive dominance limited opponents to just 23 total points across the , allowing only three offensive touchdowns in four games.

Regular season standings

AFC Central standings

The 2000 AFC Central division was topped by the with a 13–3 record, followed by the at 12–4, with the in third at 9–7, the fourth at 7–9, the fifth at 4–12, and the last at 3–13.
TeamWLTPCTPFPAHomeRoadDivConf
(1) 1330.8133461917–16–28–29–3
(4) 1240.7503331656–26–28–210–3
970.5633213105–34–44–27–5
790.4383673274–43–53–36–6
4120.2503154133–51–70–64–8
3130.1882653692–61–70–63–9
The Titans won the division outright with a league-best 13–3 record. The Ravens posted balanced records of 6–2 at home and 6–2 on the road, along with a strong 8–2 mark against division opponents. Despite placing second in the division, the Ravens secured a wild card berth in the playoffs.

Overall AFC standings

In the 2000 AFC season, the playoff field consisted of three division winners seeded 1 through 3 based on their regular-season records, along with three wild card teams seeded 4 through 6 by record among non-division winners. The claimed the No. 1 seed with the conference's best record of 13–3 as AFC Central champions. The earned the No. 2 seed at 12–4 as winners, while the secured the No. 3 seed with an 11–5 finish as champions. The wild card berths went to the (12–4, No. 4 seed), who posted the best record among non-division winners despite finishing second in the AFC Central; the (11–5, No. 5 seed); and the (10–6, No. 6 seed). As the top wild card team, the Ravens hosted the Broncos in the wild card round under the playoff format, which paired the No. 4 seed against the No. 5 seed and the No. 3 seed against the No. 6 seed.
SeedTeamRecordQualification
113–3AFC Central champion
212–4AFC West champion
311–5AFC East champion
412–4Wild card
511–5Wild card
610–6Wild card
For broader league context, the NFC's top seed belonged to the , who also finished 12–4 as NFC East champions.

Regular season game summaries

Week 1: at

The opened their 2000 season with a 16–0 victory over the on September 3, 2000, at in , . The game, attended by 55,049 fans, marked the Steelers' first home opener loss since 1997 and their first since a 24–0 defeat to the on September 15, 1991, ending a streak of 152 games without being held scoreless. The Ravens' defense set the tone early, limiting to 223 total yards, including just 30 rushing yards on 18 carries (1.7 yards per attempt), while recording one sack on , who completed 17 of 38 passes for 199 yards. Baltimore's unit did not allow the Steelers to cross midfield until the second half, forcing three fumbles (one lost) and harassing Graham into inaccurate throws throughout the afternoon. Linebacker anchored the front seven with 10 tackles, contributing to a performance that highlighted the Ravens' defensive prowess from the outset. Offensively, quarterback Tony Banks completed 18 of 32 passes for 199 yards and one , with no interceptions, though he was sacked once for a 3-yard loss. Priest led the ground game with 27 carries for 119 yards, while rookie Jamal Lewis added 5 carries for 16 yards in limited action. The Ravens scored first on an 8-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 23-yard from kicker at the 8:21 mark of the first quarter. Banks then connected with Qadry on a 53-yard pass later in the period, extending the lead to 10–0 after Stover's extra point. Stover added of 26 yards near halftime and 33 yards in the third quarter to account for the final margin. This defensive masterclass, which included no turnovers forced via interceptions but relentless pressure that stifled Pittsburgh's offense, established early momentum for Baltimore's Super Bowl-winning campaign by underscoring their ability to dominate without relying on offensive firepower.

Week 2: vs.

On September 10, 2000, the hosted the at PSINet Stadium in , , in a Week 2 matchup that showcased a dramatic offensive turnaround for the Ravens. The Ravens rallied from a 23-6 halftime deficit to secure a 39-36 victory, snapping an 0-8 skid against the Jaguars since the franchise's move to in 1996. This high-scoring affair featured 75 total points and highlighted the Ravens' ability to mount comebacks, contrasting their defensive dominance in the season-opening shutout against the . The Jaguars struck quickly, building a 17-0 first-quarter lead behind Mark Brunell's three passes to Jimmy Smith, who finished with an NFL-record 15 receptions for 291 yards against ' vaunted secondary. Brunell completed 30 of 48 passes for 386 yards and three scores, exploiting Baltimore's early defensive lapses. The Ravens managed only a in the first half, trailing 23-6 at the break after Jacksonville added a and Smith hauled in two more s. Baltimore's defense rebounded in the second half, forcing four turnovers—including two interceptions and two fumbles—that kept the game within reach despite the fatigue from chasing Jacksonville's explosive passing attack. Jamal Lewis added 7 yards on 5 carries, providing minimal ground support as the Ravens leaned heavily on the air attack. Tony Banks engineered the comeback, going 23-for-40 for 262 yards with a career-high five touchdown passes, though he threw two interceptions. His scores went to Qadry (two), Travis Taylor (two), and (one). The game's decisive moments unfolded in the fourth quarter. Trailing 26-22 entering the period, tied it at 26-26 on Banks' fourth pass to Ismail. Jacksonville reclaimed the lead at 29-26 with a , but responded with a 15-yard run by Lewis to take a 32-29 advantage. The Jaguars surged ahead 36-32 on a late with 1:45 remaining, setting up the final drive. Banks then orchestrated a 75-yard, seven-play march, capping it with a 29-yard strike to Sharpe with 41 seconds left, securing the win after Matt Stover's extra point. The victory improved to 2-0 and foreshadowed their offensive versatility amid a defense that allowed a season-high 421 total yards but limited Jacksonville to just 60 rushing yards.

Week 3: at

The faced the at Pro Player Stadium in on September 17, 2000, falling 19–6 in a rain-soaked contest that highlighted the visitors' offensive struggles. Played under steady downpours that hampered passing and footing, the game marked the Ravens' first loss of the season after opening with a win. The Dolphins' defense dominated, sacking quarterback Tony Banks six times for a 45-yard loss and forcing two fumbles, both of which Baltimore lost. Despite the Ravens' vaunted defense limiting to just 19 points—below their season average—the offense managed only 234 total yards and a single score, a 33-yard by in the fourth quarter with 9:40 remaining. Banks completed 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards but threw a costly in the first half, picked off by Dolphins cornerback at the 4-yard line and returned 43 yards to thwart a potential Ravens . The turnover epitomized Baltimore's red-zone inefficiency, as the team reached the Dolphins' 20-yard line twice but came away empty-handed both times. Jamal Lewis led the Ravens' ground game with 17 carries for 47 yards, while wide receiver hauled in six receptions for 80 yards, the team's longest play from scrimmage. The fumbles, including one stripped by Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, further stalled drives and gifted short fields. Miami's offense, paced by Lamar Smith, who rushed 24 times for 84 yards and two short s (7 yards in the third quarter and 1 yard in the fourth), capitalized on Baltimore's mistakes. Jay Fiedler went 13-for-22 for 156 yards with one pass and no interceptions, though the Dolphins missed an extra point after Smith's second score, keeping the final margin at 13 points. Kicker Olindo Mare added field goals of 42 and 41 yards in the first and second quarters, respectively, to build an early lead. The Ravens' defense, led by linebacker with 10 tackles, forced two turnovers of their own but could not overcome the wet conditions and offensive woes that initiated a three-game skid for Banks.

Week 4: vs.

On September 24, 2000, the hosted the at Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, for a Week 4 AFC Central divisional contest. The Ravens delivered a commanding 37–0 victory, rebounding from their previous week's loss to the by leaning heavily on their elite defense to stifle the Bengals' offense throughout the afternoon. Quarterback Tony Banks orchestrated the Ravens' aerial attack, completing 20 of 36 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, including scoring strikes to Travis Taylor for 8 yards in the first quarter and Priest Holmes for 15 yards in the fourth. Rookie running back Jamal Lewis powered the ground game with 116 rushing yards on 21 carries, highlighted by an 11-yard touchdown run just before halftime that extended Baltimore's lead to 17–0. Additional scores came from Matt Stover's 30-yard field goal early on, a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo in the second quarter, and a 2-yard touchdown run by Holmes in the third, capping a balanced offensive effort that amassed 391 total yards. The Ravens' defense dominated, limiting Cincinnati to just 94 total yards and forcing four turnovers while recording five sacks. Bengals Corey managed only 9 yards on 12 carries, contained effectively by Baltimore's front seven led by and . Quarterback completed his lone pass for 8 yards before exiting early in the second quarter with a mild after being sacked at least three times, including a pivotal hit by Rob Burnett who finished with 2.5 sacks overall. Smith's replacement, Scott Mitchell, fared no better, completing 10 of 26 passes for 77 yards amid continued pressure, as the Ravens' secondary snagged two interceptions to seal the . This defensive masterclass, particularly the early disruption of 's passing game, proved the turning point, preventing any sustained drives and allowing to pull away decisively.

Week 5: at

The secured a 12–0 victory over the on October 1, 2000, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in , , improving their record to 4–1 in a divisional road game that highlighted their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. The Ravens' defense stifled the Browns' offense throughout, limiting them to 203 passing yards while forcing three interceptions from and recovering a fumble at the goal line to prevent any scoring opportunities. Interceptions were credited to Duane Starks (4 yards), linebacker (1 yard), and (no gain), with the unit holding to just 10 first downs and no successful red-zone trips. Offensively, the Ravens relied on a balanced attack led by quarterback Tony Banks, who completed 18 of 34 passes for 169 yards and threw one , avoiding further turnovers after an early mistake. running back Jamal Lewis contributed 86 yards on 13 carries, providing a steady ground presence that complemented the passing game and helped control the clock. Kicker accounted for all the scoring with field goals of 30 yards in the first quarter, 44 yards in the second, and 22 yards in the third, capitalizing on defensive stands and short fields created by turnovers. Key turning points included an early 44-yard that set a 3–0 lead after a Browns punt, and Woodson's end-zone recovery late in the second quarter that preserved the bid amid Cleveland's repeated errors, such as dropped passes and poor protection on Couch. This win continued the Ravens' defensive streak of generating multiple takeaways for the fourth consecutive game, underscoring their ability to dominate divisional foes through opportunistic play.

Week 6: at

On October 8, 2000, the faced the in a prime-time rematch at Alltel Stadium in , following their high-scoring 39–36 victory over the same opponent in Week 2. The Ravens improved to 5–1 with a gritty 15–10 defensive battle, sweeping the season series and further establishing their identity as a shutdown unit under coordinator . Attendance was 65,194 under clear skies with temperatures around 71°F (22°C). The Ravens' offense, led by quarterback Tony Banks, struggled for balance but managed to control the clock without turning the ball over. Banks completed 17 of 39 passes for 154 yards, avoiding interceptions but failing to throw a touchdown in a conservative game plan that emphasized short gains and field position. Rookie running back Jamal Lewis carried the ground attack with 17 rushes for 44 yards, providing steady production in a run-heavy scheme that limited Jacksonville's offensive opportunities. Kicker Matt Stover proved decisive, tying a career high with five field goals from distances of 47, 32, 43, 21, and 24 yards, accounting for all of Baltimore's points in a scoreless red-zone outing for the offense. Baltimore's defense dominated, holding the Jaguars to just 10 points and forcing a franchise-record six turnovers—including three and three lost fumbles—which directly led to short fields for Stover's kicks. The unit recorded three sacks and limited Jacksonville to 194 total yards, showcasing the front seven's pressure on Mark Brunell, who completed 20 of 37 passes for 167 yards, one , and three picks. Linebacker anchored the effort with 12 solo tackles and a key fumble recovery in the second half that halted a Jaguars drive near midfield, preventing a potential tying score. Safety contributed an , part of the secondary's opportunistic play that returned three picks for 87 yards total. A pivotal turning point came in the fourth quarter when the Jaguars, trailing 12–10, botched a snap on a attempt, leading to Lewis's recovery and setting up Stover's game-winning 24-yard with 1:22 remaining to secure the victory. This low-scoring affair highlighted the Ravens' defensive prowess, as they allowed fewer than 20 points for the fifth consecutive game, building momentum in the AFC Central race.

Week 7: at Washington Redskins

The faced the Washington Redskins on October 15, 2000, at Stadium in Raljon, , in a Week 7 contest marked by stout defenses and minimal scoring. The Ravens, coming off a 15–10 victory over the the previous week, struggled offensively in a 3–10 loss that highlighted their ongoing challenges in the red zone. Tony Banks completed 16 of 27 passes for 135 yards, with no touchdowns and one , while the team managed just 199 total yards of offense. Kicker provided Baltimore's lone points with a 51-yard late in the second quarter, tying the game at 3–3 just before halftime. The Ravens' defense, already renowned for its physicality, kept the game close by limiting the Redskins to 267 total yards and sacking Brad Johnson once for a 13-yard loss. Washington running back Stephen Davis rushed for 91 yards on 21 carries, including a pivotal 33-yard run in the third quarter that gave the Redskins a 10–3 lead. A penalty on Ravens safety Kim Herring set up that scoring drive, marking a critical turning point as it positioned the Redskins at the 33-yard line. Later, the Redskins reached the Ravens' 7-yard line in the fourth quarter but came away empty when kicker Kris Heppner missed a 25-yard , preserving 's chance for a tie. However, an of Banks by Redskins linebacker Lemar Marshall on a drive to the Washington 32 sealed the outcome. This matchup contributed to a grueling stretch for offense, which went five consecutive games without scoring a , relying solely on field goals and defensive efforts to stay competitive. Despite the loss, dropping to 3–4, the performance underscored the unit's resilience, allowing just 10 points in a game where both teams prioritized stopping the opponent over aggressive scoring.

Week 8: vs.

On October 22, 2000, the hosted the at PSINet Stadium in , , in a pivotal AFC Central division contest. The Titans entered as the division leaders with a 6-1 record, while the Ravens stood at 5-2 after a narrow loss the previous week. The game resulted in a 6-14 defeat for Baltimore, dropping their record to 5-3 and handing them their second straight loss. The Ravens' offense managed just six points, both coming from field goals by kicker —a 21-yard attempt in the first quarter and a 38-yard effort early in the second. Tony Banks completed 17 of 32 passes for 229 yards but threw three interceptions, severely hampering any scoring momentum. Jamal Lewis was held to 33 yards on seven carries, as the Titans' defense effectively neutralized Baltimore's rushing attack. Shannon Sharpe led the receiving corps with five catches for 104 yards, providing the team's most consistent aerial production. Tennessee's scoring was powered by a balanced attack, starting with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Steve McNair to wide receiver Rodney Thomas late in the second quarter, followed by two 1-yard touchdown runs by running back Eddie George—one at the end of the first half and the other early in the third quarter. McNair finished 10-of-24 for 101 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while George rushed for 53 yards on 18 carries. The Titans converted their three interceptions of Banks into 14 points, capitalizing on short fields to secure the win. Baltimore's defense, renowned for its dominance that season, limited Tennessee to 247 total yards and forced one turnover but struggled to stop the Titans on third down (7-of-15 conversions). The unit sacked McNair twice but allowed George to find the end zone twice on goal-line stands, marking a rare offensive breakthrough for Tennessee against Baltimore's stingy front seven. The interceptions by Banks, particularly one that set up George's second touchdown, proved to be the turning points, shifting momentum decisively in the second half. This performance underscored mounting concerns with the Ravens' passing game, leading to Banks being benched the following week in favor of .

Week 9: vs.

On October 29, 2000, the hosted the at Stadium in a matchup that marked the first career start for quarterback , who replaced the benched Tony Banks following a three-interception performance in the previous week's loss to the . The , mired in a three-game losing streak and struggling offensively, managed only two field goals in a low-scoring affair, falling 6–9 to extend their skid to three games and drop their record to 5–4. This defeat highlighted the Ravens' ongoing offensive woes, as they failed to score a for the third consecutive game, relying solely on kicker Matt Stover's leg for their points. The Ravens jumped to an early 6–0 lead in the second quarter behind Stover's franchise-record-tying 51-yard at the 3:40 mark, followed by a 49-yard attempt at 13:08 that showcased the offense's inability to sustain drives into the end zone. Dilfer, in his debut under center, completed 12 of 25 passes for 152 yards but threw one and was unable to generate a scoring threat, as the Ravens amassed just 165 total yards against 's top-ranked defense. The Steelers, led by Kordell Stewart's efficient 9-of-18 performance for 133 yards and one , tied the game at 6–6 with 12:18 left in the third quarter on a 45-yard strike to , though the extra-point attempt sailed wide. Pittsburgh then seized the lead for good with a 34-yard by at the 3:15 mark of the third, holding scoreless thereafter. Turning points defined the game's tense, defensive battle, with the Steelers capitalizing on Baltimore's missed opportunities in the fourth quarter. The Ravens advanced to the 15-yard line early in the period but stalled after Dilfer was sacked on third down, leading to a blocked 33-yard attempt by Stover that preserved Pittsburgh's slim advantage. The Ravens' defense, despite forcing two turnovers and limiting the Steelers to 230 total yards, could not prevent the pivotal third-quarter scoring sequence, as Stewart's deep ball to Ward shifted momentum decisively. No rushing s were scored by either team, underscoring the ground games' ineffectiveness—Baltimore's Jamal Lewis gained 68 yards on 21 carries, while Pittsburgh's managed 65 yards on 17 attempts. This loss, part of an offensive drought spanning five games without a , prompted further adjustments but ultimately served as the final hurdle before Dilfer led a turnaround in the ensuing weeks.

Week 10: at

On November 5, 2000, the faced the at Stadium in a Week 10 road contest, securing a 27–7 victory with starting in his second consecutive start following Tony Banks' benching. The Ravens' offense, invigorated by the change at , exploded for 21 points in the first half, while their elite defense suffocated the Bengals' attack, limiting them to 174 total yards and preventing any sustained drives. This win snapped a two-game skid and elevated Baltimore's record to 6–4, affirming the synergy between Dilfer's steady play and the unit's defensive dominance. Dilfer delivered an impressive performance, completing 23 of 34 passes for 244 yards and three without throwing an , achieving a of 113.7. His scoring strikes included an 18-yard toss to early in the first quarter, a 19-yard connection to Sharpe later in the period, and a 25-yard to just before halftime, putting up 21–0. Kicker sealed the scoring with a 38-yard in the fourth quarter at the 6:41 mark. Jamal Lewis complemented the passing game with 17 carries for 113 yards and a 1-yard plunge in the second quarter. The Ravens' defense, led by linebacker and the front seven, continued its suffocating form by holding Bengals running back to a mere 16 carries for 23 yards, well below his season average, and restricting Cincinnati to 44 rushing yards on 26 attempts overall. Quarterbacks and combined for 15 completions on 27 attempts for 138 yards, but faced relentless pressure, including three sacks for a loss of 24 yards—two on Frerotte and one on Smith—while the unit forced one interception off Frerotte. Cincinnati's lone score came in the third quarter on a 4-yard rushing by wide receiver , capping a 10-play, 67-yard drive and cutting the deficit to 21–7 with 8:47 remaining. However, Baltimore's secondary and linebackers prevented further momentum, allowing just 34 yards in the fourth quarter. The game's turning point arrived in the opening half, where Dilfer's efficient red-zone execution and the defense's three-and-out stops on Cincinnati's first three possessions established a commanding lead that the Bengals could not overcome, highlighting Baltimore's transition to a more balanced offensive identity under the new signal-caller.

Week 11: at

The traveled to Adelphia Coliseum in , on November 12, 2000, to face the in Week 11 of the . In a dramatic divisional clash, the Ravens secured a 24–23 victory, improving their record to 8–4 and closing within 1½ games of the first-place Titans in the AFC Central standings. This win marked the first defeat for the Titans at home since the stadium's opening in 1999, ending their NFL-record 12-game streak there. Quarterback Trent Dilfer delivered a standout performance, completing 23 of 36 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception, against the NFL's fourth-ranked defense in total yards allowed. Running back Jamal Lewis contributed 99 rushing yards on 23 carries, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that tied the score at 14–14. Wide receiver Qadry Ismail opened the scoring with a 46-yard touchdown reception from Dilfer in the first quarter, giving Baltimore an early 7–0 lead. For Tennessee, Steve McNair went 21 of 34 for 228 yards and two second-quarter touchdown passes—to Frank Wycheck for 7 yards and Derrick Mason for 10 yards—rallying the Titans from a 7–0 deficit to a 14–7 advantage. Running back Eddie George was held to 28 yards on 12 carries by the Ravens' stout run defense. The game remained tight into the fourth quarter, with Matt Stover's 50-yard at providing a 17–14 edge, only for Al Del Greco's 23-yard to knot it at 17–17 with 11:45 remaining. The pivotal sequence unfolded when Dilfer's pass was intercepted by safety Perry Phenix, who returned it 87 yards for a touchdown, putting ahead 23–17 after a failed extra-point attempt with 2:30 left. Del Greco's subsequent 30-yard try with 1:01 to go sailed wide right, preserving the Ravens' opportunity. then drove 80 yards in 11 plays over 1:29, culminating in Dilfer's 2-yard touchdown strike to Patrick Johnson with 19 seconds remaining; Stover's extra point sealed the 24–23 triumph. Despite allowing 23 points—their highest total in several weeks—the Ravens' defense forced two critical misses on special teams, including the blocked extra point and the late field goal, which proved decisive in the one-point escape. This hard-fought road win avenged a 14–6 home loss to Tennessee three weeks earlier and built momentum heading into Week 12 against the .

Week 12: vs.

The hosted the on November 19, 2000, at PSINet Stadium in , securing a 27–0 victory in Week 12 that improved their record to 8–4. This win marked the team's fourth of the regular season and showcased a balanced offensive and defensive effort following a pair of hard-fought victories that had steadied the squad after an earlier three-game . The Ravens outgained the Cowboys 413–121 in total yards, controlling the and preventing Dallas from mounting any sustained threats. Trent Dilfer, starting his seventh consecutive game at , completed 18 of 24 passes for 242 yards and two s while throwing two interceptions, providing efficient leadership in a game where the run game carried much of the load. running back Jamal Lewis delivered a breakout performance, rushing for 187 yards on 28 carries—his first 100-yard game of the season—setting the tone with powerful runs that averaged 6.7 yards per attempt and helping amass 228 rushing yards overall. Backup capped a key drive with a 5-yard run in the third quarter, while hauled in a 59-yard pass from Dilfer in the second quarter to extend the lead. Kicker added two field goals, from 25 and 19 yards, contributing 6 points to the final margin. The Ravens defense delivered a stifling performance, limiting Dallas to just 11 first downs and holding them scoreless while recording five sacks on quarterback , who completed 19 of 33 passes for only 138 yards. The unit forced three interceptions, including an early pick-six by Duane Starks that gave an initial 7–0 lead and shifted momentum decisively in the first quarter. The secondary, led by Starks and safety (who added another interception on a fourth-down tip drill), blanketed ' receivers, while the front seven—featuring with 10 tackles—dominated the trenches to restrict to 48 yards on 11 carries. Notably, the Cowboys failed to gain a single first down in the second half, as 's defense allowed zero points after halftime and sealed the with relentless pressure. This dominant effort propelled the Ravens into their Week 13 matchup with renewed confidence.

Week 13: vs.

The hosted the at PSINet Stadium in on November 26, 2000, securing a dominant 44–7 victory in Week 13 that improved their record to 9–4. This lopsided divisional win highlighted the Ravens' offensive breakout under quarterback and their defensive shutdown ability, as they forced three turnovers and held Cleveland to just 118 total yards. Dilfer completed 12 of 23 passes for 169 yards and two , with one , while backup Tony Banks added 2 of 3 for 45 yards. His scores included a 2-yard pass to fullback in the second quarter and a 46-yard strike to Patrick Johnson later in the half. Jamal Lewis led a powerful ground attack with 30 carries for 170 yards and two , including a 36-yard run in the second quarter that extended the lead to 21–7. Priest Holmes added 17 carries for 64 yards and a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter. Kicker Matt Stover contributed three field goals from 39, 26, and 38 yards to account for nine points. The offense amassed 371 total yards, scoring on five of six red-zone trips. The Ravens' defense overwhelmed the Browns, sacking quarterbacks and five times and limiting rushing to 36 yards on 19 attempts. Cleveland's lone score came early on a 4-yard run by Travis Prentice in the first quarter, but Baltimore responded quickly with 1-yard touchdown to tie it. Key turnovers included two interceptions and a fumble recovery, with linebacker recording 11 tackles to anchor the front seven. The secondary, featuring safety , prevented any comeback attempts as the Browns managed only 138 passing yards combined from their quarterbacks. A turning point was the second-quarter surge, where Baltimore scored 21 unanswered points following Prentice's touchdown, capitalizing on short fields from defensive stands to pull away decisively. This performance solidified the Ravens' control in the AFC Central and provided momentum heading into their bye week.

Week 14: Bye

The ' Week 14 bye fell on December 3, 2000, providing a mid-season break after their 44–7 victory over the the previous week, which improved their record to 9–4. This rest period came at an opportune time in the 2000 schedule, where each of the league's 31 teams received one bye during the 17-week to allow for recovery and strategic preparation amid the expanded format that included 16 games per team. With the Ravens firmly in playoff contention in the AFC Central Division, the bye enabled the coaching staff, led by , to assess the team's performance and refocus efforts for the stretch run toward the postseason. Players used the time for physical recovery, including veteran safety , who had been dealing with lingering knee issues from prior seasons but continued to contribute significantly on defense. The break also facilitated light practices aimed at refining offensive execution under quarterback , emphasizing timing and coordination to address inconsistencies in the passing game.

Week 15: vs. San Diego Chargers

The Baltimore Ravens hosted the San Diego Chargers at PSINet Stadium on December 10, 2000, securing a 24–3 victory in Week 15 that improved their record to 10–4. This defensive masterclass featured five Chargers turnovers, underscoring Baltimore's opportunistic play as they limited San Diego to 142 total yards and just three points. Quarterback Trent Dilfer completed 16 of 24 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions, efficiently leading the offense in a game controlled by the run. His scores were a 28-yard pass to wide receiver Qadry Ismail in the second quarter and a 22-yard touchdown to wide receiver Brandon Stokley in the third. Running back Jamal Lewis powered the ground game with 29 carries for 91 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Kicker Matt Stover opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Ravens amassed 296 total yards, converting three turnovers into 14 points. Baltimore's defense dominated, forcing four fumbles and one off , who completed 9 of 23 passes for 78 yards. The front seven, led by with nine tackles, sacked Leaf three times and held the Chargers' rushing to 75 yards on 25 attempts. Safety Kim Herring's in the fourth quarter sealed the win, preventing any late rally. San Diego's only points came from John Carney's 47-yard in the second quarter. The turning point was the second-quarter touchdown to Ismail, which gave Baltimore a 10–0 lead after capitalizing on a Chargers fumble, setting the tone for a shutout bid broken only by the field goal. This win extended the Ravens' streak of allowing fewer than 10 points in regulation for the third straight game, bolstering their playoff positioning.

Week 16: at Arizona Cardinals

The Baltimore Ravens traveled to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on December 17, 2000, to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, grinding out a 13–7 victory that improved their record to 11–4. Played in cool desert conditions, the low-scoring affair highlighted the Ravens' defensive resilience, as they forced four turnovers and held Arizona to 162 rushing yards despite a run-heavy Cardinals attack. Quarterback struggled through a blustery day, completing 12 of 22 passes for 70 yards with one and four sacks for 33 yards lost, but avoided turnovers in key moments. The offense relied on the ground game, with Jamal Lewis rushing 29 times for 126 yards, including a crucial 1-yard in the third quarter that gave a 10–7 lead. Backup added four carries for 28 yards. Kicker accounted for the other points with field goals of 42 yards in the first quarter and another 42 yards late in the third, providing the final margin. The Ravens managed just 224 total yards but controlled the clock with 34:18 in possession. The Ravens' defense, anchored by linebacker with 12 tackles, sacked Cardinals quarterback twice and intercepted him twice, while recovering two fumbles. Plummer completed 23 of 43 passes for 266 yards and one touchdown—a 27-yard strike to Frank Sanders in the third quarter—but his two picks and lost fumbles stalled drives. Arizona's ground game, led by Thomas Jones' 39 yards on 14 carries, could not overcome Baltimore's front seven, which limited third-down conversions to 3-of-14. Duane Starks' near midfield in the fourth quarter proved pivotal, setting up Stover's insurance field goal. A key turning point came in the third quarter when Lewis's touchdown run followed a Cardinals fumble recovery, flipping a 7–3 deficit into a lead that Arizona could not reclaim. This gritty road win kept the Ravens in contention for a division title while resting minor injuries ahead of the finale.

Week 17: vs.

The closed the regular season by hosting the at PSINet Stadium on December 24, 2000, rallying from a 14–0 deficit to secure a 34–20 victory that clinched a 12–4 record and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. With playoff positioning secured, coach played his starters in a festive matchup, where special teams and defense turned the tide with multiple takeaways. Attendance was 69,638. Quarterback completed 11 of 25 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown, with two interceptions, in a run-focused, mistake-minimizing effort. His lone score was a 7-yard pass to in the second quarter that tied the game at 14–14. Running back Jamal Lewis led the ground attack with 18 carries for 44 yards, while the team added 64 rushing yards overall. The Ravens exploded for 20 second-half points, including a and two punt return touchdowns by Jermaine Lewis (54 yards in the third quarter and 89 yards in the fourth). Kicker did not attempt any field goals. finished with 231 total yards but capitalized on six Jets turnovers for 27 points. The Ravens' defense forced three interceptions and three fumbles from Jets quarterback , who completed 36 of 69 passes for 481 yards and two first-quarter s (37 yards to Dedric Ward and 35 yards to Richie Anderson). Cornerback Chris McAlister's 98-yard interception return for a in the second quarter gave its first lead at 20–14. Linebacker recorded 10 tackles, while the unit sacked Testaverde twice and held the Jets' rushing to 51 yards on 21 attempts. The secondary's opportunistic plays, including safety Ed Reed's forced fumble, prevented a Jets comeback despite their aerial volume. Pivotal moments included McAlister's pick-six, which shifted momentum before halftime, and Lewis's two punt returns that sealed the win in the final 10 minutes. This thrilling finish capped a turnaround season, sending the Ravens into the with confidence in their defensive core.

Postseason game summaries

AFC Wild Card: vs.

The hosted the in the AFC Wild Card on December 31, 2000, at PSINet Stadium in , , securing a 21–3 victory in their first-ever postseason appearance. The Ravens' defense stifled the Broncos' high-powered offense, which had ranked second in the league during the , limiting them to 168 total yards, 10 first downs, and just 20:52 of possession time. This performance extended the Ravens' defensive streak of allowing fewer than 10 points in five consecutive games, showcasing the unit's dominance led by coordinator . Trent Dilfer, the Ravens' starting quarterback, completed 9 of 14 passes for 130 yards and one with no interceptions, providing efficient play that avoided mistakes against a Broncos defense that had recorded 42 sacks during the regular season. Jamal Lewis powered the ground game with 30 carries for 110 yards and two short-yardage s, including a 1-yard run that opened the scoring with 3:17 left in the second quarter. The Ravens' only passing score came on a bizarre 58-yard reception by , a former Bronco, who caught a pass from Dilfer intended for Jamal Lewis in the flat, which was bobbled by Lewis and tipped by Broncos into the hands of Sharpe, extending Baltimore's lead to 14–3 just 50 seconds after Denver's lone . The Ravens' defense generated consistent pressure with four sacks on Broncos quarterback Gus Frerotte, three by defensive end and one by Rob Burnett, while Frerotte completed 17 of 32 passes for 124 yards and one . Lewis capped the scoring with his second 1-yard run early in the third quarter, and Baltimore's defense prevented any further Broncos scoring, holding them scoreless after a 31-yard by late in the second quarter. This shutout-like effort in the second half propelled the Ravens to their first playoff win, setting the tone for their postseason run.

AFC Divisional: at

The faced the in the AFC Divisional playoff round on January 7, 2001, at Adelphia Coliseum in , securing a 24–10 victory to advance to the . This road win showcased the Ravens' dominant defense against a Titans team that had split the regular-season series with Baltimore, including a narrow 24–23 Titans victory in Week 11. The Ravens' offense managed just 134 total yards, relying heavily on their ground game and opportunistic special teams, while quarterback completed 5 of 16 passes for 117 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Jamal Lewis carried 17 times for 47 yards and scored the game's first touchdown on a 1-yard run in the second quarter, tying the score at 7–7 after Tennessee's had plunged in from 2 yards earlier. The Ravens' defense, which had allowed a league-low 165 points during the , stifled the Titans' high-powered offense, limiting them to 317 total yards but forcing critical turnovers and disruptions. recorded three sacks for a loss of 32 yards, including contributions from players like , while holding George—the NFL's second-leading rusher with 1,509 yards—to 91 yards on 27 carries, including his early . A pivotal turning point came late in the fourth quarter when linebacker stripped the ball from George at the Titans' 50-yard line and returned the fumble 50 yards for a , extending 's lead to 17–10 with 3:15 remaining and effectively sealing the game. Moments later, the Ravens blocked a 37-yard attempt by Titans kicker , which Anthony Mitchell returned 90 yards for a , pushing the final margin to 24–10. These defensive plays were emblematic of Baltimore's postseason identity, as the unit forced two turnovers and prevented from mounting a comeback despite outgaining the Ravens in total yards and first downs (23–6). Titans quarterback finished 24 of 46 for 176 yards with one , but the Ravens' secondary, led by McAlister's seven tackles and a pass deflection, contained any aerial threats. The victory avenged aspects of the regular-season rivalry and propelled the Ravens toward their first appearance, highlighting their ability to win low-scoring, physical contests through defensive prowess and timely big plays.

AFC Championship: at Oakland Raiders

The Baltimore Ravens advanced to Super Bowl XXXV by defeating the Oakland Raiders 16-3 in the AFC Championship Game on January 14, 2001, at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. Played amid steady rain that turned the field into a slick, muddy surface, the contest highlighted the Ravens' dominant defense against the Raiders' high-powered offense, which had led the in scoring during the regular season with 389 points. The Ravens' victory was secured through a stifling defensive effort that limited Oakland to 180 total yards and just a single , while the Baltimore offense managed enough points to pull ahead in a low-scoring affair. Trent Dilfer, starting his fourth consecutive postseason game for , completed 12 of 23 passes for 134 yards, including a 96-yard reception by in the second quarter that gave a 10-3 halftime lead. The Ravens' ground game struggled in the wet conditions, gaining only 63 yards on 28 carries with no rushing , relying instead on three field goals from kicker (31 yards in the first quarter, 28 yards in the third, and 42 yards in the fourth) to build and maintain their advantage. Raiders quarterback , the league's passing leader with 4,151 yards in the regular season, was held to 11 completions on 21 attempts for 80 yards, one interception, and no , as 's disrupted his rhythm throughout. The Ravens' defense, already renowned for allowing a league-low 165 points during the regular season, delivered one of its most impressive performances in adverse weather, recording four sacks—including one by that forced a recovered by Baltimore—and two interceptions off Gannon. Linebacker snagged the first pick in the second quarter, setting up a , while cornerback Duane Starks' third-quarter interception at the Ravens' 5-yard line prevented a potential Raiders score and shifted momentum decisively. Oakland's lone points came on a 24-yard by early in the second quarter, following a drive aided by the rain-slicked footing that caused Ravens penalties. A critical early turning point occurred when the Raiders reached the Baltimore 2-yard line on their opening possession, only to be repelled on four plays in a goal-line stand capped by an incomplete pass on fourth down, forcing a and allowing the Ravens to seize control.

Super Bowl XXXV: vs. New York Giants

Super Bowl XXXV pitted the Baltimore Ravens against the New York Giants on January 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where the Ravens secured a decisive 34-7 victory to claim their first NFL championship. The game exemplified the Ravens' defensive dominance, as their unit—ranked first in the league during the regular season—limited the Giants to 152 total yards and forced four turnovers, including three interceptions of quarterback Kerry Collins, who completed 17 of 31 passes for 112 yards. The Ravens' defense shut out New York in the second half, allowing no points after an early third-quarter score and extending a postseason streak of defensive excellence. The Ravens jumped to a 17-0 lead, powered by Trent Dilfer's efficient performance of 12 completions on 25 attempts for 153 yards and one pass to , alongside Jamal Lewis's 102 rushing yards and a 3-yard run on 27 carries. The Giants' lone score came 18 seconds into the third quarter on Ron Dixon's 97-yard kickoff return , narrowing the gap to 17-7. This briefly ignited New York hopes, but the Ravens immediately countered with Duane Starks' 89-yard interception return for a off Collins, followed 16 seconds later by Jermaine Lewis's 84-yard kickoff return —marking three consecutive return scores in just 36 seconds, the fastest such sequence in history and pushing the lead to 31-7. Kicker sealed the win with a 34-yard late in the fourth quarter. The turning point came with the Ravens' explosive third-quarter response, as 31 unanswered points overwhelmed the Giants after their brief rally, showcasing Baltimore's special teams and defensive pressure that included a total of four takeaways. Linebacker , the emotional leader of the unit, earned MVP honors with five tackles and four passes defensed, capping a performance that neutralized New York's offense and affirmed the Ravens' status as champions.

Legacy

Defensive achievements

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens defense established itself as one of the most dominant units in history during the regular season, allowing a league-record 165 points over 16 games, which equated to just 10.3 . This marked the fewest points surrendered in a 16-game season, surpassing previous benchmarks and underscoring the unit's suffocating control over opposing offenses. The Ravens also led the with 49 takeaways, comprising interceptions and recoveries, which disrupted drives and fueled their opportunistic play. While total yards allowed averaged 247.9 per game (ranking eighth league-wide), the defense excelled against the run, permitting only 970 rushing yards for the season—the fewest in the at 60.6 yards per game. In the postseason, the Ravens' defense extended its dominance, allowing just 23 points across four games (5.75 ), a record for the fewest in a playoff run at the time. This included holding opponents scoreless on offensive in the second halves of all contests, with the unit surrendering points only in the first halves—primarily via field goals and a single against the in the AFC Championship. Overall, the defense permitted only one offensive in the , contributing to victories by margins that highlighted their shutdown capability. Including special teams returns, the postseason total underscored a stifling performance that propelled to . Key contributors anchored the defense's success, with linebacker leading the team with 137 combined tackles and recording 2 interceptions, serving as the emotional and tactical core of the unit. Safety added 4 interceptions, providing veteran coverage and ball skills that complemented the front seven. Outside linebacker contributed 7 sacks, helping generate pressure that limited quarterbacks' effectiveness. These performances, under defensive coordinator , exemplified a balanced attack that blended physicality and precision. The Ravens' scheme, orchestrated by Lewis, featured an aggressive 4-3 alignment incorporating elements to confuse protections and force errors, which proved instrumental in their low scoring allowance. This approach surpassed the legendary defense in key metrics, including points per game (10.3 vs. 12.4) and rushing yards allowed (970 vs. 1,319), cementing the 2000 unit's place among the all-time elite despite the Bears' edge in pass defense. The combination of talent, preparation, and innovation under Lewis not only won a but redefined defensive benchmarks for the era.

Awards and honors

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens earned numerous individual accolades, underscoring the exceptional performances of key players amid the team's championship run. Linebacker was the standout honoree, capturing the (AP) NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the league with 137 combined tackles and two interceptions, while anchoring a unit that allowed just 165 points all season—the fewest in the NFL. Lewis also earned first-team honors from the AP and finished fifth in AP NFL MVP voting, highlighting his pivotal role in the Ravens' defensive dominance. Additionally, Lewis was named Most Valuable Player for his performance in the 34-7 victory over the , where he recorded three tackles and a pass deflection in a game that featured no offensive touchdowns from Baltimore. Running back Jamal Lewis, in his rookie campaign, finished second in AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting after rushing for 1,364 yards and six touchdowns on 309 carries, providing a crucial ground attack despite the team's modest overall offensive output. Offensive tackle and kicker also secured first-team AP All-Pro selections, with Ogden protecting the pocket effectively and Stover converting 30 of 34 field goals, including several game-winners. Defensive tackle Sam Adams, defensive end Rob Burnett, and safety earned second-team AP All-Pro nods, contributing to the Ravens' league-leading defense in points allowed. Five Ravens players were selected to the 2001 Pro Bowl (representing the 2000 season): Ogden, Adams, Lewis, Stover, and Woodson. Quarterback received third-place votes in AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year balloting after stepping in midseason to lead the team to a 12-4 record and the playoffs. Head coach Brian Billick's strategic oversight of the defense, coordinated by , positioned the Ravens as the AFC's top seed, though he did not win individual coaching honors that year. In December 2025, the franchise marked the 25th anniversary of the Super Bowl XXXV champions with a halftime ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recognizing the coaching staff including Brian Billick, Marvin Lewis, and Rex Ryan, as well as Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.

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