30 Years

[tsylvester]

Well, it hasn't been pretty every year, infact the the team first came here Art couldn't afford a practice squad, even held open tryouts. I seriously considered trying out to volunteer as a tackling dummy, figured construction had kept me in decent shape, still had my instincts.

But my wife, the smart one of the marriage pointed out that I was 29, had bad knees, and being in weekend warrior shape was completely different than practice squad shape for an NFL team.

There was a lot of terrible play on both sides of the ball early on. Even the first Super Bowl winning team, 5 games of no touchdowns, no real starter at quarterback certainly didn't have us thinking that they could, let alone would. But once we saw the playoffs in reach, and that defense, there was little doubt by seasons end.

Super Bowl win number 2 was just as unexpected, we had a quarterback, but he was young, the line not that great and inconsistent wide receivers. Then the playoffs started and the incredible plays started going our way. How about that fourth down pass in the last minute of the game, down by 7, for a 70 yard touchdown! Ravens won in double overtime.

Yes, the team has changed, we finally have a "franchise", "elite" quarterback, one clearly headed to the Hall of Fame. An offense that can score quickly or run you over from one end of the field to the other.

No, the team is not perfect, but it is a playoff team, and no matter what, they are ours, bumps and bumps, warts and all.

My favorite memory though is actually of training many years ago. I met the now late great sockdolager from this board at camp. We talked and watched the team, after practice ended, he and I got to interview Clarence Moore, quite a thrill for the both of us. Ah camp, it used to be a great, free time at the college.

30 years, so many memories

[oldno82]

The team has come a long way in 30 years. I think the current team has the best offense it has ever had. The D is a work in progress but will never match that first Super Bowl defense. Yet, it doesn't have to. They just have to play solid and I think they can do that.

The franchise has grown by leaps and bounds. A new stadium. Plenty of money with a new owner who wants to win. A real heads-up front office.

While we can piss and moan about a few things with this team, they are exciting, entertaining, and I think they're dedicated to winning.

[papasmurfbell]

No d will be l8ke the 2000 team.  The rules are so different now.