Face It, Ravens Are For Real

The Ravens have always been disliked, disrespected, and underdogs since their inception in 1996. Now, they aren't disrespected as openly as the Oakland Raiders, but the Ravens are always put down. Whether it is being predicted to lose every week, or being labeled as a bunch of "thugs" and "criminals", the disrespect is there. Despite being the fifth most winning team of the decade (83-61), 7-4 in five playoff berths, one Super Bowl win, and two conference championship appearances, the Ravens have never been a top-ranked team, or even considered a legitimate Super-Bowl contender, or a division title contender. The Ravens are hoping this season they can overcome that. Last year it wasn't until they stunned the top-seeded Titans in the divisional round of the playoffs until they were even considered in the Lombardi race. But almost every year, with few exceptions, the Ravens prove all naysayers wrong. Traditionally it's always been the defense that make...