Bob Haynie: Ravens Vs. Broncos - The Greatest Baltimore Football Game I've Ever Seen
I'm 48 years old and go back to watching the Baltimore Colts. Yes, the Blue and White used to provide plenty of exciting memories for yours truly.
Now, I wasn't around for the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the Colts and New York Giants. Which, of course, was a monumental matchup that has dubbed the Greatest Game Ever Played.
I have seen some pretty epic confrontations.
This is just my humble opinion, but Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff clash between the Ravens and Broncos, was the best Baltimore pro football game I have ever seen.
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A 38-35, two-OT win for for the home team, certainly helps the fact that memories of this battle will last for generations.
The 1977 AFC Playoff double-overtime thriller between the Colts and Raiders has had documentaries made about it. Unfortunately, the game was blacked-out in Baltimore. So, unless you were there, or lived outside of the Charm City, you didn't see it.
In January of 2001, the Ravens crushed the Giants, 34-7, to win Super Bowl 35. Winning the ultimate prize is what every NFL team strives for. You have to admit, though, that the game was not elite by any stretch of the imagination.
This past Saturday's game in frigid Denver, Colorado, was one for the ages.
The Ravens fought back everytime it seemed as though they were done. They overcame poor special teams play and adverse weather conditions.
Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco stood toe-to-toe with Peyton Manning all afternoon. In the end, it was the future Hall of Famer and long-time Ravens tormentor who blinked.
Rookie kicker Justin Tucker, who I didn't think would even make the team back in August, continued to make John Harbaugh look smart by nailing the game-winning 47-yard FG to send Broncos' fans home feeling empty.
Jacoby Jones, who's game-tying 70 yard touchdown reception will forever make him a Baltimore hero, Torrey Smith, Corey Graham and , of course Flacco, are just some of the standouts of a game that will be talked about for years.
And who will ever forget the image of Ravens' LB Ray Lewis overcome with emotion after Tucker made his kick.
Will the Ravens go to New England and upset the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game? That is something we will talk about all week.
No matter what happens in Foxboro on Sunday, the win over the Broncos will live forever.
To me, the greatest game in Baltimore NFL history.
BH
