'They were terrified of us': 'Bullies of Baltimore' documentary on 2000 Ravens premieres
BALTIMORE - Fierce, dominating, intimidating were just a few adjectives used to describe the 2000 Baltimore Ravens' defense.
They didn't need much of an offense.
The Ravens had Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Tony Siragusa, Adalius Thomas, Rod Woodson, Chris McAlister and Duane Starks were just some of the defenders that carried them to the Super Bowl championship, Baltimore's first since recouping its football franchise.
On Sunday, that defense, and Super Bowl championship team, was celebrated for the national world to see. ESPN premiered a 30-for-30 documentary Sunday night called "Bullies of Baltimore."
"We had the greatest defense to play the game," Siragusa said in the promo video. Siragusa, a key player on the defensive line, died on June 22, 2022.
The Ravens went into the playoffs as a Wild Card participant before routing Denver, 21-3, Tennessee, 24-10, and Oakland, 16-3.
They dominated the New York Giants, 34-7, in Super Bowl XXXV on January 28, 2001.
The Ravens' defense yielded just 23 points combined in four playoff games.
But it wasn't just the play on the field that caught the league's attention.
They played with arrogance and talked trash to their opponents.
"It was about intimidation," former Raven Shannon Sharpe said.
"They were terrified of us," added Siragusa.
"We were here to dominate them," Lewis said.
Jimmy's Famous Seafood hosted a watch party Sunday night with Qadry Ismail, Obafemi Ayanbadejo, Kyle Richardson and other members of that championship team.
WJZ anchor Rick Ritter started the evening with a question and answer segment.
The documentary aired from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and afterwards, there was an autograph session and photo opportunity with the 2000 World Championship Trophy.
Tickets were $98 per person, and the proceeds will benefit Goose Flights.
This charity provides individuals with terminal illness safe and reliable access to healthcare facilities, hospitals, and vacation destinations via jet charter transportation.
