When’s the last time Ravens went to the Super Bowl? It’s been a long time since the Baltimore Ravens last graced the biggest stage in professional football. The last time the Ravens appeared in the Super Bowl was in 2012, where they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers. This article will take a look back at that memorable Super Bowl, as well as explore the factors that have contributed to the Ravens’ absence from the Super Bowl in recent years.
The 2012 Super Bowl was a highly anticipated matchup, as the Ravens were coming off a 12-4 regular season record and a dominant victory in the AFC Championship Game. The Ravens’ defense, led by future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, was one of the best in the league, and they had a chance to bring home their second Super Bowl title. The 49ers, on the other hand, were a young and talented team with a strong offense, led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with both teams scoring touchdowns in the first half. However, the Ravens’ defense held the 49ers’ offense in check, and they eventually led 28-6 at halftime. The second half was a different story, as the 49ers mounted a comeback, scoring 28 points to cut the deficit to 28-24. The Ravens’ kicker, Billy Cundiff, missed a crucial field goal in the final minutes, allowing the 49ers to have a chance to win the game. Unfortunately for the Ravens, Kaepernick’s pass to Michael Crabtree was intercepted by Ed Reed, securing the victory for Baltimore.
Since that memorable Super Bowl, the Ravens have struggled to maintain their success. The team has faced several challenges, including injuries, aging players, and a lack of depth on the roster. The Ravens have had a losing record in each of the past three seasons, and they have not been able to return to the Super Bowl.
One of the key factors in the Ravens’ decline has been the departure of key players. Ray Lewis, who retired after the 2012 season, was a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense, and his leadership and experience were sorely missed. Other notable players, such as Terrell Suggs and Anquan Boldin, have also left the team, leaving a void on both sides of the ball.
In addition to the loss of talent, the Ravens have faced several coaching changes. Since the 2012 Super Bowl, the team has had three different head coaches, which has contributed to a lack of consistency and stability. The team is currently under the leadership of John Harbaugh, who has been coaching the Ravens since 2008, but the team has yet to return to the Super Bowl under his guidance.
Despite the challenges, the Ravens remain a competitive team in the NFL. With a new crop of talent emerging, such as quarterback Lamar Jackson and defensive end Marlon Humphrey, there is hope that the Ravens can return to the Super Bowl in the near future. The team will need to address their depth issues, improve their coaching staff, and maintain a strong culture to achieve that goal.
In conclusion, when’s the last time Ravens went to the Super Bowl? The answer is 2012, and it’s been a long time since then. The Ravens have faced numerous challenges in the years since, but with the right mix of talent, coaching, and leadership, they could once again reach the pinnacle of professional football.
