So the Ravens were the best in the NFL?

I’m going to have to take off my innate Broncos cap to do this. While I would love to continue to argue about if the Ravens-Broncos game was played 10 times, the Ravens wouldn't win again, that isn't the case. The Ravens won, and won and won one more time to be crowned the NFL champions for this year. How did this happen? Well let’s take a look.

First off, on the first Sunday in February, Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco, Ed Reed and the rest of the Ravens came to play. They came out pumped up, scoring on their first drive and at one point, led the seemingly defenseless 49ers at 28-6 going into the second half.  After a 34-minute power outage, the 49ers decided to play, and made the game interesting. With less than a half to play, the 49ers got a TD pass off to Michael Crabtree, followed by a touchdown by Frank Gore, and then a punt return by Ted Ginn Jr. to bring the game within eight. Ray Rice then fumbled in Ravens territory, leading to two attempts (after a roughing the kicker call) by David Akers to bring the game within a score.

Regardless of the comeback, the Ravens held strong and became the eventual Super Bowl champs wining 34-31 one. Joe Flacco was named MVP and polarizing player Ray Lewis will end his career as a champion. As much fun as reading all the analysis about the power outage being the only reason one team won and one team lost would be fun, the better team ended up winning. There are reports and rumors of the outage being a concern prior to the game though, and the conspiracies surrounding the actual cause should be right around the corner.

So what does this Super Bowl victory mean for the Ravens, their players and the NFL? First off, in a season that began with Joe Flacco stating he should be in the same boat as the likes of Tom Brady, Payton Manning and other elite QBs, Flacco delivered. Beating both Manning and Brady in route to a Super Bowl victory and MVP, Flacco showed that he is exactly what elite QBs are made of.

What makes this so interesting, though, is that Flacco is currently at the end of his deal, and has yet to sit down with Raven ownership about a new deal. With elite QBs having signed deals nearing 100 million for the five-year mark, Flacco now has the leverage to pull a deal with similar numbers. During his playoff run, Flacco tied an NFL record throwing 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions. These numbers put him in Joe Montana territory.

While speaking on the Late Show with David Letterman, Flacco explained how before the New England game, team owner Steve Bisciotti told him, “Listen, this is our time, go get 'em. We have all the faith in you, and this is going to be your team a long time.” Flacco had previously turned down a contract extension at the beginning of the season due to money issues. Believing himself to be an elite quarterback, the money offered was not enough.

Flacco went on to comment on the contract extension, explaining, “…when I wasn't signing what they wanted me to sign, (Bisciotti) said, ‘Listen, when the time comes, I mean, you come and beat on my desk,’ and I said, ‘All right, I’ll take you up on that,’ and I think the time has come.” Flacco’s playoff and Super Bowl run is more than enough to push him to the ranks of the other elites, and ensure him elite numbers in his contract.

Along with Flacco, now the Ravens will have to reconsider some of the other pieces in their Super Bowl puzzle that enter free agency this off-season. Ed Reed, defensive staple and unrestricted free agent, has yet to sign a deal with the Ravens. While he does believe he only has a season or two left in him, he has played all 11 seasons with the Ravens. While he speaks a lot about the lack of loyalty in the NFL, he has also matched this comment with money issues. The Ravens will need to figure out how to deal with him, as well as standout receivers Jacoby Jones and Anquan Boldin.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a Ravens fan, this season reminds all NFL fans that to decide an NFL champion, you need to play out the season. Whether there is a difference between the best team and the team that comes out on top, that is an entirely different debate. 

Image courtesy of The Buffalo News