The Greatest Villain In the History of All 32 NFL Teams
By Erik Lambert
Tennessee Titans
35. . MLB. Baltimore Ravens. Ray Lewis . 31. player
Most might think the Super Bowl defeat against the Rams in 1999 was the most painful moment in Tennessee Titans history. However, many would say that’s not true. Rather it was the loss to the Baltimore Ravens a year later in the divisional round that was the true devastator. That 2000 Titans team was considered by many to be even better than the one the previous year.
They’d gone 13-3 and boasted the #1 defense in the NFL. Steve McNair, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, and Derrick Mason were all Pro Bowlers on offense too. This roster was stacked. Yet they never counted on the Ravens being the threat they were, and this was due in large part to the overarching presence of linebacker Ray Lewis.
The future Hall of Famer was at his peak in 2000. He was Defensive Player of the Year and making big plays left and right. Probably the biggest of his career came in that game. Trailing 17-10, the Titans appeared to be driving towards a tying touchdown. It was then Lewis provided the highlight of the season. McNair threw an out pass to George that was a little behind the running back.
As George juggled it trying to gain control, Lewis came out of nowhere and literally stole the ball out of his hands, returning it a 50-yard touchdown. That loss was so devastating that Tennessee failed to make the playoffs the next season. Eight year later it was the same story.
A 13-3 regular season.
A first round matchup against Lewis and the Ravens.
Score just 10 points and commit a backbreaking turnover late in the game to lose it. Brutal.