1988 Cincinatti Bengals @ 2000 Baltimore Ravens

One of the greatest teams to have never won a superbowl takes on one of the greatest defenses that did win the big game, it's the 88 Bengals taking on the 00 Ravens.

The 1988 Bengals had one of the biggest "Worst to first" seasons ever. Boomer Esiason had feuded with Sam Wyche throughout the 87 season, but when they got past their issues in 88 Boomer shone, throwing for 3,572 yards, 28 TDs, and only 14 picks earning him a MVP award. His top target was Eddie Brown, who caught 54 receptions for 1,274 and 9 TDs. Also notable were Time Mcgee and Rodney Holman, combining for another 1,213 yards and 9 TDs. Then you James Brooks gaining a over 1,200 all purpose yards and 14 total TDs and an o-line anchored by Anthony Munoz. Arguably the face of the Bengals during this time was Icky Woods, a rookie sensation at fullback who ran for over 1,000 yards and 15 TDs, so you saw him doing his signature Icky Shuffle dance quite a bit. The less said about that horrid TD dance, the better.

So, the defense was... average. The D-line of Tim Krumrie, Jim Skow, David Grant, and Jason Buck made up the bulk of the teams 41 total sacks, and helped their defensive backs Eric Thomas and David Fulcher get 12 total interceptions. Safety Lewis Billups also had 4 of his own. The defense was arguably the fault of them losing Super Bowl XXIII that year, allowing a game winning drive by Joe Montana's 49ers to happen and giving the Niners the win, 20-16.

The team they are going up against did win on the big stage because of their defense however. I'm sorry, but this Raven's offense is one of the worst ever, atleast, passing wise, but in the interest of fairness, they did have QB issues. Tony Banks and Trent Dilfer were the teams top 2 QBs, who threw for a combined 3,080 yards 20 TDs and 19 INTs. Their top targets were veteren TE Shannon Sharpe (810 yards, 5 TDs) and wideout Quadry Ismail (655 yards, 4 TDs). Luckily the rushing attack was very good with Jamal Lewis rushing for 1,364 yards and 6 rushing TDs, with Priest Holmes adding 588 rushing yards.

This Ravens defense was the one that got the, "Defense wins championships" trend that was going around in the earlier part of the 2000s started. Led by linebacker Ray Lewis (138 tackles, 3 sacks) his fellow linebackers Peter Boulware (7 sacks) and Jamie Sharpner (5 forced fumbles) were simply amazing. The DBs, led by safety Rod Woodson, had 17 combined interceptions, due in large part to a defensive line led by Rob Burnett (10.5 sacks) constantly harrasing the QB. Greatest defense ever, it very well may be.

Prediction: Honestly, I'm going to have to guess on this one, but the question really comes down to "Can anyone do the Icky Shuffle on this defense?" and the answer is no. Sorry Woods, but the Ravens are going to win this one 21-7. A little tight, but never really any doubt about who will win.

Game Summary:

We begin this one with just under 5 minutes to go in the 1st quarter. Tony Banks throws a beautiful pass to Shannon Sharpe for a 28 yard TD allowing Shannon to do some trash talking for cameras on the sidelines and putting the Ravens up 7-0. In the 2nd quarter, with about 8 minutes left, Tony Banks throws an interception to David Fulcher that sets up Cincy on Baltimore's 25 yard line. The Bengals can't take advantage, however, and have to kick a 41 yard field goal, which Jim "Security" Breech is able to make, making the score 7-3. Just a few plays later, a huge 37 yard run by Jamal Lewis sets up a 43 yard field goal by Matt Stover, and it's good, sending the Ravnes ahead 10-3. Then, with just over a minute left to go in the half, Tony Banks throws yet another interception, giving the Bengals  a chance to tie this thing up. Boomer responds by throwing a pick of his own to Duane Starks, giving the Ravens the ball yet again. Ray Lewis then bustes off a huge FIFTY YARD RUN, setting up a 30 yard field goal to end the half, which is right don the middle. Score at the half, the Ravens are leading, 13-3.

After the Bengals fizzle out to being the 2nd half, the Ravens can't get very far, but do drive enough to set up a 50 yard FG by Matt Stover, which he makes to make the score 16-3. Tony Banks, with over a minute left a minute left to play in the 3rd, throws a bomb to Brandon Stokley who then makes a couple guys missing, earning himself a 50 yard TD catch. Batlimore is starting to run away with it, 23-3. Then, to kick of the 4th, a punt sets up Batlimore on the Bengal's 42 yard line, and the Ravens are able to take advantage, driving down the field in 9 plays and Banks throwing yet another TD pass to Barndon Stokley, making it 30-3. The Ravens try a field goal attempt a bit later, but it's no good, not that matters. Final score: Ravens 30, Bengals 3.