Baltimore Ravens

5 Reasons For Baltimore Ravens Fans To Be Thankful

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

There is a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season, especially if you are a Baltimore Ravens fan

It has been a frustrating year for fans of the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have dealt with inconsistent play and injuries throughout the season. They sit at 5-5 and could easily be 8-2 or 7-3. Many games have come down to the last couple minutes in the game and the Ravens have not been able to pull out a win.

While there is frustration, Ravens fan must remember that they have much to be thankful for. From an elite (maybe) quarterback, to a solid head coach, to fantastic owners, to a wonderful stadium, there is much to be appreciated. After all the pain that some seasons have brought to Ravens fans, it could be much worse.

Here are my 5 reasons why Ravens fans should be thankful during Thanksgiving season.

Nov 20, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) talks with umpire Roy Ellison (81) after a holding call against the offense in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Reason #1: Joe Flacco

Elite or not it doesn’t matter, Ravens fans should be thankful to have Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback.

Before he got hurt last season, Joe Flacco had not missed a game since he was drafted in 2008. To put that into perspective, that run ranks as the 5th for the longest consecutive starts by a National Football League quarterback. That kind of durability is something that us fans should be thankful for. Not to mention, his play in the 2012 playoffs. The 11 touchdowns to 0 interceptions is one of the most impressive playoff performances to date. He also beat hall of fame quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning on the road.

Since then he has not played up to that level, but it is hard to put all of the blame on him. There have been a plethora of injuries and some very unlucky outcomes as of recently. Ravens fans know that when it comes to playoff football, Joe Flacco takes his game to another level.

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (left) high fives fans after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14 at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Reason #2: John Harbaugh

Since John Harbaugh became the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, he has a record of 80-51 in the regular season and 10-5 in the playoffs. That is pretty damn good if you ask me. In his first season as head coach, he flipped the Ravens record from 5-11 to 11-5. With a rookie quarterback and running back, the team reached the AFC Championship Game.

That first season was only the beginning. The Ravens have reached the playoffs 6 out of the 9 times under Harbaugh. Many of the coaches who have served under Harbaugh have gone to become head coaches on other teams. It is a very impressive list that includes Gary Kubiak (Kubiak had been a head coach before though), Rex Ryan, and Jim Caldwell.

It says something about your head coach when his assistants are constantly leaving to take on higher positions. He has handled the constant change of personnel well and worked with what he has been given. The Ravens always seem to be in contention when Harbaugh is their coach.

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Reason #3: Ozzie Newsome

Ravens fans know when it doubt, to trust in their general manager Ozzie Newsome. Not only was Ozzie Newsome a hall of fame player, but he is also a hall of fame caliber executive.

As an executive with the Cleveland Browns from 1991-1995, Newsome came to Baltimore with the new team. After just four years of being in Baltimore, the team was able to capture a Super Bowl title. That is an impressive feat to say the least. There are 13 teams in the NFL that have not won a Super-Bowl and the majority of those teams have been around a lot longer than the Ravens.

Newsome has worked his magic as an executive and has acquired many players whether it has been though free agency, draft, or undrafted free agents. Would you like me to name a few of them for you? This list includes Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, Terrell Suggs, Justin Tucker, Anquan Boldin, and Derrick Mason. I could write a whole post about the success of Ozzie Newsome as a general manager. He has been that good and the Ravens are very lucky to have him.

Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of Super Bowl XXV championship ring to commemorate the Baltimore Ravens 34-7 victory over New York Giants on January 28, 2001 on display at the NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sport

Reason #4: Art Modell

Art Modell was the man who brought us the Ravens. If Ravens fans have anyone to be thankful for, it is him.

Before the Ravens moved to Baltimore, the city had been without a team since the Colts left in 1983. The team was moved to Baltimore after the 1995 season and the rest is history. Since then, the Ravens have won 2 Super Bowls.

Yes it is appropriate to credit success to Ozzie Newsome, John Harubaugh, and players like Ray Lewis, but this would not be possible without Art Modell. He faced harsh criticism from fans and media for moving his team but ultimately it was the best move. The team struggled financially after arriving in Baltimore and Modell smartly sold the majority of his ownership to current owner Steve Biscotti. He remained 1% of ownership and kept a job as a team consultant. Before the 2012 season, Modell unfortunately passed away from natural causes. The team dedicated their season to him and were able to win a Super Bowl.

Rest in peace Art Modell and thank you for all that you did.

Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Reason #5: M&T Bank Stadium

If you have not been to M&T Bank Stadium, I highly recommend that you fix that. It has only been around since 1998 and it is a great stadium. The stadium is visible as soon as you make your way into the city and it sits right next to the beautiful Orioles Park at Camden Yards.

I have sat in all different areas of the stadium and can say that there is not a bad view. Nose-bleed seats still provide a good angle to watch the game. Even before you enter the stadium, you can visit the Ravens Walk. The walk features different bars and food as well as live music. It is an awesome tailgate experience that will keep you busy before the game starts.

The stadium also provides for a major home field advantage for the Ravens. Baltimore fans love their football and it shows. Every game fills up the stadium and the vibe is always electric. Even after last season, which was full of injuries, the fans stuck by their team and showed up to games. Ravens fans should be thankful that they have such a nice stadium to watch football at on Sundays. I get the chills every time I watch the players run out the tunnel for pregame introduction. It provides a great experience for fans and is must visit if you are in Baltimore.