Baltimore doesn't travel to Denver too often. Not since 2006 have the Ravens been to the Mile High City, and only twice since 2001. The last time the Ravens were able to win in Denver was in 2001, just a year after their Super Bowl championship.
After their stellar run to claim the 2000 Super Bowl title, the Ravens geared up for another shot at it in 2001. Baltimore retained almost all of its starters from the previous season, aside from one big difference – quarterback Trent Dilfer. Dilfer did not sign back with team after the 2000 season, as Baltimore inked Elvis Grbac to be its starting quarterback in 2001. Another missing piece on offense was running back Jamal Lewis who was lost for the campaign with a torn ACL he suffered in training camp. Terry Allen was signed during camp as his replacement.
The Broncos were just two years removed from their back-to-back Super Bowl championship seasons and looking to avenge their loss to the Ravens in the 2000 Wild Card game in Baltimore. Star running back Terrell Davis was hurt and inactive for the playoff game. Denver was rallying behind quarterback Brian Griese in hopes that he would be their quarterback of the future. The Broncos had also replaced Mile High Stadium with brand new Invesco Field at Mile High. The Broncos were going through a bit of a transition.
As it turns out, the game was a low-scoring affair that played right into the Ravens' hands. After trailing by seven points in the third quarter, Baltimore scored the game's final 14 points to secure a 20-13 victory, improving their record to 2-1.
Stat of the game
Broncos running back Mike Anderson's 34 yards rushing. Denver's lead running back was limited to a meager 2.8 yards per carry.
Player of the game
Ravens safety Corey Harris. Harris was all over the field for Baltimore's defense, totaling seven tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Harris was selected as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
Play of the game
The Ravens completed their comeback with a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Elvis Grbac to Travis Taylor. Baltimore used a 12-play drive that lasted 6:16, chewing up clock for the winning score.
Quote of the week
Chris McAlister on going to Denver with the Broncos looking to avenge the playoff loss from the previous year:"This is what we do. We're just going to go out and play like we always have and give America something to look forward to. That's why the National Football League is the No. 1 sport to watch."
What it meant
The Broncos could not get revenge on Baltimore from the 2000 wild card game the previous season. The 2001 Ravens would go on to a 10-6 record and followed up their Super Bowl season with a second-straight playoff appearance. After a wild card win over the Dolphins in Miami, the Ravens were stopped by their rivals, the Steelers, in Pittsburgh in the divisional round. Denver finished 8-8 and did not qualify for the postseason.
