Not only do the Ravens lead the NFL in victories. They also lead the NFL in Pro Bowlers.
The Ravens tied an NFL record with 12 Pro Bowlers named to the 2019 AFC Pro Bowl team that was announced by the league Tuesday night. The New Orleans Saints have seven and Kansas City Chiefs have six.
The Ravens tied the 1973 Miami Dolphins for the most Pro Bowlers in history from one team, prior to any additions made due to injuries. The 1973 Dolphins, like the undefeated 1972 Dolphins, won the Super Bowl.
Baltimore's 12 Pro Bowlers are quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Mark Ingram II, right guard Marshal Yanda, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, tight end Mark Andrews, fullback Patrick Ricard, safety Earl Thomas III, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, outside linebacker Matthew Judon, kicker Justin Tucker and long snapper Morgan Cox.
Two Ravens were elected Pro Bowl alternates – right tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and punter Sam Koch. Fans, players and coaches each accounted for one-third of the Pro Bowl vote respectively.
Of Baltimore's 12 Pro Bowlers, nine are "homegrown players" – six draft picks (Andrews, Humphrey, Jackson, Judon, Stanley and Yanda) and three who signed as undrafted free agents (Cox, Ricard and Tucker). First-round draft choices from three-consecutive years were tabbed as Pro Bowlers: Stanley (2016), Humphrey (2017) and Jackson (2018).
The Ravens hope to be Super Bowl-bound and unable to attend the Pro Bowl, which will be held Jan. 26 in Orlando. However, to have 12 players honored as Pro Bowlers is an impressive achievement, reflecting just how good the Ravens have been during their 12-2 season, currently riding a 10-game winning streak.
"This is a team honor that none of us could have achieved without the help of each other," Ingram said.
The 2007 Dallas Cowboys had 11 Pro Bowlers originally announced, then two more added as replacements due to injuries.
Here's a look at why each Ravens Pro Bowler (listed in alphabetical order) was deserving:
TE Mark Andrews, first Pro Bowl
Andrews leads all NFL tight ends in touchdown catches (eight), breaking the previous franchise record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in a single season (seven), shared by Todd Heap and Dennis Pitta. Andrews is a go-to receiver in clutch situations who becomes a punishing runner once he makes the catch.
"This is an extreme honor, especially since I'm in my second year," Andrews said. "I wouldn't be here without my teammates, particularly our other tight ends – Nick Boyle and Hayden Hurst – with everything that we all do on the field. They make my job easier, so this is not an individual award – it's a team award."
LS Morgan Cox, (starter) third Pro Bowl
He has been a fixture on special teams since 2010, when Cox made the Ravens as an undrafted free agent. Cox's consistency as a long snapper has played a major role in the success of both Tucker and Koch. The Ravens never worry about snaps on punts and placekicks because they have Cox.
"I am thankful for this honor, as it's incredibly humbling to be the first snapper voted on by my peers," Cox stated. "I would not be in this position without my family's support and encouragement, and without my coaches, who have trusted me with this role and allowed me to develop into the snapper I am. My teammates constantly raise the standard of what it means to play at a championship level, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible organization. Most of all, I am thankful to God for His blessings in my life. This Pro Bowl selection is for my two sons, Daniel and Jonah. I'm so proud to be your dad!"
CB Marlon Humphrey, first Pro Bowl
From the first day of training camp, Humphrey arrived with a focus that let everyone know this would be his best season. Humphrey often shadows the opposition's best receiver, and he's physical enough to play big receivers and fast enough to stay with deep threats. Making game-changing plays like his punchout and fumble recovery against the Steelers in overtime has taken Humphrey's game to the next level. He also returned fumbles for touchdowns in Seattle and against the New England Patriots.
"I'm excited and thankful for the fans, players and coaches who voted for me," Humphrey said. "It's really cool to see so many of my teammates get into the Pro Bowl."
RB Mark Ingram II, third Pro Bowl
Acquired by the Ravens during free agency, Ingram (963 yards, 194 carries) is on pace for the third 1,000-yard season of his career. Averaging 5.0 yards per carry (seven in the NFL) with 10 touchdowns (sixth, tied), Ingram could surpass his career high of 12 touchdowns set in 2017 with New Orleans. Ingram is a tenacious runner who rarely goes down on first contact, and he has also caught four touchdown passes.
"It's exciting to be able to make the Pro Bowl in my first season here in Baltimore," Ingram stated. "It's an incredible honor, but I can't do it without the help of my great teammates and coaching staff. I'm really excited for all of my teammates who made it, as well. This is a team honor that none of us could have achieved without the help of each other. I appreciate all the players, coaches and fans around the league that voted for me."
QB Lamar Jackson, (starter) first Pro Bowl
The front-runner for the league's MVP award, Jackson is having a remarkable season. He has already set the all-time record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season (1,103), and he is the only quarterback in NFL history with at least 2,500 passing yards (2,889) and 1,000 rushing yards. Jackson has made plays on a weekly basis that have brought fans to their feet and would-be tacklers to their knees.
"This honor is all about my teammates and our coaches, because without them, the success we've had as a team wouldn't be possible," Jackson said. "I'm also grateful for all the fans who continue to support us and who have helped make this season so special. Ultimately, it's about winning, and we still have a lot of work to do before we accomplish our biggest goals."
OLB Matthew Judon, first Pro Bowl
With a career-high 8 ½ sacks, Judon has blossomed in his role as the team's primary pass rusher. Judon plays with a 100-mile-per hour motor, and his relentless energy is a key to Baltimore's defense. Even top quarterbacks with mobility like Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson have had difficulty escaping Judon in key situations.
"I was overjoyed when I heard the news," Judon stated. "It was probably one of the most exciting moments of my career so far. We work so hard in this game – everybody on our team has – and it's just so rewarding. We've put in the work, and for so many of us to get recognized like this, it's a testament to our hard work and our great coaching staff. For the fans, the coaches and the players to say you're one of the best players in the league this year – it really means a lot."
CB Marcus Peters, third Pro Bowl
Perhaps his nickname should be Pick-Six. Peters has more interceptions (27) than any player since entering the league in 2015, including five this season. When the Ravens acquired Peters in a midseason trade with the Los Angeles Rams, he added a dynamic dimension to Baltimore's defense. In his first game with Baltimore, Peters introduced himself with a pick-six against the Seattle Seahawks. He got another against the Cincinnati Bengals, and had a game-sealing pass deflection in Buffalo.
FB Patrick Ricard, (starter) first Pro Bowl
Ricard's devastating blocking is a catalyst for Baltimore's league-leading rushing attack. Ricard has also taken snaps at defensive tackle this season, where he has played well. But it's Ricard's work at fullback that has helped make the Ravens' rushing attack the toughest in football to contain. The Ravens know his value, signing Ricard to a two-year contract extension in early December.
"I feel humbled and appreciative, because a year ago at this time, I was inactive for the final month of the season, and there was outside talk about me not even making the team in 2019," Ricard stated. "I want to give credit to Greg Roman, first and foremost, for transitioning me to fullback three years ago when I was an undrafted defensive lineman. Additionally, Coach [Bobby] Engram and Coach [Andy] Bischoff – none of this would be possible without their guidance. But ultimately, I want to thank all the fans and players who voted for me, and I give a great deal of credit to my amazing teammates."
LT Ronnie Stanley, (starter) first Pro Bowl
Many believe Stanley has emerged as the NFL's best left tackle. He is the league's best left tackle overall and top pass-blocking tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. He's given up just one quarterback hit and five hurries all season, neutralizing some of the NFL's best pass rushers and protecting Jackson's blindside with unflappable consistency since Week 1. Stanley's athleticism allows him to run block in multiple ways.
"It is an honor to be selected, and I'm excited for my teammates who made it," Stanley stated. "I'm happy, but not satisfied. We still have bigger goals and ambitions. It's nice to get recognized by our peers and earn their respect, but we still have a long way to go."
FS Earl Thomas III, seventh Pro Bowl
Joining the Ravens after nine seasons in Seattle, Thomas also introduced himself with a bang with a Week 1 interception against Miami. Thomas has made the difficult adjustment from being a safety used primarily as a centerfielder in Seattle to a jack-of-all trades safety in Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale's complex scheme. Thomas is adding to his Hall of Fame credentials by proving he can be an impact player in any system.
K Justin Tucker, (starter) third Pro Bowl
The most accurate kicker in NFL history, Tucker has made 23 of 24 field goal attempts this year, including two game-winners against Pittsburgh and San Francisco, respectively. Tucker's 49-yard clincher against the 49ers was particularly impressive, a clutch kick in rainy conditions that Tucker nailed with plenty to spare. In any kicking situation, the Ravens trust in Tucker.
"Thank you to all of my teammates, coaches and everyone in the Ravens organization who have helped me be selected to the Pro Bowl," Tucker stated. "It is truly an honor to be recognized by our peers across the league, both players and coaches, and to have the support of so many fans who voted over the last several weeks.
"I would also like to recognize the people with whom I get to work most closely – Morgan Cox, Sam Koch, Randy Brown and Chris Horton. It is an absolute blessing to work with people who are not only great at what they do but also great men and true friends. Morgan and Sam – along with everyone who has protected for us on placekicks and covered kickoffs throughout the year – strive for excellence and bring the best out of me. For all of those guys, I am truly grateful."
RG Marshal Yanda, (starter) eighth Pro Bowl
Adding to his Hall of Fame-worthy credentials, Yanda is playing some of the best football of his career at age 35. He is the unquestioned leader of the offensive line and he seems reenergized by the Ravens' success. Winning another Super Bowl is the main goal on Yanda's mind. But adding another Pro Bowl to his collection is also something to savor. Only three Ravens have been named to more Pro Bowls – Ray Lewis (13), Jonathan Ogden (11), and Ed Reed (nine). All three are in the Hall of Fame. That's where Yanda should be headed when his career ends.
"Being voted to the Pro Bowl is an entire team honor – not just the individual," Yanda said. "And this year, we have a lot of guys who have worked extremely hard and are being rewarded."
