2007 Baltimore Ravens season
| 2007 Baltimore Ravens season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Brian Billick |
| Home field | M&T Bank Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 5–11 |
| Division place | 4th AFC North |
| Playoff finish | did not qualify |
The 2007 Baltimore Ravens season was the 12th season for the team in the National Football League. They entered the season hoping to improve on their 13–3 record from 2006, but finished the season with a 5–11 record and missed the playoffs.
Head coach Brian Billick entered his ninth and final year with the Ravens, as he was fired at the end of the season. He was joined by offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
During the offseason the Ravens cut Jamal Lewis, with the intent of re-signing him at a lower salary. However, he then signed with the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens also choose not to place the franchise tag on Adalius Thomas, who then signed with the New England Patriots. Fullback Ovie Mughelli was also lost in free agency, signing with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Ravens then traded a 3rd and 7th round draft pick in the 2007 draft and a 3rd round pick in 2008 for Willis McGahee. In the 1st round of the draft, the Ravens selected Auburn offensive tackle Ben Grubbs. In the 5th round, the Baltimore Ravens drafted Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith.
The NFL released the 2007 NFL schedule and the Ravens get five of the first eight games on the road, including a season opening Monday Night contest at Cincinnati. It is the first of three Monday Night games on the season and 4 total nationally televised games, including a preseason game televised by NBC.
The Ravens began their 2007 campaign on the road against their AFC North foe, the Cincinnati Bengals, in the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. In the first quarter, Baltimore lost two fumbles early on, with the Bengals turning the second fumble into QB Carson Palmer's 39-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson. Later, another Raven fumble allowed Cincinnati to cash in as Bengals kicker Shayne Graham nailed a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Baltimore finally managed to get on the board as RB Musa Smith got a 6-yard TD run. Later, Cincinnati increased its advantage with Graham kicking a 40-yard field goal. The Ravens would end the half with kicker Matt Stover getting a 36-yard field goal.
...
Wikipedia