Ravens Get Defensive in 'Bullies of Baltimore' Documentary

Baltimore rode its defense all the way to Super Bowl XXXV, where they blew out the New York Giants 34-7.

The Baltimore Ravens had one of the most dominant defenses in the history of the NFL during the 2000 season and rode that unit all the way to Super Bowl XXXV, where they blew out the New York Giants 34-7.

That Ravens team was immortalized with a 30 for 30 ESPN documentary dubbed the "Bullies of Baltimore". Here are the highlights:

Defense win championship

The Ravens set several NFL records during that 2000 season, including the fewest points allowed during a 16-game season (165) and the fewest rushing yards allowed (970). The defense also led the league in turnovers (49).

Ray Lewis was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year and led a group that ran roughshod over opponents.

Baltimore did not allow an offensive touchdown to the Giants in the Super Bowl as New York had its lone score on a kickoff return. Baltimore set the tone by forcing five turnovers and allowing just 152 yards. 

Honoring Goose

The late Tony Siragusa was the star of the show. The former NFL lineman and Ravens defensive tackle died at the age of 55 on June 22. Siragusa played a key role in that title run in 2000, knocking Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon out of the game in the AFC Championship. 

Siragusa later had a confrontation with CBS broadcaster and former quarterback Phil Simms, who criticized the play. Siragusa was fined $10,000 by the league for the hit and he blamed Gannon for the penalty. 

The Raiders also reneged on a deal with Siragusa prior to the 1996 season, cutting back their offer by $50,000. That left a bad taste in his mouth. "I bet you're glad you saved that $50K. It cost you a Super Bowl," Siragusa told owner Al Davis after the playoff game. "He was pretty pissed off. I didn't give a [crap]."

Dilfer: Unlikely Hero

Quarterback Trent Dilfer did a solid job managing the Ravens' offense that season. He just didn't want to mess things up for the defense. At one point, though, the Ravens didn't score an offensive touchdown in five straight games. 

The team still won two of those three games. 

Nonetheless, Dilfer became an unlikely hero with his mistake-free performance in the playoffs and helped set the tone in the Super Bowl with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley that provided a 7-0 lead. 

The Ravens decided to part ways with Dilfer after the season and signed Elvis Grbac, who lasted just one year in Baltimore. "It was the hardest thing in my career that I've had to get over, was being told that you weren't good enough after just winning a Super Bowl," Dilfer said. 

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