The 10 Best NFL Teams of the Last Decade
8. 2006 Baltimore Ravens
nERD: 11.64
Record: 13-3, lost AFC Divisional Playoffs
The Baltimore Ravens turned around a 6-10 record the previous year to achieve the first 4-0 start to a season in team history in 2006. They were, however, unable to make the most of this regular-season momentum in what would be head coach Brian Billick’s final winning season as a head coach in the NFL.
Similar to their AFC North rivals, Pittsburgh, Baltimore had very few offensive heroes in the early half of the past decade. Quarterback Steve McNair and tight end Todd Heap were the only Ravens to make the top-10 in Total NEP at their positions. McNair not only added a solid amount in the passing game, he also had the third-most Rushing NEP among quarterbacks, behind just Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb.
This was a defense-oriented squad, and it showed in the Ravens’ scoring differential. Middle linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed, defensive lineman Haloti Ngata, and pass-rusher Terrell Suggs limited opposing offenses to just 12.56 points per game -- the sixth-lowest average since the 16-game schedule was enacted. The team just ahead of them? The 1985 Chicago Bears.
They even held the eventual Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts to 15 points in the Divisional Playoffs -- all field goals -- but the offense couldn’t generate enough push to capitalize on their defense’s incredible showing.
