2007 Baltimore Ravens season

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.

Coaching staff
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.

Offseason
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.

Schedule
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.

Game summary
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.

In the third quarter, Baltimore's turnover problems continued as QB Steve McNair fumbled the ball as he got sacked, allowing Bengals LB Landon Johnson to return the fumble 34 yards for a touchdown for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens finally took the lead with Stover kicking a 23-yard field goal and Safety Ed Reed returning a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. However, later in the period, a McNair pass would end up intercepted by DE Robert Geathers. The Bengals would quickly cash in as Palmer would complete a 7-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh, followed by a 2-point conversion run by RB Rudi Johnson. With McNair having groin problems, QB Kyle Boller would take over. He threw a pass in the red zone to tight end Todd Heap that was overturned for an offensive pass interference penalty – a call that drew anger from Ravens fans as replays showed that if anything, Heap had been interfered against. Near the end of the game, he almost helped the Ravens score, but a Michael Myers interception ended any hope of Baltimore's comeback. In the end, the Ravens would end up with 6 total turnovers on the night.

With the loss, Baltimore began its season at 0–1 while the Bengals started out 1–0.

Scoring summary
Q1 – CIN – 8:38 – 39 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (kick failed) (CIN 6–0)

Q1 – CIN – 4:07 – Shayne Graham 23 yard FG (CIN 9–0)

Q2 – BAL – 11:56 – Musa Smith 6 yard TD run (Matt Stover kick) (CIN 9–7)

Q2 – CIN – 1:07 – Shayne Graham 40 yard FG (CIN 12–7)

Q2 – BAL – 0:06 – Matt Stover 36 yard FG (CIN 12–10)

Q3 – CIN – 8:57 – Landon Johnson 34 yard fumble return TD (Graham kick) (CIN 19–10)

Q4 – BAL – 14:05 – Matt Stover 23 yard FG (CIN 19–13)

Q4 – BAL – 12:25 – Ed Reed 63 yard punt return TD (Stover kick) (BAL 20–19)

Q4 – CIN – 8:53 – 7 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh (Rudi Johnson 2 point conversion run) (CIN 27–20)

Week 2: vs. New York Jets
Hoping to rebound from their turnover-plagued loss to the Bengals, the Ravens flew home for their Week 2 home-opener against the New York Jets. With Steve McNair still recovering from a groin injury, QB Kyle Boller was given the start for this Back-Up Bowl (due to the fact Kellen Clemens was filling in for an injured Chad Pennington). In the first quarter, Baltimore took to the skies early with Boller completing a 2-yard TD pass to RB Willis McGahee for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Jets responded with kicker Mike Nugent getting a 50-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Ravens responded with kicker Matt Stover getting a 28-yard field goal and Boller completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Todd Heap.

After a scoreless third quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with Stover kicking a 43-yard field goal. However, the Jets began to show some fight within them as Nugent kicked a 21-yard field goal, while Clemens completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Chris Baker. Fortunately, the Ravens defense held its ground and LB Ray Lewis managed to get the game-winning interception.

With the win, not only did Baltimore improve to 1–1, but it made the Ravens 4–0 against the Jets while under Head Coach Brian Billick.

Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals
After their win over the Jets, the Ravens stayed at home for a Week 3 interconference fight with the Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, Baltimore took flight first with kicker Matt Stover getting a 21-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Ravens increased its lead with Stover getting a 28-yard field goal. The Cardinals would respond with kicker Neil Rackers getting a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, Baltimore began to unload with QB Steve McNair completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason, while rookie WR Yamon Figurs returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown.

In the third quarter, Arizona managed to get a 40-yard field goal from Rackers, while the Ravens had Stover kick a 43-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals started to work their way back into the game with QB Kurt Warner completing a 5-yard and a 32-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, along with Rackers getting a 41-yard field goal to tie the game. Stover helped Baltimore close out the game with a win as he nailed the game-winning 46-yard field goal as time expired.

With the win, the Ravens improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Cleveland Browns
Coming off their last-second home win over the Cardinals, the Ravens flew to Cleveland Browns Stadium for an AFC North duel with the Cleveland Browns. The match-up would be notable with former Ravens RB Jamal Lewis now playing for Cleveland. In the first quarter, Baltimore trailed early as the Browns took their opening drive and ended it with QB Derek Anderson (another former Raven) completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Joe Jurevicius. Also, immediately after QB Steve McNair got intercepted, Cleveland cashed in with Anderson completing a 78-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards. In the second quarter, Baltimore managed to get on the board with kicker Matt Stover getting a 21-yard field goal. However, the Browns continued their offensive surge with kicker Phil Dawson getting a 41-yard field goal, along with Lewis getting a 1-yard TD run. Even though instant replay showed that the ball was just shy of breaking the plane of the goal line, the Ravens' coaching staff was unable to challenge the play in time. They would end the half with Stover kicking a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Cleveland continued its surgence with Dawson kicking a 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore tried to come back, but the only thing from their comeback was McNair's 4-yard TD pass to TE Quinn Sypniewski. With the surprising loss, the Ravens fell to 2–2, despite outgaining the Browns 418–303 in total offense. On the positive note, RB Willis McGahee got his first 100-yard game as a Raven, as he ran 14 times for 104 yards.

Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Browns, the Ravens flew to Bill Walsh Field at Monster Park for an interconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers. Baltimore would even go up against the QB that helped them win Super Bowl XXXV, Trent Dilfer, because QB Alex Smith was out with a separated shoulder.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Ravens got the first punch with kicker Matt Stover getting a 26-yard and a 32-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Stover gave Baltimore a 49-yard field goal. However, the 49ers threatened with Dilfer completing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Arnaz Battle. The 49ers' kicker Joe Nedney missed the potential game-winning field goal from 52 yards out, and the Ravens held on for the lead.

With their win, Baltimore improved to 3–2.

Week 6: vs. St. Louis Rams
Coming off of their road win over the 49ers, the Ravens went home for a Week 6 interconference duel with the winless St. Louis Rams. With QB Steve McNair out with injuries, back-up Kyle Boller was given the start.

In the first quarter, Baltimore took flight early with kicker Matt Stover getting a 43-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Raven continued to take advantage of an injury-plagued Rams team with Stover kicking a 42-yard field goal, along with RB Willis McGahee getting a 6-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with Stover nailing a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, St. Louis would get its only score of the game as kicker Jeff Wilkins got a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens sealed their easy win with Stover kicking a 31-yard and a 36-yard field goal.

With the win, Baltimore improved to 4–2.

During the win, the Ravens defense forced six turnovers, which included a franchise-best 5 interceptions.

Week 7: at Buffalo Bills
Coming off their easy home win over the Rams, the Ravens flew to Ralph Wilson Stadium for a Week 7 duel with the Buffalo Bills. This game would be notable for RB Willis McGahee, as he returned to Buffalo to play against his former team. Also, with McNair still out with injuries, QB Kyle Boller was given the start.

In the first quarter, Baltimore trailed early as Bills kicker Rian Lindell got a 29-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Ravens continued to struggle as Lindell increased Buffalo's lead with 26-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Baltimore got back into the game as McGahee ran 43 yards for a touchdown. However, the Bills responded with Lindell getting a 41-yard field goal, along with RB Marshawn Lynch getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens got within striking range as Boller completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason. Buffalo held on to get the win.

With the loss, Baltimore entered its bye week at 4–3.

Week 9: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off their bye week, the Ravens flew to Heinz Field for a Monday Night divisional duel with the throwback-clad Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, Baltimore fell behind early as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed a 17-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller and a 15-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes. In the second quarter, the Ravens continued to struggle as Roethlisberger completed a 30-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington, a 35-yard TD pass to Holmes, and 7-yard TD pass to Washington. Afterwards, Baltimore got its only score of the game as RB Willis McGahee got a 33-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Steelers' defense continued to shut down any hope of a comeback.

With the loss, the Ravens fell to 4–4.

The Ravens offense committed four turnovers and 11 penalties, and was held to a franchise-worst 104 total yards. QB Steve McNair had a dismal night, as he completed 13 out of 22 passes for only 63 yards and an interception.

Week 10: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Ravens went home for an AFC North rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals. After a scoreless first quarter, Baltimore struggled as Cincinnati kicker Shayne Graham got a 34-yard and a 19-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Ravens continued to fall behind as Graham gave the Bengals a 22-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Graham helped Cincinnati pull away as he nailed two 35-yarders, a 21-yarder, and a 33-yard field goal. Baltimore's only score of the game came with RB Willis McGahee getting a 1-yard TD run.

With their third-straight loss, the Ravens fell to 4–5.

During this season, Baltimore has committed a total of 12 turnovers in their series against the Bengals (6 from this game).

Week 11: vs. Cleveland Browns
Trying to snap a three-game skid, the Ravens stayed at home for an AFC North rematch with the Cleveland Browns. This game would be marked as RB Jamal Lewis' return to Baltimore as a Cleveland Brown.

In the first quarter, Baltimore trailed early as Browns kicker Phil Dawson managed to get a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Ravens continued to struggle as Lewis got a 1-yard TD run. Baltimore would manage to get on the board with LB Ray Lewis returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Cleveland got one last score prior to halftime, as Dawson kicked a 39-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Ravens took the lead with RB Willis McGahee getting a 2-yard TD run. However, the Browns responded as QB Derek Anderson (another former Raven) got a 1-yard TD run, while Safety Brodney Pool returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore began to come back as kicker Matt Stover made 34-yard and 41-yard field goals, while QB Kyle Boller completed a 27-yard TD pass to WR Devard Darling (his first career touchdown reception). Afterwards, Stover helped the Ravens retake the lead with a 47-yard field goal. Cleveland got into field goal range. Initially, Dawson's 51-yard attempt was ruled no good. However, it turned out that the ball bounced off the upright, then bounced off the support bar, and then went back into play. In the end, the Browns were awarded the field goal. In overtime, Cleveland sealed the win as Dawson made the game-winning 33-yard field goal.

With their fourth-straight loss, not only did Baltimore fall to 4–6, but it marked the first time since 2001 that they were swept by Cleveland.

Week 12: at San Diego Chargers
Trying to snap a four-game skid, the Ravens flew to Qualcomm Stadium for a Week 12 duel with the San Diego Chargers. After a scoreless first quarter, Baltimore trailed as Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding managed to get a 27-yard field goal. The Ravens would take the lead with RB Willis McGahee getting a 1-yard TD run. San Diego retook the lead with QB Philip Rivers completing a 35-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates (with a failed PAT), Kaeding kicking a 46-yard field goal, Rivers completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers, and Kaeding kicking a 41-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Baltimore's struggles continued as Rivers and Gates hooked up with each other again on a 25-yard TD pass. The Ravens' QB Kyle Boller completed a 13-yard TD pass to rookie FB Le'Ron McClain. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers sealed the win with Kaeding nailing a 41-yard field goal.

With the loss, not only did Baltimore fall to 4–7, but it marked the first time in franchise history that the Ravens had lost five straight games.

Week 13: vs. New England Patriots
Trying to snap a five-game losing skid, the Ravens went home for a Week 13 Monday Night intra conference duel with the undefeated New England Patriots. In the first quarter, Baltimore trailed early as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski made a 21-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Ravens took the lead with QB Kyle Boller completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason. In the second quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with kicker Matt Stover getting a 29-yard field goal. Later, New England tied the game prior to halftime as FB Heath Evans got a 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Ravens regained the lead with RB Willis McGahee getting a 17-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Patriots would tie the game with QB Tom Brady completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore took the lead again as Boller completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Wilcox. Afterwards, New England drew closer with Gostkowski making a 38-yard field goal. The Patriots retook the lead with Brady completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Jabar Gaffney. Boller's hail-mary pass was completed to WR Mark Clayton at New England's 2-yard line; he was tackled as time expired.

With the loss, the Ravens fell to 4–8 thus eliminating themselves from the playoff contentions.

Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Trying to snap a six-game losing skid, the Ravens stayed at home for a Week 14 Sunday Night duel with the Indianapolis Colts in the rematch of last year's AFC Divisional game. In the first quarter, Baltimore trailed early as Colts QB Peyton Manning completed a 34-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne, while RB Joseph Addai got a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Indianapolis' Manning completed a 19-yard TD pass to Addai, while CB Michael Coe blocked a punt, causing it to go out of bounds through the Ravens' endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Colts' Addai ran for an 11-yard TD run. Baltimore responded with rookie WR Yamon Figurs returning the ensueing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Indianapolis struck again with Manning completing a 57-yard TD pass to WR Anthony Gonzalez.

In the third quarter, the Colts' Manning completed a 40-yard TD pass to Gonzalez for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens' QB Kyle Boller completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Devard Darling, while rookie QB Troy Smith got a 6-yard TD run.

With their seventh-straight loss, Baltimore fell to 4–9.

Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
Trying to snap a seven-game slide, the Ravens flew to Dolphin Stadium for a Week 15 intraconference duel with winless Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Baltimore took flight early as kicker Matt Stover managed to get a 27-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Ravens increased their lead as Stover kicked a 39-yard field goal. The Dolphins would get on the board with kicker Jay Feely getting a 23-yard field goal. Baltimore would end the half as QB Kyle Boller completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason.

In the third quarter, Miami began to rally as RB Samkon Gado got a 7-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins took the lead as Feely kicked a 22-yard and a 29-yard field goal. The Ravens would tie the game with Stover nailing an 18-yard field goal. However, in overtime, the Dolphins would seal their first, and only, win of the year as QB Cleo Lemon completed a 64-yard TD pass to WR Greg Camarillo.

With their eighth-straight loss, the Ravens fell to 4–10. The win for the Dolphins turned out to be their only victory of the season as they improved to 1–13.

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks
Trying to snap an eight-game skid, the Ravens flew to Qwest Field for a Week 16 interconference duel with the Seattle Seahawks. After a scoreless first quarter, Baltimore's seasonal struggles continued as in the second quarter, Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson, along with LB Leroy Hill returning a fumble 20 yards for a touchdown and Hasselbeck completing a 14-yard TD pass to RB Shaun Alexander.

In the third quarter, Seattle increased its lead with kicker Josh Brown nailing a 42-yard and a 39-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens would get their only score of the game as rookie QB Troy Smith completing a 79-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason (with a failed two-point conversion).

With the loss, Baltimore fell to 4–11.

Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Hoping to end a horrendous season on a high note, the Ravens went home for a Week 17 AFC North rematch with the season's AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, Baltimore took flight as RB Musa Smith got a 2-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Stover getting a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Ravens increased their lead as RB Cory Ross got a 32-yard TD run. The Steelers would respond with RB Najeh Davenport getting a 1-yard TD run. Baltimore would end the half with Stover nailing a 31-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Ravens continued to lead as rookie QB Troy Smith completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Devard Darling for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh began to come back as QB Charlie Batch completed a 59-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes and a 7-yard TD pass to WR Cedric Wilson. Afterwards, Baltimore's defense held on for the victory.

With the win, not only did the Ravens end their season at 5–11, but they also snapped their franchise-worst nine-game losing streak. The win also gained the Ravens their 100th regular-season win in franchise history.