In many respects, Terrell Suggs was the last man standing, the final link to these Ravens and their great defenses of the past.
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis retired after the 2012 season. Safety Ed Reed departed in free agency that same offseason, and has since retired. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was traded to the Detroit Lions in March. But there was still Suggs, a Raven since 2003, rushing Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, setting the edge against the run and calling out commands to a defense he led.
The torn left Achilles tendon Suggs suffered against the Broncos last Sunday, ending his season, doesn't necessarily mark the end of an era for the Ravens.