When you’ve thrown for 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns, fear usually isn’t in your vocabulary. But bring up the early-2000s Ravens defense? Suddenly, even a legend like him doesn’t bother with stats or bravado. Yes, Peyton Manning summed up what facing that defense was like in four words.

Yes, if Peyton Manning doesn’t have a good night’s sleep, the 2000s Ravens defense is usually the reason. “It gives me nightmares,” Manning said. “It was impossible going against that defense. That group of guys, even Kyle Hamilton talked about it, they still feel like we’re trying to live up to that legacy,” he added.

And if you were there watching the NFL twenty years ago, you’d understand what Manning is talking about. If you weren’t, we’ll take you through what was arguably the best defense this league has ever seen.

Sure, the headline from that 34–7 beatdown of the Giants in January 2001 is “Ravens win first Super Bowl.” But let’s be real: it was that defense that dragged them to the podium. Baltimore’s unit didn’t just play well — because of their fearsome reputation, they’d basically win the game the moment rivals lined up against them. Crazy part? This was a franchise that hadn’t even sniffed a winning season or a playoff ticket in its first four years.

It was basically a bunch of bullies lining up against every single offense in the league every week. They trashed opposing running backs, threw shade at an opposing owner, and even flipped off the Black Hole in Oakland before the AFC Championship.

Their records are still untouched. Fewest points allowed (165) and fewest rushing yards (970) in a 16-game season — numbers no one’s even come close to touching. And in the playoffs? Just one offensive touchdown allowed across four games. Giving out a measly 10.3 points per game is insane to just think about.

Now put that defense against this year’s. Well, just take tonight’s game. Their defense was all over the place, giving up 38 points to the Lions. Baltimore got steamrolled on those 98- and 96-yard touchdown drives, looking sloppy from gap to gap and missing tackles left and right. Against a relentless, punishing ground game, the Ravens’ defense just couldn’t keep pace.

Before the season, Kyle Hamilton declared the 2000s Ravens defense as the gold standard for this roster. Reality check: they’re nowhere close now. Baltimore has already given up 97 points through three games — tied for most in the league with the Dolphins. Compare that to the 10.3 points per game of the legendary unit, and suddenly it’s easy to see why Manning still gets cold sweats thinking about them.

And when Manning isn’t out having nightmares, he’s spoofing in-game conversations on ESPN.

Peyton and Eli Manning spoof in-game conversation between Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken

Peyton Manning is one of the all-time greats, no debate there. But his knack for comedy sometimes steals the spotlight from his football genius — and Week 3’s Ravens–Lions game was a prime example. Manning’s signature quirks were on full display, blending wit with gridiron insight like only he can.

In the third quarter, Eli and Peyton broke out a full-on SNL moment, acting out a hilarious spoof of what an in-game phone call between Lamar Jackson and OC Todd Monken might sound like. The duo’s comedic timing turned a live NFL broadcast into a mini sketch you didn’t know you needed.

Eli, playing Jackson, acted like he couldn’t care less, while Peyton, as Todd Monken, got hung up on mid-call — only to have Jackson “call back” someone else. Peyton’s frustration peaked, and he deadpanned to himself before hanging up with a perfect parting shot: “I hope they blitz your a– next series.” It was comedic gold. Even the Ravens fans (who are obviously not over the loss tonight) would break out a chuckle or two.

Lamar Jackson will be facing the Chiefs in week 4. So, that hope to see him get blitzed might not be a pipe dream.