In 2003, Baltimore Ravens’ running back Jamal Lewis became the fifth player in NFL history to crack the 2,000 yard club. The 5’11”, 245 lb. power back was built like a tank, however he also possessed the breakaway speed to outrun defenders. 2003 was a sensational season for Lewis but it was a nightmare for the opposing teams, especially the Cleveland Browns.
Jamal Lewis Ran Wild in 2003
Lewis had a modest game in the 2003 season opener. In that game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he rushed for 69 yards on 15 carries. The next week against the Cleveland Browns, he went wild (more on this historic game later). Against the San Diego Chargers in Week 3, Lewis gutted them for 132 yards on 23 rushing attempts. That was the second of six straight games of 100 rushing yards or more for Lewis. He had twelve 100 yard rushing games that year, tied for second most all-time in a season (Barry Sanders had 14 in 1997).
After another monster game against the Browns (see below) in week 16, Lewis had 1,952 yards with one game remaining. He would have a chance to join the 2,000 yard club in the last game of the season. He would have to do it against the Ravens’ most hated rival: Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the Steelers out of playoff contention and the Ravens battling for a playoff spot, nothing would be better for Pittsburgh to not only beat their rivals but also stop Lewis from running into history. The Ravens had other plans that day. In a typical hard fought game between these two teams, the Ravens prevailed 13-10 and were headed to the playoffs. Lewis wasn’t gonna be denied history. Needing only 48 yards to reach 2,000, he got going early. Lewis ripped off a 25-yard TD run in the first quarter to inch closer to the magical mark. He ran hard all game. Lewis ended the game with 114 yards on 27 carries, giving him an incredible 2,066 yards on the season!
Jamal Lewis Destroys Cleveland Browns
The AFC North rivals first met in Week 2 in Baltimore. Lewis didn’t waste any time torching the Browns. On his first carry, Lewis broke a couple of tackles and sprinted up the middle for an 82-yard TD run. He was just getting started. It was a long day for the Browns’ defense as Lewis gashed them for another long TD run of 63 yards at the beginning of the fourth quarter. This was in addition to the other runs that didn’t end in the end zone. When the final buzzer sounded, the Ravens won 33-13. The story was Lewis as he set a then NFL record 295 yards rushing on 29 carries.
In Week 16, Lewis and the Ravens traveled to Cleveland for the second meeting. After the record setting game the first time around, there was no way the Browns would let him run wild again. Well, yes and no. Lewis didn’t set a new NFL single game rushing record, but he did have another 200 yard rushing game. His 205 yard performance powered the Ravens to a 35-0 blowout win and a sweep of the Browns. The combined yardage of 500 yards rushing in the two games did set a record for the most against an opponent in a single season. It was definitely a sensational season for Jamal Lewis!