Super Bowl XXXV

Infobox SuperBowl
sb_name = XXXV


visitor = Baltimore Ravens
home = New York Giants
visitor_abbr = BAL
home_abbr = NYG
visitor_conf = AFC
home_conf = NFC
visitor_total = 34
home_total = 7

visitor_qtr1 = 7
visitor_qtr2 = 3
visitor_qtr3 = 14
visitor_qtr4 = 10

home_qtr1 = 0
home_qtr2 = 0
home_qtr3 = 7
home_qtr4 = 0

date = January 28, 2001
stadium = Raymond James Stadium
city = Tampa Bay, Florida
attendance = 71,921
odds = Ravens by 3
MVP = Ray Lewis, Linebacker
anthem = Backstreet Boys
coin_toss = Marcus Allen, Ottis Anderson, Tom Flores, Bill Parcells
referee = Gerald Austin
halftime = Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige and *NSYNC
network = CBS
announcers = Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms
rating = 40.3
share = 60
commercial = $2.1 million
last = XXXIV
next = XXXVI

Super Bowl XXXV was an American football game played on January 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion following the 2000 regular season. The American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Ravens (16-4) defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants (14-5), 34–7. The Ravens became the third wild card team to win the Super Bowl and the second in four years. Also, the city of Baltimore had its first Super Bowl title in 30 years.

The Ravens joined the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VII and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX as the only teams in Super Bowl history to shut out the opposing offense. All three teams gave up points on special teams plays, and so there has still never been a complete shutout in a Super Bowl. Furthermore, Baltimore allowed only 152 yards of offense by the Giants (the third lowest total ever in a Super Bowl), recorded 4 sacks, and forced 5 turnovers. All 16 of the Giants possessions ended with punts or interceptions, with the exception of the last one which ended when time expired in the game.

Linebacker Ray Lewis made 11 tackles, 6 assists, and blocked 4 passes and was named Super Bowl MVP. Lewis became the first linebacker to win the Super Bowl MVP award on a winning team. Chuck Howley won the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl V but remains the only player of any position to win it as a member of the losing team.

Background

NFL owners awarded Super Bowl XXXV to Tampa during their October 31, 1996 meeting in New Orleans. Tampa became the fourth metropolitan area to host the game at least three times, joining New Orleans, Miami, Florida, and the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens entered the game with having the best defense in the league, having the fewest points allowed (165) and the fewest rushing yards allowed (970) during the regular season. At the time they were the only team in NFL history (in a 16 game schedule) to hold the opposition to under 1000 yards rushing for the season. Baltimore's 165 points allowed broke the record set by the 1986 Chicago Bears, who had given up 187 points.

The defense was led by a trio of outstanding linebackers: Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper, and Ray Lewis. During the regular season, Boulware recorded 7 sacks, while Sharper recovered 2 fumbles and caught one interception. Lewis was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by recording 3 sacks, recovering 3 fumbles, and intercepting 2 passes. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams and veteran Tony Siragusa anchored the defensive line. Baltimore also had an outstanding core of defensive backs led by Pro Bowl veteran safety Rod Woodson, who along with Kim Herring, Duane Starks, and Chris McAlister combined for 17 interceptions.

On offense, the Ravens' main strength was rushing, led by running backs Jamal Lewis (1,364 yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 296 yards) and Priest Holmes (588 yards, 32 receptions, 221 yards). Also, tight end Shannon Sharpe recorded 67 receptions for 810 yards and 5 touchdowns. The offensive line was anchored by tackle Jonathan Ogden, who was named to the Pro Bowl for the 4th consecutive season.

However, the Baltimore offense was mediocre, ranking only 13th in the league in scoring (333 points), 16th in total yards (5,301), and 23rd in passing yards (3,102). The team had a lot of trouble scoring, and at one point they went through five games without making an offensive touchdown (although they managed to win two of those games). But they managed to regroup, as head coach Brian Billick forbade anyone to use the "P-word" (presumably "postseason" or "playoffs") until the team actually played in it. The Ravens' outspoken defensive lineman Tony Siragusa did utter the word "playoffs" on two separate occasions and was fined, albeit a measly sum of $500. Since the fine (and Billick's ban) were clearly symbolic and playful, Billick explained himself by saying, "He got a $400 fine for doing it on national television and $100 for doing it on his radio show. The reason being because no one listens to his show anyway." In place of the "P-word," the word "Festivus" was used, the nondenominational holiday featured in an episode of the popular American television sitcom "Seinfeld". (The Ravens organization played along with this theme for that year's playoffs by showing a clip of Kramer saying "A Festivus miracle!" on the stadium screen during the team's only home playoff game that year.) The Super Bowl was thereafter referred to as "Festivus Maximus."

The Ravens eventually won their last seven regular season games to finish in second place in the AFC Central with a 12-4 record and entered the playoffs as a wild-card team.

New York Giants

The Giants advanced to Super Bowl XXXV after posting a 7-9 record in the previous year. Their big draft acquisition during the offseason was running back Ron Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner. The plan was to have his power running style complement running back Tiki Barber's speed and pass-catching ability. The two would be called the Giants' "Thunder and Lightning" backfield. Although Dayne had a solid rookie year by rushing for 770 yards, the breakout star during the regular season was Barber. Barber had 1,006 rushing yards in 213 attempts, caught 70 receptions for 719 yards, and scored 10 touchdowns. He also returned 44 punts for 506 yards and gained 266 yards returning kickoffs, giving him 2,495 total yards.

Kerry Collins entered the season as the Giants' unquestioned starting quarterback. Although he helped lead the Carolina Panthers to the 1996 NFC Championship Game, problems with alcohol, conflicts with his teammates, and questions about his character led to his release from the Panthers in 1997. After spending the 1998 season with the New Orleans Saints, Collins was signed in 1999 as the Giants' second-string quarterback, but soon claimed the starting job. In leading the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV, Collins recorded 311 out of 529 completions for 3,610 yards and 22 touchdowns during the regular season. His favorite targets, in addition to Barber, were wide receivers Amani Toomer (78 receptions, 1,094 yards, 7 touchdowns), and Ike Hilliard (55 receptions, 787 yards, 8 touchdowns).

The Giants also had a powerful defense, led by Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, who recorded 9.5 sacks, and defensive tackle Keith Hamilton who recorded 10. Defensive backs Jason Sehorn, Emmanuel McDaniel, Reggie Stephens, and Shaun Williams combined for 14 interceptions.

But the Giants fell to 7-4 record midway through the season and their playoff prospects seemed dim at best. In what would be his defining moment, head coach Jim Fassel, at a press conference following the Giants' loss to the Detroit Lions, guaranteed that his team would make the playoffs. The Giants responded by winning their last 5 regular season games to reach 12-4 and win the NFC East.

Playoffs

With an explosive defense and a "play-it-safe" offense, the Ravens became the eighth wild-card team to reach the Super Bowl, and third in four seasons, after allowing only a combined one touchdown and three field goals in their playoff wins over the Denver Broncos, the Tennessee Titans, and the Oakland Raiders. Meanwhile, the Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-10, and shut out the Minnesota Vikings, 41–0.

Television and entertainment

The game was broadcast in the United States by CBS (their first since Super Bowl XXVI in 1992). Play-by-play announcer Greg Gumbel became the first African-American announcer to call a major sports championship. He was joined in the broadcast booth with color commentator Phil Simms. Jim Nantz hosted all the events with help from his then-fellow cast members from "The NFL Today": Mike Ditka, Craig James, Randy Cross, and Jerry Glanville. The desk reporting was done aboard the famous "Buccaneer Cove" pirate ship at the endzone of Raymond James Stadium.

The broadcast also featured an array of cameras (dubbed ""EyeVision" by CBS) set up throughout the stadium that allowed for bullet time effects, similar to the effect used in the movie "The Matrix". This system proved more than just a gimmick when it helped to uphold a replay challenge on a Jamal Lewis fourth quarter touchdown.

This was the first Super Bowl to be aired on CBS in nine years (XXVI). Following the 1993 season, FOX bought the rights to air the NFC package leaving CBS without the NFL for the next four years until 1998, when they began broadcasting the AFC package, bringing an end to NBC's 33 year stint.

Along with being the first African-American to be the play-by-play announcer for a Super Bowl, Greg Gumbel also became the third person to both host a Super Bowl pre-game show and call the game. Gumbel was the host during his first stint with CBS for Super Bowl XXVI and he was the pre-game host for Super Bowls XXX and XXXII when he was with NBC. He joined Dick Enberg and Al Michaels.

Pregame ceremonies

Before the game, a pregame show titled "Life's Super in Central Florida" was held, featuring Sting, Styx, and PYT.

To honor the 225th anniversary of the birth of the United States, singer Ray Charles performed "America the Beautiful". To honor the 10th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War, 10 military veterans from the conflict including former general Norman Schwarzkopf were introduced on the field. The pop group (and Florida natives) The Backstreet Boys then sang the national anthem.

The coin toss ceremony honored the two previous Super Bowls that were played in Tampa. Representing the New York Giants win in Super Bowl XXV was the game's MVP Ottis Anderson and former head coach Bill Parcells. Representing the Los Angeles Raiders win in Super Bowl XVIII was that game's MVP Marcus Allen and former head coach Tom Flores.

Halftime show

The halftime show was produced by MTV and featured Aerosmith, 'N Sync, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige, and Tremors & The Earthquake Horns. The show featured a back-and-forth medley between Aerosmith and 'N Sync, featuring the songs "Jaded" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith and "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me" by 'N Sync. The show ended with all of the performers singing Aerosmith's "Walk This Way".

Game summary

Both defenses dominated early in the first quarter as the first five possessions of the game ended in punts. On the 5th punt, Ravens kickoff/punt returner Jermaine Lewis returned the ball 33 yards to the New York 31-yard line. Although a holding penalty on the return moved the ball back to the 41-yard line, Baltimore took only 2 plays to score on quarterback Trent Dilfer's 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Stokley.

Then early in the second quarter, a holding penalty against the Giants nullified linebacker Jessie Armstead's 43-yard interception return for a touchdown that would have tied the game. Later in the period, Dilfer completed a 44-yard pass to receiver Qadry Ismail to set up a 47-yard field goal by Ravens kicker Matt Stover to extend Baltimore's lead, 10–0. With the aid of a 27-yard run from running back Tiki Barber, the Giants advanced all the way to the Ravens' 29-yard line on their ensuing drive, but Baltimore defensive back Chris McAlister intercepted a pass from Kerry Collins to keep New York scoreless by halftime.

The Giants then forced the Ravens to punt on the opening drive of the second half. But 5 plays later, Baltimore safety Kim Herring intercepted Collins at the New York 41-yard line. The Ravens then advanced to the 24-yard line, but the drive stalled and Stover missed a 41-yard field goal attempt.

After an exchange of punts, Baltimore defensive back Duane Starks intercepted a pass from Collins and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown, setting off a chain of events unseen before in Super Bowl history: three touchdowns on three consecutive plays in just 36 seconds. On the ensuing kickoff, Ron Dixon returned the ball 97 yards for the Giants' first score of the game. But Jermaine Lewis returned the next kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown, making the score 24–-7 for the Ravens. It was the first time in history two kickoffs were returned for touchdowns in the same Super Bowl game, and on back-to-back kickoffs.

But by that point, the game was already over. The Giants gained only 1 first down on their final four possessions, and was never able to move the ball into Baltimore territory. Meanwhile the Ravens added 10 more points to their lead, making the final score 34-7. A few possessions after Lewis' touchdown, New York punter Brad Maynard's short 34-yard punt from his own 4 to the 38-yard line and tight end Ben Coates' 17-yard reception set up a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Jamal Lewis run early in the fourth quarter. Then Dixon fumbled the ensuing kickoff to Baltimore defender Robert Baily, setting up Stover's 34-yard field goal with 5:27 left in the game.

Scoring summary

* BAL- TD: Brandon Stokley 38 yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Matt Stover kick) 7-0 BAL
* BAL- FG: Matt Stover 47 yards 10-0 BAL
* BAL- TD: Duane Starks 49 yard interception return (Matt Stover kick) 17-0 BAL
* NYG- TD: Ron Dixon 97 yard kickoff return (Brad Daluiso kick) 17-7 BAL
* BAL- TD: Jermaine Lewis 84 yard kickoff return (Matt Stover kick) 24-7 BAL
* BAL- TD: Jamal Lewis 3 yard run (Matt Stover kick) 31-7 BAL
* BAL- FG: Matt Stover 34 yards 34-7 BAL

Final statistics

Overview

Dilfer threw for 153 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. Jamal Lewis rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown (only the second rookie to rush for 100 yards, joining Timmy Smith in Super Bowl XXII), and caught a pass for 4 yards. Stokley was the top receiver of the game with 3 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Jermaine Lewis recorded 152 total offensive yards (111 kickoff return yards, 34 punt return yards, 7 receiving yards, 1 rushing yard) and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Collins threw four interceptions and completed only 15 of 39 passes for 112 yards. (Collins' 4 interceptions tied a then Super Bowl record, since surpassed by the Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII). Barber was the Giants' leading rusher with 49 yards, while also catching 6 passes for 26 yards and returning 2 punts for 13 yards. Dixon returned 6 kickoffs for 154 yards and a touchdown, and caught a pass for 16 yards. Giants punter Brad Maynard set a rather undesirable Super Bowl record with 11 punts. Baltimore punter Kyle Richardson had 10 punts, which would have been the record had it not been for Maynard.

Overall, both teams combined for only 396 total yards, the lowest in Super Bowl history. The Ravens became the second team in Super Bowl history to score an offensive, defensive and special teams touchdown in the same Super Bowl. Only the Los Angeles Raiders (in Super Bowl XVIII) also have accomplished this feat.

The main contributors for the Ravens on offense, defense, and special teams were all people named Lewis. Jamal Lewis was the top rusher of the game, Jermaine Lewis made big plays on special teams, and Ray Lewis won the MVP award. In addition, the Ravens defense was coached by Marvin Lewis.

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