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Super Bowl XXXV was the 35th Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). The game was played on January 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida following the 2000 regular season. The American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Ravens defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants, 34–7.

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 their only touchdowns on special teams plays. Furthermore, Baltimore allowed only 152 yards of offense by the Giants(the third lowest total ever in a Super Bowl), and forced 5 turnovers and four sacks.

In a major turnaround for one player, linebacker Ray Lewis, who had been arrested on murder charges a year earlier, was named Super Bowl MVP. He made 3 tackles, 2 assists, and blocked 4 passes.

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. Baltimore's 165 points allowed broke the record set by the 1985 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 6 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 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 suspect, 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). One reason for this was a quarterback controversy between Tony Banks and Trent Dilfer, who continually traded roles in the starting lineup until Dilfer finally won the starting spot midway through the season. 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 yard in 228, 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 9 touchdowns.

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 tackle Michael Strahan, who recorded 9.5 sacks, and linebacker 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. 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 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.

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, and Mary J. Blige. 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 Jesse 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 setup 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.

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 possesions 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.

Dilfer threw for 153 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. Jamal Lewis rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, 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. 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.

Scoring summary

  • BAL- Stokley 38 pass from Dilfer (Stover kick)
  • BAL- FG Stover 47
  • BAL- Starks 49 interception return (Stover kick)
  • NYG- Dixon 97 kickoff return (Daluiso kick)
  • BAL- Je. Lewis 84 kickoff return (Stover kick)
  • BAL- Ja. Lewis 3 run (Stover kick)
  • BAL- FG Stover 34

Trivia

  • Ray 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 is the only one to win it as a member of the losing team.
  • Lewis became the first defensive player to win Super Bowl MVP honors without recording an interception, sack, forced fumble, or fumble recovery.
  • Although not the Ravens main running back, Priest Holmes actually started in the backfield for Baltimore.
  • The Ravens' Jamal Lewis became the second rookie to rush for 100 yards in a Super Bowl, joining Timmy Smith (Super Bowl XXII).
  • The Ravens became the first wild card team to be favored in the Super Bowl.
  • This was the first Super Bowl to be aired on CBS in nine years. Following the 1993 season, FOX bought the rights to air the NFC package leaving CBS without the NFL until 1998 when they began broadcasting the AFC package instead of NBC.
  • Along with being the first African-American to be the play-by-play announcer for a Super Bowl, Greg Gumbel also became the first person to both host the 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.
  • First time in history two kickoffs were returned for touchdowns in the same Super Bowl game, not to mention on back-to-back kickoffs.
  • The Ravens became the 3rd team in Super Bowl history to score two non-offensive touchdowns in a Super Bowl with their interception return and kickoff return. The previous teams to do it were the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII (also played in Tampa) and Dallas in Super Bowl XXVII.
  • 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 XXVIII) also have accomplished this feat.
  • The Giants became just the 11th team to go scoreless in the 1st half of a Super Bowl.
  • They also would become the fifth team to not score an offensive touchdown because their only touchdown was on Dixon's kickoff return. Miami would not score a touchdown in Super Bowl VI, Washington would score their only touchdown on a fumble return against Miami in Super Bowl VII, Minnesota scored on a recovered blocked punt in the end zone in Super Bowl IX, and Cincinnati scored their only touchdown on a kickoff return in Super Bowl XXIII.
  • Kerry Collins' 4 interceptions tied a then Super Bowl record. The record had since been broken by the Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII.
  • Brandon Stokley's touchdown is the last touchdown that has scored in the 1st quarter as of Super Bowl XL.

Officials

  • Referee: Gerald Austin
  • Umpire: Chad Brown
  • Head Linesman: Tony Veteri, Jr.
  • Line Judge: Walt Anderson
  • Field Judge: Bill Lovett
  • Side Judge: Doug Toole
  • Back Judge: Bill Schmitz
  • Alternate Referee: Larry Nemmers
  • Alternate Umpire: Jeff Rice

See also

References

2001 in sports | Baltimore Ravens | New York Giants | Sports in Tampa | Super Bowl | Tampa Bay Area | The NFL on CBS

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Super Bowl XXXV".

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