The Road to Super Bowl XXXV

Best 36 seconds in Super Bowl history By BRANT JAMES © St. Petersburg Times, published January 29, 2001 With their offenses struggling as expected, the Ravens and Giants exchanged defensive and special teams broadsides in perhaps the most exciting 36 seconds in Super Bowl history. When the amazing half-minute was over, Baltimore had opened a 17-point lead and seemingly was ready to huddle around the Lombardi Trophy. The Ravens landed the first mega-blow when cornerback Duane Starks stepped in front of Amani Toomer and returned a Kerry Collins pass 49 yards for a 17-0 lead. But New York's Ron Dixon counterpunched on the ensuing kickoff with a 97-yard touchdown return, igniting hope on the Giants bench. The euphoria was brief, however, as Jermaine Lewis delivered the knockout blow seconds later, taking Brad Daluiso's kickoff 84 yards up the sideline for a touchdown. Baltimore led 24-7, and that margin looked even bigger as its defense continued to harass Collins. The Ravens intercepted him two times in the third quarter. Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer briefly was knocked out with two injured fingers on his left hand but returned for easy duty: handing the ball off to Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes as the Ravens began to drain off precious seconds. Lewis, a rookie, had 67 yards on 19 attempts after three periods. Dilfer, who took several hits in the quarter, continued to play well enough to win, ending the quarter with 136 yards and a touchdown on 11-for-24 passing. Past 14 Days March 16, 2008 March 15, 2008 March 14, 2008 March 13, 2008 March 12, 2008 March 11, 2008 March 10, 2008 March 9, 2008 March 8, 2008 March 7, 2008 March 6, 2008 March 5, 2008 March 4, 2008 March 3, 2008 Search further back Today's Super Bowl story lineup The champions Rockin' Ravens MVP caps Lewis' strange journey 'We're the greatest of all-time' Q&A with Brian Billick Modell savors a Super year at last in a different city Ravens win doesn't improve Cleveland's mood I see your return, and raise you one Ravens defense stakes its claim Columns Mizell: Trent in land of wonder Shelton: Baltimore's defense leaves a lasting impact Fry: QB Collins should shoulder the blame Ginn: CBS' new replay system a look into the future Zucco; For some, it's the party, not the game Deggans: Pregame coverage lacked local images Auman: Third quarter tests Internet's immediacy Trigaux: Ads, not football, supreme in Super Schmooze XXXV The Giants Giants grasp for answers Q&A with Jim Fassel Postgame analysis Dungy a bit surprised by game's outcome Ravens rose on Giants' mistakes Inside the game Super Bowl XXXV by the numbers Breathtaking returns: Starks, Dixon, Lewis Sehorn coverage error leads to touchdown Look familiar? Defense gets ball, offense runs First quarter: Play by play First quarter: Best & worst Penalty negates a big play for the Giants Second quarter: Best & worst Second quarter: Play by play Third quarter: Play by play Third quarter: Best & worst Best 36 seconds in Super Bowl history Fourth quarter: Play by play Fourth Quarter: Key Play Fourth quarter: Best & worst Local impact Big game and week before it seen as win for bay area What they're saying: Stupidity rules the roads Beyond the sidelines Four bars' patrons quaff winnings of Bud Bowl Big crowds, big spenders Altruism? That's the (free) ticket Many avoid traffic nightmares Tickets stolen? Too bad Unusual musical pairings bring fire to day's festivities Area dancers show pregame joy, nerves Corporate America buys star execs ultimate party Some just don't care about the big game On Super Bowl Sunday, the party's anywhere Celebrity watch Brought to you by ...