The Road to Super Bowl XXXV

Penalty negates a big play for the Giants By KEITH NIEBUHR © St. Petersburg Times, published January 29, 2001 The biggest play of the second quarter never happened. Officially, anyway. With 10:36 left in the first half, Baltimore quarterback Trent Dilfer dropped back and lofted a short pass toward running back Jamal Lewis. The ball ended up in the arms of Giants linebacker Jessie Armstead, who sprinted 43 yards for a potential game-tying touchdown, which sent much of the crowd into a frenzy. Before the Giants could celebrate, the play was wiped out by a defensive holding penalty. The drive later ended with a punt, but Dilfer and Co. had dodged a big one. A very big one. New York had two other scoring opportunities, but the drives ended with interceptions. The first came with 10:44 left in the quarter, when a Kerry Collins pass was picked off by Jamie Sharper at the Baltimore 43 after being tipped by Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. The second miscue came with 1:03 left and the Giants on the move. One play after a 27-yard Tiki Barber run to the Baltimore 29, Collins underthrew receiver Ike Hilliard and was intercepted by Chris McAlister at the Baltimore 1. Neither of Collins' miscues led to Baltimore points, but both helped Baltimore stay in control. And the Ravens, who did little on offense, needed all the help they could get. Much of their second-quarter offense came on one play. With 2:56 left in the half, Dilfer connected on a 44-yard pass with Qadry Ismail, who beat Giants defensive back Dave Thomas on the play. Thomas recovered to tackle Ismail at the New York 36, but four plays later Matt Stover was good on a 47-yard field goal that gave Baltimore a 10-0 lead. 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 ...