Super Bowl XXXV

Background

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. The defense was led by Ray Lewis, who was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and defensive tackle Sam Adams and defensive back Rod Woodson who were both named to the Pro Bowl.

Related Topics:
NFL Defensive Player of the Year - Defensive tackle - Sam Adams - Defensive back - Rod Woodson - Pro Bowl

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However, it was the Ravens offense that was suspect. Even though rookie running back Jamal Lewis ran for 1300+ yards during the regular season, the team had trouble scoring. At one point they went through four games without scoring an offensive touchdown. 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. In its place, the word "Festivus" was used, the nondenominational holiday featured in an episode of the popular American television sitcom Seinfeld.

Related Topics:
Running back - Jamal Lewis - Brian Billick - Festivus - Nondenominational - Holiday - American - Sitcom - Seinfeld

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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. With an explosive defense and a "play-it-safe" offense, Baltimore only allowed a combined one touchdown and three field goals in their playoff wins over the Denver Broncos, the Tennessee Titans, and the Oakland Raiders.

Related Topics:
AFC Central - Wild card - Denver Broncos - Tennessee Titans - Oakland Raiders

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Meanwhile, the Giants' 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 1006 rushing yards in 213 attempts, and also had 70 receptions for 719 yards.

Related Topics:
Running back - Ron Dayne - Heisman Trophy - Tiki Barber

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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 in 1997 led to his release from the Panthers. 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 3610 yards and 22 touchdowns during the regular season.

Related Topics:
Kerry Collins - Carolina Panthers - New Orleans Saints

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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 game to reach a 12-4 record and win the NFC East. The team went on to march through the playoffs, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-10, and shutting out the Minnesota Vikings, 41-0

Related Topics:
Jim Fassel - Detroit Lions - NFC East - Philadelphia Eagles - Minnesota Vikings

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