Super Bowl XXXVII, 48 - 21

Super Bowl XXXVII, 48 - 21
01/26/2003 AD defeated

The AFC Buccaneers defeated the NFC Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium.

It was also the last Super Bowl played in January (the previous, XXXVI, was the first to be in February as a result of 9/11-related postponements; subsequent games, beginning with Super Bowl XXXVIII, would have the Super Bowl played in February permanently).

This was the first Super Bowl in which the league's number one-ranked offense (Raiders) faced the league's number one-ranked defense (Buccaneers). The game sometimes is referred to as the "Gruden Bowl", because the primary storyline surrounding the game revolved around Jon Gruden. Gruden was the Raiders' head coach from 1998 to 2001, and as a result of a trade then became the Buccaneers head coach in 2002. Tampa Bay, "Gruden's new team", made their first Super Bowl appearance in team history after posting a 12–4 regular season record. Oakland, "Gruden's old team", advanced to their fifth Super Bowl after an 11–5 regular season. Super Bowl XXXVII is also referred to as the "Pirate Bowl", due to both teams' pirate-themed mascots .

The Raiders came into the game as four-point favorites. However, offensive struggles from the Raiders, and a dominant defensive performance from Tampa throughout much of the game would unravel the juggernaut Raider offense. Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon threw a Super Bowl record five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. The Buccaneers also sacked Gannon five times, and scored 34 consecutive points to build a 34–3 lead late in the third quarter.

Tampa Bay safety Dexter Jackson, who had two of those interceptions and returned them for 34 yards, was named Super Bowl MVP. Jackson became only the second safety and third defensive back named Super Bowl MVP.

San Diego, CA

Lattitude: 32.715° N
Longitude: 117.1625° W
Region: North America

Modern Day United States

Events in 2003 MORE