SB 37: Bucs crush Raiders for 1st Super Bowl title

Posted January 20, 2016 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2003, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dexter Jackson, the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XXXVII holds up his trophy during a downtown rally and parade in Tampa, Fla. Jackson had two interceptions in the Super Bowl against the Oakland raiders and earned the MVP. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius, File) The Associated Press

Super Bowl 37

Jan. 26, 2003

At San Diego_67,603

Oakland .3..0..6.12_21

Tampa Bay .3.17.14.14_48

Tampa Bay's defense dominated the Raiders in the first Super Bowl matchup of the NFL's best offense against the best defense.

MVP Dexter Jackson had two interceptions. Also with two was Dwight Smith, who returned both of his picks for touchdowns, including a 50-yarder to finish off the scoring with 2 seconds left. Derrick Brooks also returned an interception for a touchdown against league MVP Rich Gannon.

Simeon Rice had two of the Bucs' five sacks as Tampa romped to a 20-3 halftime lead, then scored two quick third-quarter touchdowns.

The Raiders had a touchdown on a blocked punt and a 48-yard TD pass from Gannon to Jerry Rice. But Gannon threw five interceptions.

Tampa Bay's offense did its part, too, led by Michael Pittman, who ran for 124 yards on 29 carries.

Oakland had been rocked the morning of the game by the absence of starting center Barrett Robbins, who was in a San Diego hospital after disappearing from the team's hotel the night before. He had gone on a drinking and drug binge in Tijuana, Mexico.

___

Online:

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2003, file photo, Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) passes in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego. Gannon threw five interceptions in the matchup won 48-21 by Tampa. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2003, file photo, Oakland Raiders Charles Woodson, right, is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Joe Jurevicius (83) after Woodsonâs interception in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego. Tampa Bay's offense did its part in the matchup won 48-21 by the Buccaneers. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File) The Associated Press

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