Ever been flipping through channels and come across something you just can’t turn off. That was what happened to me last night and again this morning with the NFL Network showcasing Super Bowl XXXVII between the Buccaneers and Raiders.
Update; Alstott just powered in from the two yard line for the first Buccaneers touchdown of the game. Bucs up 13-3.
No Matter How Many Times
How many times have you watched the game? Certainly, no Buccaneers fan worth their salt will say less than five times.
Update; five minutes left in the first half and Oakland just got their first 1st down of the game.
It’s been eighteen years since the Buccaneers went into San Diego and staked their claim in the annals of NFL lore. The more time that passes between watching the replay of that glorious Tampa Bay day, the sweeter this game becomes.
Thanks for the Memories
The NFL Gods couldn’t have scripted the game any better. The number one offense in the Oakland Raiders team that Jon Gruden had built into a championship contender from 1998-2001. The number one defense in the NFL that Tony Dungy had built into a championship contender but brought Gruden in to close the deal. The best kind of Super Bowl. #1 vs #1.
Update; Buccaneers driving with three minutes left in the first half.
John Madden and Al Michaels just covered the treasure the Glazers gave up to bring Jon Gruden to the team. Great shot of the Glazer Family and patriarch Malcolm Glazer. So happy he got to see his team win that Lombardi trophy in his lifetime. Thank you, Mr Glazer!
There’s Always a Surprise
There is my nugget for this rewatching. That little tidbit of informational glee that was in the vault but lost for a moment. Defense, Gruden, Brad Johnson masterfully managing the Buccaneer game plan. For all of that, it was Michael Pittman and the play action pass that set the offensive tempo early in XXXVII. The Tampa Bay running back had 72 yards rushing in the first half. That was good enough for 4th all time up to that point. He would finish the day 29 rushes/124 yards /4.8 avg..
Update; Brad Johnson completes five yard pass to Keenan McCardell. Touchdown! Martin Gramattica splits the uprights beautifully. Bucs lead the Raiders 20-3.
That’s the way the first half ends. The Buccaneers of Tampa Bay, playing in their first Super Bowl in team history, completely dominating the Raiders of Oakland. The NFL’s #1 offense musters 62 total yards and 3 first downs against the pillaging pirates. The Buccaneers defense Wreaking havoc in the Raiders backfield.
Time for me to go watch the second half of this game. Oh, and I’ll check the listings. If this runs for a third time later today, this TV is mine!
