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Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, Jan. 26, 6:00 PM ET
At: Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, California
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders made headlines in the off-season with their tug of war over head coach Jon Gruden, and we'll probably be debating who got the better end of the deal long after Super Bowl XXXVII is over. But for now, Gruden has earned his keep by doing exactly what the Bucs paid the Raiders so dearly for him to do... get them in the Super Bowl.
And on the other side of the fence, how can you not salute new Raiders head coach Bill Callahan for taking the Silver and Black further than Gruden himself was able to do. Callahan has gone from obscurity to AFC Champion in just one season, and his laid-back approach has the Raiders vets playing like youngsters again.
The subplots are many for this contest. Gruden vs. the Raiders, the best offense against the best defense, and the Raiders' aging veterans last quest for a Super Bowl ring are among the many storylines that will be discussed over and over as the big day approaches. But for now lets take a look at some of the tangibles associated with this game, like the strengths, weaknesses, and keys to winning for each team.
Buccaneers' Strengths
The Buccaneers have probably the best defense in the NFL. They are very fast and pursue the ball very well without over-pursuing. Defensive end Simeon Rice is a great pass rusher who creates problems in the backfield, and linebacker Derrick Brooks, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the biggest impact players in the game. Of course, I can't leave out defensive tackle Warren Sapp. The guy is a run stuffer and has the quickness to get into the backfield. He also has an uncanny ability to get into the opponents head. The entire defense is very good at creating turnovers and turning them into points.
On offense, the Bucs have three big-play receivers. Wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell and Joe Jurevicius are not the fastest guys in the NFL, but they run good routes and give Brad Johnson big targets to throw at. Brad Johnson had a career season in 2002, and probably deserved to be named to the Pro Bowl.
Buccaneers' Weaknesses
Tampa Bay's running game has been anemic most of the season. Neither Michael Pittman nor Mike Alstott have run consistently this year, and some of the blame falls on the offensive line, although they have played better of late.
Keys to Winning
The Bucs have to run the ball and move the chains consistently to keep the ball out of Rich Gannon's hands. The offensive line has to keep the Raiders defenders out of the backfield so Johnson can step up to throw the ball. Defensively, they need to contain the Raiders receivers and not allow Gannon to get into a rhythm with his effective short passing game.
Raiders' Strengths
The Raiders have some very experienced players at critical positions. Receivers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown, linebacker Bill Romanowski, safety Rod Woodson, and Gannon are all 36 or older, and Rice, Romanowski, and Woodson all have Super Bowl experience. They also have a deep offensive line that is playing extremely well right now.
On defense, the front four is good at putting pressure on the quarterback without the help of additional blitzers, and the linebackers are quick at getting to the ball carrier. The return of Charles Woodson solidified the secondary, and safety Rod Woodson, although not nearly as fast as he once was, is still a ball hawk.
Raiders Weaknesses
Some might claim that the advanced age of some of the Raiders players could be their downfall, but I don't feel that is much of a factor in a one-game setting. In fact, it probably works to their advantage that some of their players know this could be their last legitimate shot at a ring. The only real problem I see is at tight end, where injuries have eliminated any depth they had. Rookie Doug Jolley is the starter, but his only backup in the Super Bowl will be Jeremy Brigham, who was re-signed after getting cut in training camp.
Keys to Winning
The biggest key for the Raiders is to not let the Bucs' defense intimidate them. They need to hit a couple 12-15 yard passes early in the game to spread things out, then Garner should get a little running room. If they can get anything going on the ground, it will keep Tampa's lineman from concentrating solely on rushing the passer.
Game Overview
This game comes down to a contest between the best offense in the league and the best defense. I feel Oakland's short passing game is perfect for attacking the Bucs, and will have them frustrated by the time the game is over. The Raiders have the experience and the guys that have been in this position before, but the real determining factor will be turnovers. I think the Raiders will do a better job of protecting the ball and they will eventually prevail in a tight contest.
Super Bowl XXXVII Prediction
Oakland Raiders 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23