Extra Points

Sporting News, The, Jan 22, 2001 by Dennis Dillon

First, let us correct a mistake that was in our NFL preview issue. We meant to predict that the Giants and Ravens would play in Super Bowl 35. THE SPORTING NEWS sincerely regrets the error.... There hasn't been a defense as impressive as Baltimore's since Buddy Ryan's '85 Bears outfit. To come into Oakland and hold the NFL's No. 1 rushing offense (154.4 yards per game in the regular season) to 24 yards on the ground and three points was an extraordinary achievement for the Ravens. They were particularly impressive in two goal-line situations during the second half of the AFC championship game. They held the Raiders to a field goal the first time and no points the second time.... The Giants' offense sure disposed of that frumpy tag against Minnesota. Offensive coordinator Sean Fayton went into the game in an aerial-attack mode against the league's 28th-ranked pass defense, and it worked. Giants QB Kerry Collins looked like Y,A. Tittle passing against a Minnesota secondary that looked a) out of position, b) confused, or c) both all day.... It wasn't necessary for Ravens DT Tony Siregusa to collapse his 350-something pounds on Rich Gannon after the Raiders' quarterback threw a pass in the second quarter. That move would fit nicely in a WWF script. Although no penalty was called, it was not much different than driving a quarterback into the ground. Gannon injured his left shoulder on the play and wasn't the same for the rest of the game.... If Giants LB Pete Monty ever starts and plays a complete game, will it be known as a full Monty? ... Before the NFC championship game, Fox TV reported that Giants CBs Jason Sehorn and Dave Thomas planned to focus more on playing and watching the ball when they defended Vikings WR Randy Moss. In retrospect, it looked like a pretty good plan. Other cornerbacks might want to note that strategy.... Moss still looks uncomfortable on routes where he has to cut across the middle. Did you notice how he pulled up on one play when he saw S Omar Stoutmire moving into position for a possible kill shot? When Moss hesitated, QB Daunte Culpepper's pass sailed harmlessly away.... Dumbest Move I: Raiders CB Charles Woodson shoving Ravens WR Qadry Ismail to the ground after the play midway through the fourth quarter. It allowed the Ravens to bleed a couple more minutes off the clock before kicking a field goal for a 16-3 lead. Dumbest Move II: James Trapp of the Ravens slamming into Darrien Gordon as the Raiders' return man was signaling for a fair catch on a punt with 16 seconds remaining.... Giants DE Michael Strahan has turned in back-to-back dominating performances against RTs Jon Runyan (Eagles) and Korey Stringer (Vikings). Harry Swayne, beware.... Look for Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis to get a head-coaching position soon. He won't be approachable until after the Super Bowl, but if I'm running the Bills, Browns or Jets--the three teams with head-coaching vacancies--I wait it out. Let's see if any of those teams are smart enough to have patience.... Don't look now, Tampa, but Trent Dilfer is coming back to town--as a Super Bowl quarterback.... This Super Bowl shapes up as a battle of defenses and field position. Look for Ravens P Kyle Richardson to be a key contributor. Richardson was the league leader in placing punts inside the 20 for the second season in a row, and produced four in the AFC championship game.... Brace yourselves, Kerry Collins and Ray Lewis. Given the horde of reporters who will be in Tampa during the week before the Super Bowl, you're sure to get an onslaught of questions about life off the field.... The Ravens still have allowed fewer points (181) in 19 games this season than the 1986 Bears gave up when Chicago set the record (187) for a 16-game schedule. --Dennis Dillon

TSN's Power Poll

1. Tampa ... Your streets are safer with the Raiders' fans home and Ray Lewis on the field.

2. Promises ... Jim Fassel said the Giants would make playoffs; if only politicians delivered like this.

3. Art Modell ... He will send postcards to all the fans back in Cleveland.

4. Trent Dilfer ... He will hand-deliver postcards to all his supporters in Tampa. It won't take long.

5. Ray Lewis ... If the Ravens win the Super Bowl, will he celebrate by going to Disney World?

6. Kerry Collins ... Who let Joe Montana slip into the uniform of the Giants' quarterback?

7. Tony Siragusa ... Auditioned for a role in the next Star Wars film as Siragusa the Hut.

8. Giants offense ... in a loss to the Rams, it learned a lot ... like the power of the forward pass.

9. Angle Harmon ... She does closing arguments while fiance Jason Sehorn does closing speed.

10. Lawrence Taylor ... A powerful motivational speaker when not answering to "How do you plead?"

TSN's Powerless Poll

1. Tampa ... The last Dilfer saw of this town was in his rear-view mirror as he was being chased out,

2. Survivor ... CBS show airs after the big game, but after a 3-0 final, who'll be awake to watch?

3. John Randle ... Can work with Tammy Faye on a book of cosmetic tips plus a line of eye shadow.