On The Air
by Laura Nachman
January 26, 2003

Here are some observations away from the ball from Tampa Bay's dominating victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Timing is Everything - Moments after the funny instant replay spoof commercial with the Budweiser Clydesdales there was a challenge on the field after Aaron Stecker of Tampa Bay's "fumble."

"At the Movies" - There were plenty of ads for upcoming movies such as "Bad Boys 2," "Hulk," "Charlie's Angels 2 - Full Throttle," "Tears of the Sun" with Bruce Willis, "Anger Management" with Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler, "The Matrix" sequels, "Daredevil" with Ben Affleck, and "Terminator 3."

The Magic of Hollywood - How are we supposed to believe that T-3's Arnold Schwarzenegger is tough when he was smaller Robin Roberts when she interviewed him before the game?  

Garner v. Garner - It was a much better night for Jennifer than Charlie, as "Alias" aired in the post-"Super Bowl" slot and she was featured in the ads for "Daredevil." On the other hand, the former Eagle had a night to forget for Oakland.

We Should Have Known Tampa Bay would win - The first bad omen for Oakland was when Keenan McCardell of Tampa Bay beat Charlie Garner of Oakland in the video game mock version shown during the pre-game show.  The winner of the video game had gone on to win the Super Bowl eight years in a row.  The second bad sign was when Jimmy Kimmel picked Tampa Bay.  Somehow, he is practically always correct in his football predictions.

We Should Have Known This Would be a Blowout - Tonight's game was yet another lopsided outcome for Al Michaels and John Madden.

Mic'd Up - The hyped-up "Mic'd Up" feature where John Lynch and Jerry Rice wore microphones was a letdown.  Rice refused to wear his in the second half. 

Great Night for ESPN - The ESPN crew was terrific for the broadcast, especially Chris Berman and Steve Young.  The ads for ESPN were witty too. 

Was Oakland Listening? - At halftime, Shania Twain sang "It Can Only Go Up From Here" from the song "Up" and Sting and No Doubt sang "Sending out an S.O.S" from "Message in a Bottle."

Best commercials - The "Without Sports" series from ESPN, the Pepsi Twist ad with Ozzy, Jack, and Kelly Osbourne, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Florence Henderson; The Budweiser True commercial with Tim McGraw and the annoying guy, the upside down clown for Bud Light, and the HR Block ad with Willie Nelson.

Best Duos - Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock/Sting and Gwen Stefani

Worst Duo - Jackie Chan and Michael Jordan

Tammy Faye Award - The No Doubt drummer

Honesty Award - In the third quarter, while Tampa was ahead 34-3, Al Michaels said to John Madden after Madden was arguing that Jerry Porter of Oakland made a touchdown catch, "Anything to hold onto the audience."

Kate Smith Award - Canadian Celine Dion's wonderful version of "God Bless America."   

ABC Shows that were promo-ed to death that won't be around by Super Bowl XXXVIII - "Dragnet," "Miracles," "Veritas: The Quest"

Bright spot in a blowout game - No Dennis Miller!