Who Won Super Bowl 2001? Ravens Beat Giants 34-7

By Sarah Miller · October 8, 2050

The winner of Super Bowl 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV) was the Baltimore Ravens, who defeated the New York Giants 34-7 on January 28, 2001. The game took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, marking the Ravens' first Super Bowl victory in franchise history and one of the most dominant defensive performances in NFL championship history.

Overview of Super Bowl XXXV

Super Bowl XXXV was played on January 28, 2001, concluding the NFL's 2000 season. It featured the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Ravens against the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants. The Ravens delivered a historic performance, particularly on defense, to secure their first Super Bowl title just five years after the franchise relocated from Cleveland.

Key Highlights of the Game

Baltimore’s defense recorded five takeaways, including three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Ravens cornerback Duane Starks returned an interception for a 49-yard touchdown.
New York struggled offensively, managing only a single field goal until a late garbage-time touchdown.
Kick returner Jermaine Lewis contributed with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown.
The Ravens set a Super Bowl record for fewest rushing yards allowed (1 yard).

Ravens’ Historic Defense

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens are widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive teams in NFL history. Led by defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis and anchored by stars like Ray Lewis (who won Super Bowl MVP), Rod Woodson, and Sam Adams, the unit stifled elite offenses throughout the season and peaked during the postseason.

Defensive Stats That Defined the Season

The Ravens' dominance wasn’t limited to Super Bowl XXXV—they were consistently overwhelming all year long. Their regular-season stats reflect an unprecedented level of control on defense.

Statistical Category	Baltimore Ravens (2000)	NFL Average (2000)	League Rank
Points Allowed Per Game	10.3	22.1	1st
Total Yards Allowed	2,363	5,667	1st
Rushing Yards Allowed	970	2,148	1st
Passing Yards Allowed	1,393	3,519	1st
Takeaways	49	24.6	1st

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how far ahead the Ravens’ defense was compared to the rest of the league in 2000. They allowed nearly half the points and less than half the total yardage of the average NFL team. Their ability to generate turnovers while limiting both run and pass attacks made them nearly unstoppable.

Game Summary: Super Bowl XXXV Breakdown

The Ravens controlled the tempo from the outset. After winning the coin toss, Baltimore’s offense moved efficiently early, setting up a Matt Stover field goal. The Giants responded with a stalled drive, and the Ravens extended their lead when Trent Dilfer connected with Shannon Sharpe for a touchdown.

In the second quarter, Duane Starks intercepted Kerry Collins and raced 49 yards for a pick-six, shifting momentum decisively. Jermaine Lewis added a 95-yard kickoff return TD in the fourth quarter, sealing the outcome. The Giants’ only score came late via a Ron Dayne rushing touchdown, avoiding a shutout.

Final Score Recap

Winner: Baltimore Ravens – 34
Runner-up: New York Giants – 7
Date: January 28, 2001
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
MVP: Ray Lewis (LB, Baltimore Ravens)

Legacy of Super Bowl XXXV

Super Bowl XXXV is remembered not only for the lopsided score but also for the peak performance of a legendary defense. The Ravens became the first team since the 1985 Chicago Bears to win a Super Bowl primarily through defensive dominance. Ray Lewis cemented his status as one of the greatest linebackers ever, earning Super Bowl MVP honors despite not recording a sack or interception in the game—his impact was evident in coverage, run support, and leadership.

This victory marked the beginning of a storied era for the Ravens franchise, which would go on to win another Super Bowl in 2013 behind quarterback Joe Flacco.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2001

Who won Super Bowl 2001?

The Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV), defeating the New York Giants 34-7 on January 28, 2001.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXXV?

The final score was Baltimore Ravens 34, New York Giants 7. It was one of the most one-sided outcomes in Super Bowl history, driven by a dominant defensive performance.

Who was named Super Bowl MVP in 2001?

Linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens was named Super Bowl MVP. Despite not recording a turnover, his presence, leadership, and all-around play were instrumental in shutting down the Giants’ offense.

Where was Super Bowl 2001 held?

Super Bowl XXXV was held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the time.

Did the Ravens win another Super Bowl after 2001?

Yes, the Baltimore Ravens won their second Super Bowl in 2013 (Super Bowl XLVII), defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31. That victory came behind a strong offensive showing led by Joe Flacco and a resilient defense.

Why was the Ravens' defense so dominant in Super Bowl 2001?

The Ravens' defense ranked #1 in the NFL in nearly every statistical category during the 2000 season. Their speed, discipline, and aggressive scheme under coordinator Marvin Lewis overwhelmed opponents. In Super Bowl XXXV, they forced five turnovers and held the Giants to just 1 rushing yard, the lowest in Super Bowl history.