Editing Super Bowl XXXVII (section)

===Oakland Raiders===
{{further|2002 Oakland Raiders season}}

[[Oakland Raiders]] owner [[Al Davis]] was known to have the lowest salaries for coaches in the league, and head coach [[Jon Gruden]] was no exception. Instead of paying a high salary for Gruden, Davis opted to trade the rights for Gruden to the Buccaneers in exchange for four [[NFL Draft|draft picks]]. The Buccaneers ended up giving two first-round picks, two second-round picks and $8 million to the Raiders to get Gruden.

As a result of Gruden's departure, Raiders offensive coordinator [[Bill Callahan (American football coach)|Bill Callahan]] was promoted to head coach. Despite the loss of Gruden in 2002, the Raiders still managed to earn a share of the AFC's best record at 11–5. The offense led the league in total passing yards (4,689) and ranked second in total yards gained (6,451).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/index.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Raiders quarterback [[Rich Gannon]] had an MVP season, completing 418 out of 618 passes for 4,689 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AP NFL Most Valuable Player Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-nfl-mvp-award.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His 418 completions and his 10 games with over 300 passing yards were both NFL records.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Single-Season Passes Completed Leaders Through 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_season_2002.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also ran 50 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rich Gannon 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GannRi00/gamelog/2002/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Jerry Rice]], who was already the NFL's all-time leader in nearly every receiving record after 17 seasons, had a Pro Bowl season for the 13th time in his career 1,211 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerry Rice 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RiceJe00/gamelog/2002/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Gannon's other weapons in passing game were 15-year veteran receiver [[Tim Brown (American football)|Tim Brown]] (930 yards and two touchdowns) and young receiver [[Jerry Porter (American football)|Jerry Porter]] (688 yards and nine touchdowns). Multi-talented running back [[Charlie Garner]] was the team's leading rusher with 962 yards and seven touchdowns, while also leading all NFL running backs in receiving with 91 receptions for 941 yards and another four touchdowns. Running back [[Tyrone Wheatley]] was also a contributor with 419 rushing yards, while fullback [[Zack Crockett]] provided both of them with solid blocking and scored eight touchdowns. Up front, their offensive line was led by two Pro Bowlers, guard [[Lincoln Kennedy]] and center [[Barret Robbins]].

The Raiders' weakness was primarily on their defense, which ranked 25th in the league in passing yards allowed (3,787) and 12th in total yards (5,240).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/opp.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Veteran [[Pro Bowl]] safety [[Rod Woodson]] recorded a league-leading eight interceptions including two touchdowns. Up front, their line was anchored by defensive tackle [[Rod Coleman (American football)|Rod Coleman]], who led the team with 11 sacks. Behind him, the team had a solid veteran linebacker, [[Bill Romanowski]], who was playing in his fifth Super Bowl. Defensive back [[Tory James]] was also a big contributor with four interceptions.