Another banner night for champs

FOXBOROUGH -- The stadium darkened and the spotlights were placed squarely on Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who stood tall in a blue suit, with a microphone in hand for the much-awaited unveiling of the team's third championship banner. The crowd was ready.

''It is now with great pride," said Kraft, ''that I present the third Super Bowl championship banner."

Insert noise, lots of noise, here. The stadium went crazy, clapping, cheering, screaming.

The 2004 Patriots championship banner took its rightful spot next to the 2001 and 2003 banners. Later on they would take their first step toward their fourth banner, beating the Oakland Raiders, 30-20.

But before the game came the festivities. Ozzy Osbourne, dressed in a Patriots No. 1 jersey, came on to sing ''Crazy Train," the song that normally accompanies the Patriots onto the field. The Patriots came out as a team in a cloud of smoke, again much to the delight of the screaming fans.

Kraft addressed the crowd for a few minutes.

''Three years ago tomorrow," he began, ''we opened Gillette Stadium and raised our first championship banner for our season ticket-holders and Patriots fans around the country. These are things we had hoped for and dreamed of for over 40 years. We thought it couldn't get any better."

Kraft continued, ''Three years later and two more championships, a record 21-game NFL winning streak, and a home winning streak that dates back to 2002 -- all achieved by a group of men who embody the words team and perseverance -- have earned us a special place in NFL history. A legacy we will build on, but one that cannot be taken away."

Kraft made it a point to thank the fans for their support.

''The foundation of this legacy is you, our fans, the greatest fans," he said. ''The greatest fans any sports team has ever had. For all your support, thank you, we are very grateful."

The ceremony prior to the unveiling of the banner was impressive. At about 8:30 p.m., the lights dimmed and the portable stages were rolled out to midfield. A tape of the Rolling Stones appeared on the scoreboard, while Kanye West was shown in a live performance from Los Angeles. Those performing on the field at Gillette included Santana, Green Day, Michelle Branch, Osbourne, and Trisha Yearwood, who sang the national anthem.

The only downer was Oakland marched down the field on the opening possession for the first score of the game. The Patriots did respond with a field goal and a touchdown to go ahead, 10-7, but the unveiling of the banner seemed enough for fans as they cheered more for that than they did in the first quarter.

Also getting a huge rise out of the crowd was the sight of Tedy Bruschi on the sideline in his blue No. 54 jersey, cheering the Patriots on during the first quarter.