Super Bowl XXXIX

Super Bowl XXXIX was an American football game played on February 6, 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, to decide the champion of the National Football League (NFL) for the 2004 season. The American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Philadelphia Eagles, 24–21. The victory gave the Patriots their third Super Bowl title in four years, cementing their status as a modern dynasty. The game was broadcast in the United States by FOX.

Background

The New England Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, entered the game seeking their second consecutive championship and third in four seasons, having won Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII. Their opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, coached by Andy Reid and quarterbacked by Donovan McNabb, were making their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XV, ending a long championship game drought for the franchise. The Patriots finished the regular season with a 14–2 record, while the Eagles posted a 13–3 mark, earning the top seed in their respective conferences. The matchup was highly anticipated, pitting the established New England Patriots dynasty against the Philadelphia Eagles, a team featuring stars like wide receiver Terrell Owens and safety Brian Dawkins.

Pre-game events

The week leading up to the game was dominated by media scrutiny of the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly the health of star receiver Terrell Owens, who was recovering from a severe ankle injury suffered in December. Against medical advice, Terrell Owens was controversially cleared to play and started the game. Other pre-game storylines included the coaching matchup between Bill Belichick and Andy Reid, and the performance of the officiating crew led by referee Terry McAulay. The national anthem was performed by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. The halftime show, headlined by former Beatles member Paul McCartney, was notably subdued compared to the previous year's Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, focusing on a musical performance without incident.

Game summary

The New England Patriots took an early lead with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Adam Vinatieri. The Philadelphia Eagles responded with a touchdown pass from Donovan McNabb to tight end L. J. Smith. In the second quarter, Tom Brady connected with wide receiver David Givens for a touchdown, but the Philadelphia Eagles answered with a scoring run by Brian Westbrook, making the score 14–10 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, the New England Patriots seized control in the fourth. Tom Brady threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to linebacker Mike Vrabel, who was lined up as an eligible receiver, and running back Corey Dillon added a 2-yard rushing touchdown. The Philadelphia Eagles mounted a late comeback with two Donovan McNabb touchdown passes to Greg Lewis and Brian Westbrook, but an onside kick recovery by the New England Patriots sealed their 24–21 victory.

Statistical overview

Tom Brady was named the game's Most Valuable Player, completing 23 of 33 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. For the Philadelphia Eagles, Donovan McNabb threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns but was intercepted three times. Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch had 11 receptions for 133 yards, tying a Super Bowl record. The New England Patriots defense, featuring players like Tedy Bruschi, Richard Seymour, and Rodney Harrison, recorded four sacks and forced four total turnovers. The Philadelphia Eagles outgained the Patriots in total yards (369 to 331) but were hampered by turnovers and critical penalties. Time of possession was nearly even, with the Philadelphia Eagles holding a slight edge.

Aftermath and legacy

The victory solidified the New England Patriots of the early 2000s as one of the great dynasties in National Football League history, joining teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s and the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s. For the Philadelphia Eagles, the loss extended the city's major sports championship drought. The game was the last Super Bowl broadcast under the league's television contract with ABC, as the rights shifted to NBC the following year. In the ensuing years, the New England Patriots would return to win Super Bowl XLIX, Super Bowl LI, and Super Bowl LIII, while the Philadelphia Eagles would eventually win their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl LII. The performance of officials led by Terry McAulay was later praised for its efficiency following the controversies of Super Bowl XL.

Category:Super Bowl