issue #X - published 1/28/05
Super Bowl Preview:
Eagles vs. Patriots (Part I)
| Published 1/28/05



Graphic by: Jeff Wilt
When I picked up a September 2004 edition of Maxim magazine way back in September of last year, it was interesting to read about ESPN’s Chris Berman’s picks and playoff predictions for the 2004-05 NFL season. Berman’s predictions didn’t surprise me too much because the usual playoff teams were included. You know, the same teams that were in the playoffs the previous year as well as some teams that Berman predicted would have a better season. However, the thing that amazed me was Boomer’s Super Bowl prediction, the New England Patriots versus the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville. As I looked at this, I figured, yeah of course the Eagles have a shot because it’s been three years and they haven’t gotten over that last hump which is a win in an NFC Championship game. In fact, I wrote an earlier article in Whim’s fall edition on the Eagles and them winning a Super Bowl. In regards to the Patriots, I figured the Patriots would drop out of the hunt after two Super Bowl titles in three years. I didn’t think they could do it again.

Well its Super Bowl time and guess who’s going to Jacksonville? The Eagles and Patriots, and its funny how I didn’t believe Berman’s picks. Even though it’s apparent that the Eagles and Patriots had an obvious shot at going to the Super Bowl this year, I still doubted it.

The Philadelphia Eagles get to their second Super Bowl in team history. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons 27-10 in Philadelphia under extremely cold temperatures and a lot of wind. It was obvious that in order to win, the Eagles defense would need to step up and contain Falcon’s quarterback Michael Vick. If they were to succeed in stopping Vick’s incredible breakaway speed, they would be victorious. They did exactly this, as a defense led by free safety Brian Dawkins and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter dominated the Falcon’s offense, attacking Vick whenever they had the chance.

Eagle’s quarterback Donovan McNabb threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns. After the game he stated, "There's no relief for me. We'll have relief after the Super Bowl. We set a goal of winning the Super Bowl, not just the NFC. So that's where I'm going. We're excited, but we're not done." Strong words for a quarterback who’s arrived at the NFC Championship three years in a row, and has been shut down three years in a row. He’ll meet a Patriots defense who’s itching for another Super Bowl title.

The Patriots get to their fifth Super Bowl in team history and a chance to win their third NFL title. They took on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game and handled them, winning 41-27. It wasn’t a good day for Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he threw three interceptions to a hungry New England defense, a defense that was ranked ninth in the NFL at the conclusion of the regular season.

Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady continued his winning post-season record as he threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, running back Corey Dillon ran for 73 yards and a touchdown. After the game, Brady said, “Staying away from turnovers is important when you play the really tough teams.” He went on to say, “It's important to protect the ball and that's what we did.”

For Philadelphia Eagles fans, this should have been the Super Bowl last year, but the Carolina Panthers knocked off the Eagles in last year’s NFC Championship game and went on to play and lose to New England in the Super Bowl, 32-29.

So these to teams meet in Jacksonville for what many would call a great match up. The last time these two teams met was Friday, August 13, in preseason action. The Patriots blew the Eagles out 24-6. However, I think we saw the starting lineup for at least, yes, one quarter. So that changes things greatly. The last regular season game played between the two goes back to September 14, 2003. The Patriots won this game as well, 31-10.

Stick around for part two of this series as I break down both teams offensively and defensively and determine what each team needs to do in order to win the Super Bowl title.

Also, care to read that Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl article written October 1 of last year? Click here: Philadelphia Eagles: No Doubt, Super Bowl Champs

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