Super Bowl XXXIX
New England 24, Philadelphia 21
Behind a defense that forced four turnovers – including two clutch fourth-quarter interceptions – the Patriots joined the Cowboys as the only teams to win three Super Bowls in a span of four seasons. New England took the lead for good early in the fourth quarter on a drive sparked by Kevin Faulk, who caught screen passes of 13 and 14 yards and added a 12-yard run. Corey Dillon capped the possession with his two-yard TD run, and after Adam Vinatieri's 22-yard field goal made it 24-14, Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison stepped up with interceptions that preserved the outcome.
February 6, 2005
Alltel Stadium
Attendance 78,125
Deion Branch had 11 receptions for 133 yards and the Patriots' defense forced 4 turnovers en route to becoming the eighth team to win consecutive Super Bowl titles. The Patriots matched the Dallas Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX) as the only team with three Super Bowl victories in the span of four seasons. The Eagles threatened first, driving to the Patriots' 8 late in the first quarter. On first down, Mike Vrabel sacked Donovan McNabb for a 16-yard loss and, after a penalty overturned an interception, Rodney Harrison stepped in front of a pass for an interception at the Eagles' 4. Early in the second quarter the Eagles drove 81 yards, keyed by Todd Pinkston's 40-yard catch, and capped by McNabb's 6-yard touchdown pass to L.J. Smith on third-and-goal for a 7-0 lead. The Patriots responded by driving to the Eagles' 4, but Tom Brady fumbled on a fake hand off attempt and Darwin Walker recovered. Later in the quarter, a 29-yard punt by Dirk Johnson allowed the Patriots to drive just 37 yards, keyed by Branch's 7-yard catch on third-and-3, and capped by Brady's pass to David Givens on the right side of the end zone to tie the game with 1:10 left in the half. New England began the second half with a 9-play, 69-yard drive, including 4 receptions, 2 on third down, by Branch, and capped by Vrabel's 2-yard catch. The Eagles put together a 10-play, 74-yard drive later in the third quarter, keyed by Brian Westbrook's 4-yard catch on third-and-3, and followed on the next play by his 10-yard touchdown catch to tie the game. On the ensuing drive, Kevin Faulk caught screen passes of 13 and 14 yards, and had a 12-yard run, and Corey Dillon capped the possession with a 2-yard run with 13:44 remaining for a 21-14 lead. The Patriots' defense forced a three-and-out, and Branch's 19-yard catch set up Adam Vinatieri's 22-yard field goal with 8:40 to play. Tedy Bruschi intercepted McNabb's pass at the Patriots' 24 with 7:20 remaining. The Eagles forced a punt and, beginning at their own 21 with 5:40 to play, needed 13 plays to drive 79 yards, capped by McNabb's 30-yard touchdown pass on a post-pattern to Greg Lewis with1:48 to play. Christian Fauria recovered the onside kick, but the Eagles' defense forced a punt. Dexter Reid downed Josh Miller's 32-yard punt at the Eagles' 4 with 46 seconds left, and Harrison intercepted McNabb's pass three plays later to clinch the title. Brady was 23 of 33 for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. Branch earned MVP honors with his Super Bowl-record-tying 11 catches. McNabb was 30 of 51 for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns, with 3 interceptions. Terrell Owens had 9 receptions for 122 yards.
Game Notes
The Patriots joined the Dallas Cowboys as the only NFL teams to win 3 Super Bowls in a 4-year span.
Deion Branch was named Super Bowl MVP after tying the then Super Bowl record with 11 receptions.
The Patriots defense forced 4 Eagles turnovers, including Rodney Harrison's game clinching interception in the final minute.
The New England Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, 2005 at Alltel Stadium.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers 32-29 to win Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
A ticket for Super Bowl XXXIX between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles on February 6, 2005 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New England Patriots Kevin Faulk leaps over a defender at the goal line during the NFL Super Bowl XXXIX football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6, 2005. The Patriots won 24-21. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New England Patriots Deion Branch runs with a reception during the NFL Super Bowl XXXIX football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6, 2005. The Patriots won 24-21. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New England Patriots Rodney Harrison leaps in the air on an attempted interception during the NFL Super Bowl XXXIX football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6, 2005. The Patriots won 24-21. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Rock legend and superstar Paul McCartney performs during the Ameriquest Halftime show of Super Bowl XXXIX game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005 in Jacksonville, Fla.. (AP Photo/Robert E. Klein)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Wide receiver Deion Branch #83 of the New England Patriots scrambling towards the end zone being chased by corner back Matt Ware #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, 2005 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Pats defeated the Eagles 24-21. (AP Photo/David Drapkin)
New England Patriots Corey Dillon plays against the Philadelphia Eagles in SUPERBOWL XXXIX at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, FL The Patriots defeated the Eagles 24-21. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots' Tedy Bruschi sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. Officials initially ruled that McNabb fumbled the ball, but the call was reversed after a challenge by Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) celebrates in the arms of teammate Josh Miller after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 to win Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 6. 2005. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts as the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New England Patriots Richard Seymour gets a hit on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb during the NFL Super Bowl XXXIX football game in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6, 2005. The Patriots won 24-21. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New England Patriots Troy Brown plays against the Philadelphia Eagles in SUPERBOWL XXXIX at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, FL The Patriots defeated the Eagles 24-21. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2005 photo, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, left, head coach Bill Belichick, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, right, celebrate after the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla. Notre Dame fired coach Charlie Weis on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 after a string of disappointing seasons that was capped by an agonizing four-game losing streak. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick announced the decision, saying in a news release: "We have great expectations for our football program, and we have not been able to meet those expectations." (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is doused after the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. At right is Belichick's father, Steve. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots wide receiver David Givens (87) reacts to a second quarter four-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New England Patriots Rodney Harrison (37) celebrates an interception with teammate linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) late in the fourth quarter that sealed the Patriots 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi plays around with his four-year-old son, T.J., before Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Fla., where the Patriots will face the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) tries to score over Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard (26) and defender Mark Simoneau (50) during foruth quarter play at Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. The Patriots scored on the following play. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New England Patriots wide receiver David Givens (87) makes second quarter four-yard touchdown catch against the defense of Philadelphia Eagles Lito Sheppard during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New England Patriots' Matt Chatham, left, and Tedy Bruschi, right, hold up three fingers for the Patriots' three Super Bowl wins during a victory parade in Boston, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. Patriots' Patrick Pass stands in the middle. The Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Super Bowl XXXIX Most Valuable Player Deion Branch of the New England Patriots holds up the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21 in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2004 file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates his team's 32-29 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) celebrates in the arms of teammate Josh Miller after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 to win Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 6. 2005. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Members of the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots ride in World War II-era amphibious duck boats through confetti as they make their way along a parade route, in Boston, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. The Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX on Sunday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) tries to score over Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard (26) and defender Mark Simoneau (50) during foruth quarter play at Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. The Patriots scored on the following play. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
* FILE* New England Patriots' Tedy Bruschi celebrates after intercepting a fourth-quarter pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles' L.J. Smith during Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., int this Feb. 6, 2005 photo. Bruschi was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Wednesday after complaining of headaches. "He is in good condition and will be held for further evaluations,'" the team said in a statement. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New England Patriot fans fill Boston City Hall Plaza, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004 as they celebrate the Super Bowl champions during a victory parade and rally in downtown Boston. (AP Photo/Don Harney
New England Patriots wide receiver David Givens (87) reacts to a second quarter four-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New England Patriots' Mike Vrabel hauls in a 2-yard pass from Tom Brady for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles' Quintin Mikell defends in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
