Eagles Defeat Patriots To Win First Ever Super Bowl

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Eagles have defeated the Patriots for their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history after a non-stop, offensive-oriented, four quarter battle. The victory provided redemption for the Birds' loss in their last Super Bowl appearance in 2005, which they lost to the Patriots.

Before a roaring crowd of 66,000-plus at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Eagles were on top of the Patriots for most of the night, leaping out to a 3-0 lead on the game’s first drive and, for a time, seeming like they would never look back.

But the Patriots kept the Eagles within range, falling behind by ten and roaring back at the start of the fourth quarter, taking a 33-32 lead. With the Eagles up 38-33 approaching the two minute warning, the Eagles forced an all-important Tom Brady fumble, cutting short a would-be characteristic Patriots drive. An Eagles field goal all but ended the game.

The game was a back and forth offensive affair which resulted in the most total yards gained in Super Bowl history - before the end of the third quarter.

For Philadelphia fans, the game brought the city its first championship in 10 years, when the Phillies last won the World Series. It also marked the Eagles first victory on the sport's biggest stage after losses in 1980 and 2005. Entering the game, they were one of 13 NFL franchises that had never won a championship.

"For so many who have called themselves Eagles fans for a generation, this is the day, the game, the season, and the team we've dreamed of," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement Sunday following the win. "The 2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions, and they've brought tremendous joy to hundreds of thousands throughout the City and region. They consistently wowed us with their dynamic play and relentless pursuit of victory. Their 'Next Man Up' mentality when injuries arose was inspiring to anyone who has ever faced a setback, as was their willingness to embrace the role of underdogs. They looked another storied football franchise in the eyes, and never blinked."

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Eagles quarterback Nick Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns along with one interception. He had a quarterback rating of 106.1 out of a scale that goes to 158.3. Running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for 90 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Corey Clement led Philadelphia wide receivers with 100 yards and a touchdown.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for a record 505 yards and three touchdowns. He had a quarterback rating of 115.4. Three Patriots players collected more than 100 yards receiving: wide receivers Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

A series of misadventures characterized the first half, as Jake Elliot missed an extra point and Stephen Gostkowski missed a short field goal off a mishandled snap. A New England flea flicker had the potential to tie the game up; but the pass was dropped. And an Eagles two-point conversion failed.

A drive leading up to the end of the first half ended in spectacular fashion on fourth down, when a flea flicker pass was caught by Nick Foles to put the Birds up 22-12 and give them substantial momentum heading into the half.

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The Patriots were 4.5 point favorites heading into the game. The Eagles have been underdogs in every game they've played this year, including their two playoff victories against the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.

It was the Patriots third Super Bowl appearance in the last four years.

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Sunday's game was the 52nd Super Bowl in history.

Philadelphia officials said parade details will be released Monday, Feb. 5.

For more play by play details, see here.

This story will be updated.

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall