Sunday, February 06, 2005

The New England Patriots staked their claim as the latest NFL dynasty, winning their third Super Bowl in four years with a 24-21 victory over the Eagles tonight in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Safety Rodney Harrison, singled out by Philadelphia receiver Freddie Mitchell in the days before the game, sealed the championship for the Patriots when he intercepted a Donovan McNabb pass with 8 seconds to play at Alltel Stadium.

Harrison had two interceptions and a sack in the game. Turns out he had something for the Eagles. Mitchell had one catch for 11 yards.

McNabb threw three interceptions and let a lot of time run off the clock when the Eagles were trying to rally late. He finished the game 30-of-51 for 357 yards and three touchdowns, but couldn't keep up with the Patriots.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady ... was 23-of-33 for 236 yards and two touchdowns. He is now 9-0 in the postseason, an NFL record. The Patriots' nine straight wins also equalled the all-time record set by the Green Bay Packers.

New England receiver Deion Branch tied a Super Bowl record by making 11 receptions, for 133 yards. He was named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player