Philadelphia Eagles Defeat New England Patriots in Thrilling Super Bowl LII
For the first time ever, the Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33.
Finishing 13-3, the Eagles were a force the entire season, but after losing starting quarterback and MVP candidate Carson Wentz, the season seemed to be doomed.
They were the number one seed in the NFC, but Las Vegas gave them the highest odds to reach the Super Bowl. Led by their top five defense, aggressive play calling from head co
Jeff Wheeler/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS
ach Doug Pederson, and remarkable play from backup quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles pulled off the upset in a thrilling end to the football season.
The Eagles began the game marching down the field for a field goal, ensuring the Patriots defense they were in for a long night. The Patriots kept clawing back, but unlike teams before them the Eagles didn’t fold under the pressure.
In the final minute of the first half, the Eagles opted to go for a touchdown, instead of a field goal, on fourth down and ran a trick play resulting in tight end Trey Burton throwing a touchdown pass to the quarterback Foles. Eagles were up ten going into halftime, but we’ve seen the Patriots coming from bigger deficits before.
Not surprising to many, the Patriots managed to take a one point lead in the fourth after a Rob Gronkowski touchdown, but what will follow will go down as the biggest plays in Eagles history. With a little over two minutes left, Foles connected to tight end Zach Ertz for an 11 yard touchdown, that was reviewed for several minutes.
Still, the Patriots had time to score and Tom Brady leading his team down the field for a late touchdown to win the Super Bowl seems like a February tradition at this point. With the score 38-33 and the Patriots with the ball,many people in Philly held their breath, but were quickly relieved when defensive end Brandon Graham stripped the ball from Brady, with the Eagles recovering the football.
After taking time off the clock and kicking a field goal, the Eagles were up 41-33. Brady and the Patriots were left with little time and after a hail mary attempt in the end zone fell incomplete, the game was finally over.
Leave it to the Super Bowl to make history. Both teams combined for 1,151 yards, the most yards in a game in NFL history. Brady’s 505 passing yards broke his own Super Bowl record, and become the first quarterback to throw for 500 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and still lose. Foles’ 373 passing yards ranks fifth in Super Bowl history, paving the way for him to be named MVP.
Despite the loss, the Patriots are the odds on favorite to win next seasons Super Bowl with +350 odds. The Eagles have the third best odds with +850, right behind the Packers.
After decades of coming up short, throwing batteries and booing Santa Claus, the Philadelphia fans finally have that Super Bowl they’ve been craving for.
One of the most loyal fan bases in the NFL, the Philly fans will be celebrating this victory for long time. Just try not to burn the city down, Eagles fans.
Dominic Pellegrini
Sports Reporter
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