Fly Eagles, Fly: Philadelphia Wins First-Ever Super Bowl
This is the second time the Eagles and the Patriots have met in the Super Bowl
By Barry Wilner ••
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots, 41-33, to win their first-ever Super Bowl.
As their delirious fans sang their theme song and their owner lifted the Lombardi Trophy, the Philadelphia Eagles finally could breathe freely.
Yo, Philly, you really did beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in a thrilling Super Bowl that rewrote the offensive record book.
Nick Foles guided the drive of a lifetime, Zach Ertz made a bobbling touchdown catch that had to survive replay review, and an exhausted defense came up with two stands in the final moments Sunday for a 41-33 victory. For the first time since 1960, the Eagles are NFL champions.
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Zach Ertz (86) of the Philadelphia Eagles dives into the end zone for a 11-yard touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his team's 41-33 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII 41-33 at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis.
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Nick Foles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and his daughter Lily Foles after the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles gets a ice bath after defeating the New England Patriots, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Nick Foles celebrates with his daughter Lily Foles after his 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team won the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Eagles won 41-33.
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Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates winning Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Cameron Fleming of the New England Patriots walks off the field after his teams 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33.
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady walks off the field after the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Eagles won 41-33.
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Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Philadelphia Eagles' Ronald Darby celebrates after the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Eagles won 41-33.
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The Philadelphia Eagles run on the field after defeating the New England Patriots, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Zach Ertz celebrates with teammates after a 11-yard touchdown reception against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles makes an 11-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles dives into the end zone for a 11-yard touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots celebrates his 4-yard fourth quarter touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots celebrates after a 4-yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots makes the tackle attempt on Torrey Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Corey Clement of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a 22-yard touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts to break a tackle from Jordan Richards of the New England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski makes a catch over Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Corey Graham, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a 22-yard touchdown pass against the New England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Quarterback Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 1-yard touchdown pass against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Umpire Ruben Fowler reviews a Philadelphia Eagles touchdown reception against the New England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Alshon Jeffery of the Philadelphia Eagles bobbles the pass under pressure, leading to a Patriots interception in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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LeGarrette Blount of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown on a 21-yard run against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with Rodney McLeod after tackling Brandin Cooks of the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. Cooks, injured from the hit, was ruled out for the rest of the game.
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Tom Brady of the New England Patriots reacts after dropping a pass intended for him from teammate Danny Amendola during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Alshon Jeffery of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 34-yard pass for a touchdown during the first quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Alshon Jeffery of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 34-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Tom Brady of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Nelson Agholor of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots during the first quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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A view of the coin toss prior to Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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The Philadelphia Eagles take the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans is presented with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy prior to Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Pink sings the national anthem prior to Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Officials walk on the field before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Singer-Actor Leslie Odom Jr. sings "America the Beautiful" prior to Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Fans gather outside before the start of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Fans brave cold temperatures as they wait to get into U.S. Bank Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Fans gather outside before the start of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
"Fly Eagles Fly," indeed.
"We've played this game since we were little kids, we dreamed about this moment," said Foles, the game MVP. "There's plenty of kids watching this game right now dreaming about this moment and someday will be here."
In a record-setting shootout between backup QB Foles and five-time champ Brady of the favored Patriots, Foles led a pressure-packed 75-yard drive to the winning touchdown, 11 yards to Ertz with 2:21 to go.
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Then Brandon Graham strip-sacked Brady and Derek Barnett recovered, setting up rookie Jake Elliot's 46-yard field goal for an 8-point lead.
Brady got his team to midfield, but his desperation pass fell to the ground in the end zone.
"For us, it was all about one stop we had to make. We went out here and made that one stop," Graham said.
The underdog Eagles (16-3), even injured starting quarterback Carson Wentz, came bolting off the sideline in ecstasy while Brady sat on the ground, disconsolate.
It was the first Super Bowl title for Philadelphia (16-3), which went from 7-9 last season.
"If there's a word [it's] called everything," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said. "That's what it means to Eagles fans everywhere. And for Eagles fans everywhere, this is for them."
Super Bowl MVP Foles orchestrated the victory with the kind of drive NFL MVP Brady, a five-time champion, is known for. The drive covered 14 plays, including a fourth-down conversion.
"I felt calm. I mean, we have such a great group of guys, such a great coaching staff," Foles said. "We felt confident coming in, and we just went out there and played football."
Chris O'Meara/AP
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Recording artist Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Justin Timberlake, left, performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Eagles had to survive a video replay because ball popped into the air as Ertz crossed the goal line.
"If they would have overturned that, I don't know what would have happened to the city of Philadelphia," Ertz said. "But I'm so glad they didn't overturn it."
The touchdown stood — and so did thousands of green-clad Eagles fans who weren't going to mind the frigid conditions outside US Bank Stadium once they headed out to celebrate. But not before a rousing rendition of "Fly Eagles Fly" reverberated throughout the stands once the trophy was presented to Lurie. Later, fans danced along with the "Gonna Fly Now," the theme from "Rocky," the city's best-known fictional underdog.
The Patriots (15-4) seemed ready to take their sixth championship with Brady and coach Bill Belichick in eight Super Bowls. Brady threw for a postseason record 505 yards and three TDs, hitting Rob Gronkowski for 4 yards before Stephen Gostkowski's extra point gave New England its first lead, 33-32.
Then Foles made Eagles fans forget Wentz — at least for now — with the gutsiest drive of his life.
"We couldn't make a play to give the ball back to the offense," Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore said.
Foles has been something of a journeyman in his six pro seasons, but he has been spectacular in four career playoff games. He finished 28 of 43 for 373 yards and three TDs.
The combined 1,151 yards were the most in any modern NFL game. The 40-year-old Brady finished 28 of 48 and picked apart the Eagles until the final two series.
Brady indicated he will return for a 19th season even as Gronkowski was hedging on his future.
"I mean it's 15 minutes after the game ended, so I'd like to process this a little bit," Brady said. "I wouldn't see why I wouldn't be back."
Gronkowski, who has played eight superb but injury-riddled years, said: "I am definitely going to look at my future."
It was such a wild game that Foles caught a touchdown pass, and Brady was on the opposite end of a Danny Amendola throw that went off his fingertips.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson brought home the championship in his second year in charge. Belichick is 5-3 in Super Bowls, most of them decided by less than a touchdown.
So this one was in keeping with that trend: breathtaking and even a bit bizarre.
Brady and the Patriots looked ready for another comeback by opening the second half with a 75-yard touchdown drive. Gronkowski was unstoppable, grabbing four passes for 69 yards, including the 5-yard score.
Philly didn't flinch, answering with a precise 75-yard march with three more third-down conversions. The Eagles finished 10 for 16 on third. The last was a perfect pass by Foles to Corey Clement over double coverage, and the rookie's reception was upheld by review, putting the Eagles up 10.
Brady shrugged and, getting steadfast protection, connected with Chris Hogan from the 26 for another touchdown.
When all the Eagles could manage was Jake Elliott's 42-yarder for a 32-26 lead, it seemed inevitable the Patriots would go in front, then become the first repeat Super Bowl winner since they did it in the 2004 and '05 games.
Foles, Ertz, and — at last — a revitalized defense said otherwise.
The weird image of Brady ambling downfield on a pass pattern came three plays after New England lost receiver Brandin Cooks to a concussion on a vicious but clean hit by Malcolm Jenkins in the second quarter. Amendola's pass required an over-the-shoulder grab and the ball fell off Brady's outstretched hands.
Brady got back to passing after a wild interception. Alshon Jeffery nearly made a spectacular catch near the Patriots' goal line, only to juggle the ball into the air. Duron Harmon picked it off at the 10. Moments later, Brady was connecting with Chris Hogan for 42 yards.
Chris O'Meara/AP
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Streeter Lecka/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Recording artist Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Eric Gay/AP
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Eric Gay/AP
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Streeter Lecka/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Streeter Lecka/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Eric Gay/AP
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Chris O'Meara/AP
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Matt Slocum/AP
Justin Timberlake, left, performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Streeter Lecka/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Gregory Shamus/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Streeter Lecka/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Streeter Lecka/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Gregory Shamus/Getty
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
James White broke several tackles with a brilliant 26-yard run and it was 15-12. That gave White seven touchdowns in his past three postseason games, including the overtime winner in last year's Super Bowl.
But the Eagles still had 2:04 left in the half — and some more magic in their bag.
A short third-down throw Clement turned into a 55-yard gain to the Patriots 8. Philly got to the 1 and on fourth down, and it was Foles' turn to morph into a receiver.
He did better than Brady. On fourth down, Clement took a direct snap, pitched to tight end Trey Burton, and the former Florida QB hit an uncovered Foles. The Eagles were up 22-12 at halftime, the most points New England has allowed in the opening half of a Super Bowl under Belichick.
Each kicker had issues, with Elliott missing an extra point, his fifth miss this season. Then Gostkowski hit the left upright with a 26-yard field goal after holder Ryan Allen mishandled the snap. Gostkowski also missed an extra point.
When LeGarrette Blount, who won the title last season with the Patriots, scored on a 21-yard burst, Pederson went for 2, but the pass failed, making it 15-3.
The Eagles and Pederson brushed it off and stayed with their usual aggressive approach. Breathtakingly, it eventually paid off.
