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Sports

Super Bowl XXXIX gives Patriots dynasty status

Crystal Baller

Louie Vera

Lights. Camera. Dynasty.

On the biggest stage in sports, the New England Patriots solidified themselves as one of the greatest teams in sports history.

In the era of free agency and a salary cap, the NFL saw parity throughout the league, but the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick have defied all the odds by winning three Super Bowls in the last four years. 

On media day, Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell said he had something for Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. But it was Harrison who had the last laugh by picking off Donovan McNabb with nine seconds left to give the Patriots a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.

No points were scored in the opening quarter, but by no means was it a slow start to the big game. Aggressive defense by both teams along with ferocious hitting really set the tone for what is one of the most historic Super Bowls.

The second quarter saw the seven-point underdog Eagles draw blood first when two catches by Todd Pinkston setting up a six-yard McNabb touchdown toss to tight end L. J. Smith for a 7-0 lead. 

Lead by Corey Dillon and Tom Brady, the Pats burned the Eagles' aggressive play with screens and hard running. David Givens then capped off the drive in the end zone for a four-yard touchdown catch to tie the game up just before intermission.

The opening drive out of halftime saw the Patriots show why they are the world champions. Nine plays and 69 yards later, outside linebacker Mike Vrabel made the unconventional two-yard touchdown catch putting the reigning champs up 14-7. In the closing minutes of the third quarter, McNabb connected with the elusive Brian Westbrook for a 10-yard touchdown pass tying the game at 14. 

In typical Patriots fashion, the team took over the fourth quarter scoring 10 points off the bat. A combination of screens and runs for Kevin Faulk and Corey Dillon along with Adam Vinatieri's 22-yard field goal, helped put Belichick's crew ahead 24-14, diminishing the hopes of Eagles fans and players. 

As time ticked down, the Eagles' possessions became precious. Yet their final pushes for victory were cut short twice with interceptions by playmakers Tedy Bruschi and Harrison who have had an uncanny knack for making crucial plays throughout the Patriots' reign. 

Now the camera's only have one shot left.

Flash.

The Patriots are the world champions.
 

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