Would Terrell Owens actually play, let alone make a difference? Would Freddie Mitchell be thanking his hands and giving Rodney Harrison “something?” Would Tom Brady be able to repress his emotions over the recent death of his grandmother? Which big name player would step up and be MVP for his team?

All those questions were answered Sunday night; Yes, no, yes, diminutive Deion Branch.

Quarter-by-Quarter Summary

First Quarter—The first quarter could be characterized by missed opportunities and great defense. The Eagles were first to get in scoring range late in the first, when Owens took a screen pass for 30 yards. A sack by Mike Vrabel knocked the Eagles 16 yards back. On the next play, Donavan McNabb threw an interception, but it was nullified by an illegal contact penalty on the Patriots.

McNabb’s next throw, though, wouldn’t be nullified. McNabb made a rookie-like mistake by eyeing his receiver the whole time instead of staring off the safety. Rodney Harrison was able to break on the ball and intercept McNabb’s under-thrown pass. On the Eagles’ next possession in Patriots territory, L.J Smith got greedy and was stripped of the ball. Two turnovers by the Eagles. Two missed opportunities.

First Quarter Score—New England 0, Philadelphia 0.

Second Quarter—McNabb’s play stepped up in the second quarter. McNabb hit Todd Pinkston twice for big plays. L.J. Smith was able to redeem himself for the fumble by catching a touchdown pass over the middle. New England’s offensive struggles continued.

After failing to convert their first four third downs, they finally were able to sustain a drive and get to the Philadelphia goal line, but Brady fumbled on the play action handoff, and ruined a perfect chance. Brady was able to make it up on the next possession, getting the ball in good position. After a few short passes, the Patriots again found themselves near the goal line and threw to David Givens to tie the game. The rest of the second quarter ended quietly, making for a dramatic second half.

Halftime Score—New England 7, Philadelphia 7.

Third Quarter—The Patriots came out sharp after halftime. Brady connected with Branch four times to get the Patriots in scoring position. Linebacker/tight end Vrabel was able to break free from a mobbing Jevon Kearse and make a falling catch to put the Patriots up a touchdown.

McNabb responded two possessions later, spreading the ball to Brian Westbrook, Greg Lewis, and Owens. Westbrook got the call at New England’s 10-yard line, catching a nicely-threaded pass by McNabb. New England wasn’t finished, though. Running back Kevin Faulk made two nice plays to get New England in scoring range by the end of the third quarter.

Third Quarter Score—New England 14, Philadelphia 14.

Fourth Quarter—Kevin Faulk continued to be the go-to player for the drive, rushing for another 12 yards and catching a screen pass for 14 yards to put the Patriots at Philly’s two-yard line. Corey Dillon pounded the ball in to give New England the lead. Philadelphia’s offense stalled after the kickoff and again gave New England good field position.

New England was able to capitalize with a big play to Branch and a penalty. Adam Vinatieri was solid again, kicking a 22-yard field goal to make it a two score game. On the ensuing possession, McNabb hit Owens for a comeback route. Owens broke a tackle and was able to turn and get up field for a 36 yard gain. McNabb made another bad decision and forced a bad throw into the hands of Tedy Bruschi. Solid defense gave the Eagles the ball again. This time, however, they were able to score. Freddie Mitchell’s hands finally appeared, helping convert a third down. McNabb hit a single-covered Lewis for a 30-yard touchdown down the middle three plays later to put them a field goal away from tying.

While the Eagles got a touchdown, their scoring drive brought the clock down to 1:55 left. The Eagles’ defense came through again, and gave McNabb and Co. one last chance to be heroes. After two ineffective plays, McNabb threw another bad pass over the middle, and Harrison fittingly intercepted his second pass to seal the win, and repeat as champions.

Final Score—New England 24, Philadelphia 21.