They say Minneapolis might be too frosty to play host to another Super Bowl, but no city has ever witnessed a hotter offensive show than the Blizzard of LII. The Eagles scored on eight of their 10 possessions, including all four in the second half, and the Patriots never punted. And in the end, Nick Foles directed the game-winning drive that Tom Brady couldn't, earning Philadelphia its first Super Bowl championship in electrifying style, with a 41-33 victory.
First quarter Eagles 9, Patriots 3
Offensive fireworks start early
What happened: For the first time in his eight Super Bowls, Tom Brady wasn't shut out in the first quarter. But Foles was the bigger star, hitting a diving Alshon Jeffery (above) in the back of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown.
Newsworthy: Any fears about Foles being affected by nerves were allayed when he converted two third downs on the opening drive, taking the Eagles 67 yards and eating more than seven minutes before settling for a field goal.
Eagles Patriots
Passing yards 102 120
Rushing yards 47 20
Total yards 149 140
First downs 6 5
Time of poss. 8:48 6:12
3rd downs 2-for-3 1-for-2
Penalties-yards 2-10 1-2
second quarter Eagles 22, Patriots 12
Schoolyard play means TD for QB
What happened: In a quarter brimming with big plays, including long TD runs by Eagle LeGarrette Blount and Patriot James White, the biggest gained just 1 yard: Foles (above) sneaked into the end zone to catch a Philly TD.
Newsworthy: The fourth-down, final-minute call to have Trey Burton toss to Foles was gutsy and historic, making Foles the Super Bowl's first QB with a TD catch. Brady also went out on a pass route. Alas, he couldn't hold on.
Eagles Patriots
Passing yards 114 156
Rushing yards 60 54
Total yards 174 210
First downs 6 8
Time of poss. 8:00 7:00
3rd downs 1-for-2 1-for-5
Penalties-yards 4-20 1-5
third quarter Eagles 29, Patriots 26
Patriots get back into the game
What happened: Undaunted by a 10-point halftime deficit, the Patriots paraded downfield on both drives. Rob Gronkowski caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Brady, and Chris Hogan (above) grabbed a 26-yard score.
Newsworthy: The question of Gronkowski's concussion had dominated the week leading up to the Super Bowl, but Brady's favorite receiver left no doubt about his health in the half's first drive, accounting for 68 of the Patriots' 75 yards.
Eagles Patriots
Passing yards 101 128
Rushing yards 43 17
Total yards 153 145
First downs 7 8
Time of poss. 8:20 6:40
3rd downs 3-for-3 2-for-2
Penalties-yards 2-15 1-5
fourth quarter Eagles 41, Patriots 33
Finally, Eagles fly high
What happened: The Patriots finally took their first lead, but it merely set up a thrilling finish for Philadelphia. The Eagles ate up eight minutes and reclaimed the lead when Zach Ertz (above) caught a short pass and bounced into the end zone.
Newsworthy: Brady's signature game-winning drive was short-circuited when Brandon Graham hit him, causing a fumble. Brady got another shot, but his desperation pass into the end zone fell on the ground as time expired.
Eagles Patriots
Passing yards 57 96
Rushing yards 14 22
Total yards 71 118
First downs 6 8
Time of poss. 8:56 6:04
3rd downs 2-for-5 2-for-2
Penalties-yards 0-0 0-0
