WHAT WE SAID: The Eagles haven't shown they can stop a power running back such as Corey Dillon. EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHAT HAPPENED: Dillon wasn't a force, but he broke one big run and was more effective than Brian Westbrook. His touchdown was a statement run. Dillon was a big reason the Patriots got here, so he's deserving of the ring he came to New England to get. EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHEN THE PATRIOTS THROW
WHAT WE SAID: With three Pro Bowl defensive backs, Philly can handle Tom Brady. EDGE: EAGLES
WHAT HAPPENED: Brady took time to get into a rhythm but in the second and third quarters was near-perfect. For the second straight season, Deion Branch had a monster game, this time against a tough secondary. Charlie Weis' ingenuity, such as bringing linebacker Mike Vrabel in, paid off for the second year in a row. EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHEN THE EAGLES RUN
WHAT WE SAID: New England's front seven, led by Tedy Bruschi, should contain Westbrook.
EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHAT HAPPENED: Westbrook was not a factor running, and Philly had to throw screens to get him involved. After missing the first two playoff games, Richard Seymour anchored the Pats line. Donovan McNabb's running did not come into play except eluding the rush. He never took the ball downfield. EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHEN THE EAGLES THROW
WHAT WE SAID: With or without Terrell Owens, McNabb will hold his own against a patchwork secondary. EDGE: EAGLES
WHAT HAPPENED: Owens proved himself healthy, and McNabb piled up 356 yards and three touchdowns. But his turnovers kept the Eagles from controlling the game. His inaccuracy, which led to two interceptions, was uncharacteristic. Still, McNabb's passing kept the Eagles in the game. EDGE: EAGLES
INTANGIBLES
WHAT WE SAID: The Eagles might be happy to be here. New England has the experience. EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHAT HAPPENED: You saw more jitters in the neophytes, especially early. Take away a challenge and a penalty, and Philadelphia would have had four turnovers in the first quarter. And except for Brady's fumble at the goal line, the Patriots were careful not to beat themselves. New England played like it had been there before. EDGE: PATRIOTS
SPECIAL TEAMS
WHAT WE SAID: Both teams play well. The Pats have Adam Vinatieri. EDGE: PATRIOTS
WHAT HAPPENED: There was only one field goal, a 22-yarder. There were little things such as Josh Miller's early punt going out of bounds at the 7 and Dirk Johnson's 29-yard punt for the Eagles late in the first half. The Eagles used Westbrook on returns, but he didn't break any. Miller's final punt was downed at the 4. EDGE: PATRIOTS
