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Memorable Moments: Patriots-Eagles, presented by Empower
The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will meet on Sunday in a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX. Here's a look at some games between the two teams.
After losing their inaugural game against the Eagles in 1973, the Patriots won the next two contests in the series, including a 24-14 victory on Oct. 8, 1978. Running back Sam Cunningham (leaping over the pile for a TD) put New England up 17-0 in the second quarter and they never looked back.
The Eagles won their fifth straight game over the Patriots with a 24-9 win on Dec. 19, 1999. Philly RB Duce Staley ran for 93 yards and cornerback Troy Vincent had two of the Eagles four interceptions.
A sold-out crowd witnessed the Patriots and Eagles square off in the first-ever game at Gillette Stadium, a preseason contest on Aug. 17, 2002 in Foxborough, Mass. The Pats won 16-15 behind three Adam Vinatieri field goals.Â
The Patriots snapped a five-game losing streak in their series with Philadelphia following a 31-10 win on Sept. 14, 2003. Patriots TE Christian Fauria hauled in two of Tom Brady's three TD passes and LB Willie McGinest recorded two of the Pats' seven sacks.
The Patriots defeated the Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX on Feb. 6, 2005 to capture their third NFL title in four years. Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch caught 11 passes for 133 yards and safety Rodney Harrison had two interceptions, including the final one that sealed the championship with 9 seconds to go.
In a back-and-forth battle that featured seven lead changes and two ties, the Patriots prevailed 31-28 on Nov. 25, 2007. Wes Welker caught 13 passes for 149 yards, and a four-yard TD run by Laurence Maroney with 7:20 left in the fourth quarter provided the winning margin.
In their most recent meeting on Nov. 27, 2011, the Patriots recovered from an early 10-point deficit to post a 38-20 win. New England running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for two scores and Tom Brady tossed three TDs. Â
