Who Won Super Bowl 2005? Patriots Beat Eagles 24-21

By Sarah Miller · November 4, 2045

The New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 on February 6, 2005. This victory marked the Patriots' third Super Bowl title in four years, solidifying their status as a dynasty led by quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

Super Bowl XXXIX: A Dynasty Continues

Super Bowl XXXIX was played on February 6, 2005, at Alltel Stadium (now EverBank Stadium) in Jacksonville, Florida. The New England Patriots claimed their third championship in four seasons by defeating the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles 24–21. The game was a hard-fought battle, showcasing elite defense and timely offense from both teams, but ultimately the Patriots' experience in big games proved decisive.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Patriots took an early lead with a touchdown pass from Tom Brady to David Givens.
Donovan McNabb led a strong comeback for the Eagles, throwing for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
A crucial interception by Rodney Harrison late in the fourth quarter sealed the win for New England.
Deion Branch was named Super Bowl MVP after recording 8 receptions for 133 yards.
The game featured 11 total turnovers, highlighting the high-pressure nature of the matchup.

Team Breakdown: Patriots vs. Eagles

Both teams entered the game with strong resumes. The Patriots had already built a reputation for clutch performances under Belichick, while the Eagles were seeking their first Super Bowl victory after decades of near-misses.

Patriots’ Path to Victory

Relentless defensive schemes that disrupted McNabb’s rhythm.
Efficient red-zone scoring despite limited yardage.
Tom Brady’s composure in critical moments, going 22-of-28 for 236 yards and 2 TDs.
Strong special teams play, including key punt returns by Bethel Johnson.

Eagles’ Valiant Effort

McNabb’s standout performance, one of the best in losing Super Bowl efforts.
Terrell Owens playing through injury, catching 9 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Aggressive offensive strategy that kept New England’s defense on its heels.
Led by Andy Reid, the Eagles showed they belonged on the biggest stage.

Statistic	New England Patriots	Philadelphia Eagles
Final Score	24	21
Total Yards	304	338
Passing Yards	236	357
Rushing Yards	68	-19
Turnovers	4	7
Time of Possession	31:17	28:43
Third Down Efficiency	5/12	6/14

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical comparison reveals that while the Eagles outgained the Patriots in total and passing yards, their seven turnovers—compared to New England’s four—proved fatal. The Patriots also dominated time of possession and capitalized on red-zone opportunities, converting two short drives into touchdowns.

Legacy of Super Bowl XXXIX

This win cemented the Patriots' early-2000s dynasty. With three titles in four years (2002, 2004, 2005), New England became the first team since the 1970s Steelers to achieve such dominance. Tom Brady improved to 3-0 in Super Bowls, enhancing his growing legacy as a clutch performer. For the Eagles, the loss was heartbreaking, but their appearance signaled the arrival of a contender under Reid and McNabb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2005

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2005?

Wide receiver Deion Branch of the New England Patriots was named Super Bowl MVP. He recorded 8 receptions for 133 yards, leading all receivers and providing consistent separation against a tough Eagles secondary.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXXIX?

The final score was New England Patriots 24, Philadelphia Eagles 21. The game was decided in the final minutes when Rodney Harrison intercepted Donovan McNabb to seal the victory.

Where was Super Bowl 2005 held?

Super Bowl XXXIX was held at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 6, 2005. It remains the only Super Bowl hosted in Jacksonville to date.

How many Super Bowl titles did the Patriots have after winning in 2005?

After winning Super Bowl XXXIX, the New England Patriots had three Super Bowl championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX), all won between 2002 and 2005.

Did Terrell Owens play in Super Bowl 2005?

Yes, Terrell Owens played in Super Bowl 2005 despite suffering a broken ankle and sprained MCL just weeks earlier. He caught 9 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown, delivering a heroic performance for the Eagles.