Fansided

Ranking the 15 most dramatic finishes in Super Bowl history

By Randy Gurzi

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Detailed view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the NFL Experience exhibition before Super Bowl 50 at the Moscone Center on February 3, 2016 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Detailed view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the NFL Experience exhibition before Super Bowl 50 at the Moscone Center on February 3, 2016 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 16
Next
JACKSONVILLE, FL – FEBRUARY 06: Wide receiver Terrell Owens
JACKSONVILLE, FL – FEBRUARY 06: Wide receiver Terrell Owens /

14. Super Bowl XXXIX

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2004 season after suffering three consecutive NFC Championship Game losses. To try and help them get over the hump, they added the talented, but often tough to deal with, receiver Terrell Owens.

Owens was a difference maker and quickly became the favorite target for quarterback Donovan McNabb until Week 15, when the wideout broke his fibula. He missed the last two regular season games, but proved to be one of the absolute toughest players ever as he managed to play in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots just a few weeks later.

The receiver ignored doctors’ orders not to play, and with two screws and a metal plate in his leg he put on a show against the Pats as he hauled in nine receptions for 122 yards in an effort to bring Philadelphia its first ever Super Bowl title.

His play wasn’t enough, though, as the Patriots had built a 10-point lead late in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to McNabb’s two interceptions to that point. Still, the Eagles didn’t give up, and with 5:40 left to play they had the ball with some hope left.

A 13-play, 79 yard drive ensued and McNabb got his third touchdown pass of the game as he found receiver Greg Lewis in the end zone to make it a 24-21 game. An onside kick was recovered by New England, who forced the Eagles to use all their time outs, but were unable to get a first down.

Again the Eagles had life, but thanks to their previous drive taking too long (due to them not using a no-huddle offense as many believed they should) there were 46 seconds remaining and 96-yards to cover. Philly desperately tried to make something happen, but McNabb’s pass intended for tight end L.J. Smith wound up in the hands of the safety Rodney Harrison, and Tom Brady and the Patriots were crowned champions for the third time in four years.

The Eagles were highly criticized following the game for not only huddling on their 13-play drive, but also attempting the onside kick rather than sending the ball deep on New England.

Next: No. 13

Home/Carolina Panthers