New England Patriots

Here’s a look at the key plays of Super Bowl LII

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles scores a touchdown on a trick play throw from Philadelphia Eagles tight end Trey Burton in the second quarter of Super Bowl LII.

By Andrew Mahoney

3 minutes to read

There was no shortage of crucial plays in Philadelphia’s 41-33 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Both teams emptied out the playbook in a wildly entertaining game that saw the Patriots fall short of winning a sixth Lombardi Trophy.

Here’s a look at some of the game’s biggest plays.

Quarterbacks as receivers

Clinging to a 15-12 lead at halftime and facing fourth and goal at the Patriots’ 1-yard line, the Eagles had quarterback Nick Foles line up behind the right tackle. The ball was snapped to running back Corey Clement, who sprinted left and pitched it to Trey Burton, who then circled right and found Foles alone in the end zone. The Eagles took a 22-12 lead into the break.

Advertisement:

The Patriots tried a trick play of their own earlier in the game, and it didn’t exactly work out, with Tom Brady going out as a receiver for a pass from Danny Amendola. Brady was wide open going down the right sideline, but the ball glanced off his fingertips and fell incomplete.

Duron Harmon’s first half interception keeps the Patriots alive

The Eagles were leading 15-6 and were poised to add to the lead when the Patriots came up with a big turnover. Nick Foles looked for Alshon Jeffery down the right sideline, but Stephon Gilmore was with Jeffery and contested the play. The ball was bobbled before safety Duron Harmon corralled it at the two-yard line, then returned it to the 10.

Brandin Cooks knocked out of the game

In the second quarter, wide receiver Brandin Cooks made a catch for a first down, and was looking to gain more yards. Glancing to his right while running to his left, Cooks was nailed by Philadelphia defensive Back Malcolm Jenkins on a helmet-to-helmet collision. Cooks went down hard and eventually got up to head to the locker room, where he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Advertisement:

James Devlin and Matthew Slater stare at the Eagles bench while members of the Patriots’ training staff examine Brandin Cooks.

Corey Clement’s third quarter touchdown reception

After the Patriots opened the second half with a touchdown, Philadelphia was clinging to a 22-19 lead and faced third and 6 at the Patriots’ 22-yard line. The Eagles responded with Foles connecting with running back Corey Clement for a 22-yard touchdown. The play was reviewed because Clement appeared to bobble the ball a little bit, but the ruling on the field stood.

Corey Clement hauls in a pass for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Zach Ertz’s 11-yard touchdown pass reception stands

The Eagles took the lead with 2:21 remaining when Zach Ertz took an 11-yard pass from Nick Foles and lunged across the goal line. Ertz lost control of the ball when he extended his arms and hit the ground in the end zone. It was reminiscent of the Jesse James play in the Pittsburgh game, which was initially ruled a touchdown but overturned by replay.

Ertz’s score stood because the officials determined that he had already completed the catch and became a runner before crossing the goal line.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz juggled the ball after his reception and dive for the end zone.

Tom Brady strip-sacked

The Patriots were trailing, 38-33 with 2:21 remaining and a timeout. Not ideal, but still plenty of time for Brady and company to rally. But then Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham forced Brady to fumble, and rookie linebacker Derek Barnett recovered. That allowed the Eagles to run more time off the clock and add a field goal for the 41-33 win.

Advertisement:

 

Must-see photos from Super Bowl LII:

[bdc-gallery id=”6832009″]