Preseason predictions came true when the New England Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XXXIX, defeating the Pittsburg Steelers in what was called a blowout. Ironically, the two early favorites, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Patriots, are going to be playing in the Super Bowl, despite complications in the regular season.

The loss of Terrel Owens to a knee injury was thought to have hampered any chances the Eagles had to reaching the Super Bowl. The Patriots were overlooked as the hot Steelers prospered in the regular season, beating both the Eagles and Patriots.

This year’s NFC Champions, the Eagles, have proven that even without star receiver Terrel Owens, the team is still championship-caliber. Running back Brian Westbrook took up much of the offensive responsibility in their playoff games against the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. Receiver Freddie Mitchell also proved critics that the Eagles, though they would miss Terrel Owens, would have another weapon for the deep pass; however, the largest factor of the Eagles post-season victories could be Donovan McNabb’s efficiency.

The injured McNabb, who threw five interceptions combined in their last three attempts to take the NFC championship, was no where to be seen.

Last year, McNabb took a tackle that was arguably after the play had ended. The hit would send McNabb to the sidelines with injured ribs, and the Eagles would fall to the Carolina Panthers.

And while the offense of the Eagles has taken a toll with Terrel Owens on the sideline, its defense is one aspect of the team that has shown vast improvement from last year.

Philadelphia’s blitz, lead by Defensive End Jevon Kearse, racked up four sacks against the quick-footed quarterback Michael Vick of Atlanta. Brian Dawkins also made an interception off of Vick. One factor the Eagles will be riding on is their ability to pressure the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

There’s no reason to suspect the returning champions will be any worse than last year. Brady has one more year under his belt and even more playoff victories without a loss.

The Joe Montana comparison is looking to take a consecutive Super Bowl which would cry for the term “dynasty” for New England. Although New England head coach Bill Belichick is quick to dismiss the idea of his Patriots become a Dynasty, but with a playoff record of 8-1 now for the tenth year coach, the thought is very tempting.

The Patriots have had a cool attitude through the playoffs. Against the Steelers, New England did not commit a single turnover, and despite the fact that Pittsburg had more than 50 total yards more than the Patriots, they lost their chance at the Super Bowl at a score of 27-41.

Pittsburg had three turnovers; all interceptions thrown by the rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. After their defensive showcase against the Steelers, the Patriots have widely been chosen as the favorites in this Super Bowl.

“The Patriots defense is just too good,” junior Tom Vanderpool said.

Regardless of the possible return of Terrel Owens to the Eagles, Philadelphia will be challenged by the New England defense. It is the same defense that held the record-holding, consecutive regular-season MVP Peyton Manning and the Colts to only a field goal.

The Philadelphia Defense must also step up and stop Brady, who is (arguably) the best playoff quarterback in the league today, and an offense that outscored the Steelers by fourteen points.

“Personally, I think the Eagles will pull off a ben-dazzling performance,” junior Shaun Ruxton said.

If McNabb and the Eagles do take the win at Super Bowl XXXIX, McNabb will be only the second African-American quarterback to lead his team to the Super Bowl, second to Doug Williams.

Even if the NFC champions lose to the Patriots, McNabb makes history being the third African-American Quarterback to play in the Super Bowl, joining the ranks of Doug Williams and Steve McNair.