After the injury to the Eagles’ starting quarterback Carson Wentz, forced backup Nick Foles to take the reins, many people expected the Eagles’ season to be over. An ACL injury in week 14, and the course of the season was changed.

The Eagles had been successful all season, posting a 13-3 record, tying a franchise record. They finished as the top seed in the NFC, which earned them a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the divisional round, they faced the sixth seeded Atlanta Falcons, the defending NFC conference champions who lost to New England in the Super Bowl last season. It was a close game, but the Eagles prevailed 15-10.

They then met the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship, who had beaten the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round after a last second 61-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Case Keenum to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Eagles, who had home-field advantage, defeated the Vikings 38-7.

The victory led them to their third Super Bowl appearance in history. They had never won one coming into this game. Their last championship came in the pre-super-bowl-era, in 1960.

The stage was set for the big game. Fans from all over the country entered U.S. Bank Stadium to watch Super Bowl LII. The national anthem was sung by recording artist Pink, despite having the flu. The Patriots won the coin toss and chose to kick off. The Patriots have never won a super bowl when winning the coin toss. They were hoping their luck would change.

Teams traded chances and Philadelphia scored first, with a 24-yard field goal by rookie Jake Elliott. The next drive, the Patriots returned the favor, tying the game at three, thanks to kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Then, several minutes later, Foles threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, but the extra point kick was missed. The first quarter ended with the Eagles leading 9-3.

Within the first minute of the second quarter, the Patriots missed a field goal. A few minutes later, quarterback Tom Brady dropped a pass off of a trick play, allowing Philadelphia to get the ball. A few minutes later, a 21-yard touchdown run by running back LeGarrette Blount put the Eagles up 15-3. Following that, the Patriots responded with a field goal and then a 26-yard touchdown run by running back James White. With time running out in the first half, the Eagles ran a trick play, as tight end Trey Burton passed to a wide open Foles for a touchdown. The score was 22-12 Eagles at halftime.

This year’s halftime show included a performance by Justin Timberlake. Timberlake was first introduced by Jimmy Fallon, and then the opening song “Filthy” played. That was followed by “Señorita,” “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “Cry Me a River” and “Suit & Tie.” He also included a tribute to the late singer Prince, by playing “Until the End of Time,” and “I Would Die 4 U.” He then sang his hit song “Mirrors” and then he closed with a newer hit song “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”

New England struck quickly in the second half, with tight end Rob Gronkowski receiving a touchdown from Brady. Philadelphia didn’t give up, as running back Corey Clement caught a touchdown pass and put the Eagles up by ten again, resulting in a score of 29-19. A play fake on the 26-yard line by the Patriots led to a touchdown by Chris Hogan, and the Patriots were within three points.

The third quarter ended with the Eagles leading 29-26. Elliott kicked a 42-yard field goal, the longest by a rookie in super bowl history to put them up by six. As time wound down, Gronkowski picked up his second touchdown and put the Patriots up by one, 33-32, their first lead of the game.

Eagles’ tight end Zach Ertz caught a pass and ran for a touchdown with just over two minutes left and Philadelphia re-gained the lead, 38-33. The next drive, Brady fumbled the ball, the Eagles recovered and it was their ball with 2 minutes to play. The Patriots defense held them to a field goal, giving New England one last chance.

They began with the ball at the 9-yard line and they marched up the field. With nine seconds left, the Patriots had it on their own 49-yard line. They needed a miracle. Brady threw a hail mary pass to the end zone, only to be batted down by Eagle defenders. The game was over. The Eagles had won their first Super Bowl ever, dethroning the defending champs 41-33. Nick Foles had begun the season as a backup quarterback and finished as the super bowl MVP.