Its not as if the Eagles are returning to the scene of the crime, but they are playing the team that beat them in the Super Bowl 13 years ago on Sunday, Feb. 4 (6:30 p.m., U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.). Not surprisingly, like they were then, and like they were in their NFC Divisional Round game against the Atlanta Falcons and their NFC Championship game against the Minnesota Vikings, they are the underdogs to the New England Patriots and their much-heralded quarterback Tom Brady.

In 2005, the Patriots were favored by a touchdown over the Eagles and won by three, 24-21. This time the point spread is four although it could go down a point between now and Sunday. With all that written, the Eagles will for the third-straight game this postseason come out on top but it will take an all-around team effort. Expect a seven to 10-point win in the team’s first-ever Super Bowl championship, after losing their previous two times.

One thing is for sure, the defensive line for both teams will be relentless in their pursuit of the opposing quarterback. The Eagles didn’t have to play from behind much this season when they won the NFC East Division with a 13-3 record. They fought off a tough Falcons team and came away with a 15-10 win in freezing temperatures at Lincoln Financial Field two weeks ago. Then they manhandled the Vikings 38-7  to claim the conference championship. In both games, they were the underdogs and relished it.

When they defeat the Patriots, they will have to get used to being the favorite next season. There aren’t many Super Bowl-winning teams that continue to be the underdog. They become the team that is favored from one week to the next and the team all the other teams want to defeat. This Super Bowl should set a record for viewership as America is ready for a football team to come along that knocks off the Patriots – maybe once and for all. The Eagles aren’t  a one-trick pony kind of a team either. They should be competitive for many years and continue to have a solid fan base that follows them at home and away games.

Subbing for the injured Carson Wentz, Nick Foles played a magnificent game against the Vikings throwing for three touchdowns, including a flea-flicker to Torrey  Smith that sealed the deal in the third quarter. Foles threw one more touchdown pass but it wasn’t necessary since the Vikings had no chance for a comeback.

The flea-flicker was the handiwork of head coach Doug Pederson. He had the team work on it that week during practice and although it didn’t dome off smoothly then, he called it anyway during the game. There’s no doubt the Patriots are aware of Pederson’s penchant to show a willingness to be daring on offense when the situation calls for it. Smith hadn’t been one of the teams top offensive producers but Pederson had confidence in him anyway. Smith is one more player the Patriots have to be wary of when the Eagles have the ball.

Having the ball is what the Eagles want to do against the Patriots. The longer they have the ball the less Tom Brady has it. Having the ball is one thing, but the Eagles also have to control the ball when they do have it and use up as much of the clock as possible. Making first downs and converting third-downs will be the Eagles method of winning their first Super Bowl. They longer they have the ball, the more rested their defense will be when the Patriots are on offense. There defense will have to be well-rested to prevent another miraculous comeback from the first ballot Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady.