One team is looking to make history. The other team is looking to change history: its history. A third Super Bowl victory in four years gives the Patriots dynastic status. A victory for the Eagles, and they erase years of heartbreak. The stakes could not be higher for either team
The Patriots’ philosophy is to take it one game at a time. They emphasize the concept of teamwork. If you don’t buy into the philosophy, then you can hit the road. To create a dynasty in the world of salary caps and free agents would be the ultimate testimony to the power of the team.
On the other hand, the Eagles believe destiny is on their side. Three straight years they knocked on the door, and three straight years the door refused to open. Now the door has been opened, but they are not satisfied with just being able to walk into the room. Just being there is not going to erase the heartache and the suffering. Only winning can do that, for the team and the city.
And the stakes are equally high for the two starting quarterbacks. Tom Brady is already being compared favorably to Joe Montana. Two Super Bowl wins in three years will have that effect. A third ring and Brady reaches immortal status.
Donovan McNabb is the heart and soul of a Philly team that has been so close, yet so far. He is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Yet his failure to win the big game weighed heavily against him. That albatross was banished with the Eagles win against the Falcons in the NFC Championship game, but another potentially rears its ugly head with a loss in the Super Bowl. Winning would ensure that the albatross never even get off the ground.
Moreover both men are acutely aware of what is at stake. McNabb knows a city is counting on him. For the Phillies everything starts and ends with McNabb, T.O. or no T.O., and McNabb knows it.
As ice cold as Brady appears, he too knows he is playing for his team’s place – and his own place – in history. Make no mistake about that.
Two teams. Two Men. Two dreams. Yet only one can emerge the victor. See you on Sunday.
Dynasty vs. Destiny
