Notebook: Patriots-Eagles Super showdown a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX

FOXBOROUGH — Get ready to party like it’s 2005.



The Patriots and Eagles will meet in Super Bowl LII, a rematch of the Super Bowl XXXIX showdown in Jacksonville 13 years ago that produced a 24-21 win for New England. That victory gave the Patriots three titles in four years. This time around, New England can match that feat — if the Patriots can upend old friends Chris Long, LeGarrette Blount and the rest of the Eagles, it’ll be the third ring in four years for New England once again.

For Brady, it’ll also be an opportunity to connect with family and friends — his mother Galynn has relatives who live in the Minneapolis area. It’ll also be the first time Brady and the Patriots get a chance to play in U.S. Bank Stadium.

“Coach says it’s all about our story and what this team can do,” Brady said after the game. “We had to write our own story (Sunday) and it took every player that played in the game, every coach that coached, every bit of energy and effort and preparation it took. Fortunate we came out with a win. (We) played a great team and a great opponent in Jacksonville, but just happy we won, baby, and we’re going to Minnesota.”

For what it’s worth, multiple outlets have installed the Patriots as 5.5-point favorites.

Gronkowski reportedly in concussion protocol

Rob Gronkowski left the game in the second quarter after taking a shot from Jags’ safety Barry Church. The big tight end, who had one catch for 21 yards in the win, is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, according to a report from The Boston Herald, but the same report indicated there is optimism that he will be cleared to play in Super Bowl LII in two weeks.



After the game, Church talked about the hit that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty.

“I just tried to dislodge the ball,” he said. “He’s a big dude and I was just trying to dislodge the ball, but I guess they felt it was too high of a hit. I hope he’s healthy. I know he didn’t come back so I hope he’s alright. It was a tough call, but you have to go with what they call. It’s the toughest play in football, if you go low for the knees you are considered a dirty player and if you go high, they throw the flag at you. It’s a bang-bang play and I was just trying to play football. I tried to lead with my shoulder.”

This is 40

Brady also hit a unique milestone — he becomes the first starting quarterback in NFL history age 40 or more to reach a Super Bowl. Brett Favre was 40 with the 2009 Vikings, but lost in the conference championship to the Saints. It’s also the eighth trip to the Super Bowl for Brady, and 10th for the franchise. After the game, Brady was reflective when asked about what it meant to possibly three Super Bowls in four years for the second time in his career.

“I’d have thought you were crazy to think that or I was crazy to think that,” he said. “I guess it’s my life, so I’m living it, and it feels very natural and normal because I wake up every day and I feel very much the same as I did when I walked in here 18 years ago, I really do. It’s a great privilege to play here and it’s a great privilege to play in the NFL, and I try to represent the team well, I try to represent my family, I try to do things the right way and I’m very blessed. I could never imagine getting the kind of team achievements we’ve done and had. I mean, I don’t think anyone can ever take those for granted. These are pretty amazing times for all of us – fans included, players, coaches, everyone. It’s very special.”

Cooks burns hot in playoff win

One receiver who was relatively under the radar on Sunday was Brandin Cooks, even though he finished with six catches on eight targets for a team-high 100 yards in the win. It marked his first career 100-yard receiving game in the postseason. He had three of the Patriots seven longest pass plays on the afternoon, including a 31-yarder on the first drive and a pair of 18-yard catches in the fourth quarters. And while there was a bad drop, he was a key part of the New England offense for a sizable part of the afternoon.



“We work for this. We grind,” Cooks said after the game when asked about his developing chemistry with Brady. “We practice and try to earn his trust, so it’s great to be able to be in that position.”

“Brandin made a bunch of big plays today, and he was huge for us,” Brady said of Cooks, who will be heading to the first Super Bowl of his career. “We’ve talked a lot and I have a lot of confidence and trust in him. He’s an incredible player.”

Stats and stuff

Sunday marked the 24th anniversary of Robert Kraft taking ownership of the franchise, and the team capped the date by advancing to the Super Bowl for the 10th time, tops in the NFL. The Patriots appearance in Super Bowl LII will be its ninth Super Bowl appearance since Kraft purchased the team in 1994, a total that is the most in the league over that span (Pittsburgh and Denver are second with four). Kraft is the first owner in NFL history to have his team in nine Super Bowls. … Super Bowl LII will be the 11th Super Bowl that Belichick will coach in overall, the most among any head coach or assistant coach in NFL history. Dan Reeves is second with seven (four as a head coach), while Don Shula is third with six (all as a head coach). … Super Bowl LII will be the eighth Super Bowl of Brady’s career, extending his mark for the most by any NFL player. Defensive lineman Mike Lodish is second with six Super Bowls. Lodish played in six (four with Buffalo and two with Denver).