Minnesota Vikings 7 Philadelphia Eagles 38: Nick Foles masterclass sends Philly to Super Bowl showdown with New England Patriots


NICK FOLES put on an absolute clinic to send Philadelphia back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 13 years.

The back-up Eagles quarterback threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns in a crushing 38-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings at a raucous Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia booked their spot in the Super Bowl with a crushing win over Minnesota
Philadelphia booked their spot in the Super Bowl with a crushing win over Minnesota
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Head coach Doug Pederson is given a Gatorade shower by his jubilant players
Head coach Doug Pederson is given a Gatorade shower by his jubilant players
AP:Associated Press
Philadelphia players wore dog masks to mock their underdog status for the second week running
Philadelphia players wore dog masks to mock their underdog status for the second week running
AP:Associated Press

Foles took over from the injured Carson Wentz last month and has so far struggled under centre.

But he shredded the best defence in the NFL on Sunday night to end Minnesota’s dream of playing in a home Super Bowl.

Instead it will be the NFC’s No 1 seed Philadelphia taking on AFC champions New England on February 4.

The Eagles took on the Patriots in their last Super Bowl appearance in 2005 – where they lost 24-21.

Nick Foles put on a masterclass for Philly at quarterback
Nick Foles put on a masterclass for Philly at quarterback
USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia ran riot to the delight of their fans at Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia ran riot to the delight of their fans at Lincoln Financial Field
USA TODAY Sports
LeGarrette Blount pounds his way into the end zone for a Philly touchdown
LeGarrette Blount pounds his way into the end zone for a Philly touchdown
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Brady and the Patriots came from 10 points down to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

British running back Jay Ajayi was kept fairly quiet  but still managed to pick up 73 yards on the ground.

But the London-born 24-year-old will realise his Super Bowl dream on February 4 after being traded from Miami midway through the season.


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The Eagles defence forced three turnovers – two interceptions on Case Keenum and one fumble.

The first of those was probably the most important after Minnesota raced into a 7-0 lead with a touchdown from Kyle Rudolph on the opening drive.

Alshon Jeffery eases into the end zone for a touchdown
Alshon Jeffery eases into the end zone for a touchdown
EPA
Torrey Smith hauls in a stunning pass from Nick Foles for a touchdown
Torrey Smith hauls in a stunning pass from Nick Foles for a touchdown
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Philly were forced to punt on their first drive but Minnesota’s next possession saw Keenum picked off by Patrick Robinson, who returned it all the way back 50 yards for the touchdown.

It turned the momentum and settled down the home crowd after the Vikings raced out of the blocks meaning business.

What followed was pure one-way traffic and precision from Foles against the most feared defence in the league.

Britain's Jay Ajayi will realise his Super Bowl dream in a fortnight
Britain’s Jay Ajayi will realise his Super Bowl dream in a fortnight
AP:Associated Press

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LeGarrette Blount pounded in an 11-yard touchdown to give Philadelphia the lead in the second quarter after a 12-play, 75-yard drive.

Foles then found Alshon Jeffery for the first of his two touchdowns with a 53-yard bullet into the end zone under huge pressure from the Vikings defensive front.

The quarterback’s touchdown pass after half-time to Torrey Smith was even better on a flea flicker pass.


WHO’S THE GOAT? Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Joe Montana… who is the best NFL quarterback ever?


Case Keenum fumbles after being hit as he threw on a disaster night for Minnesota
Case Keenum fumbles after being hit as he threw on a disaster night for Minnesota
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Foles dropped the ball perfectly in behind safety Harrison Smith for his receiver to catch it on his back shoulder as he dived over the pylon.

And the rout was complete after a 12-play, 91-yard drive that resulted in Jeffery pulling in a five-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter.

Ajayi led the choreography as Philly danced on the sidelines and Foles was given a standing ovation from the Eagles crowd.


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