The 2004 NFC Championship Game was a thrilling matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings. The Eagles, led by quarterback Donovan McNabb, were looking to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1981. The Vikings, led by quarterback Daunte Culpepper, were seeking to return to the big game for the first time since 1999.
The Stage was Set
The game was played on January 23, 2005, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles were favored by 3 points, but the Vikings were confident in their ability to pull off the upset. The weather was a chilly 25°F (-4°C) with a mix of sun and clouds, but the sold-out crowd of 67,660 was electric.
The Game Gets Underway
The Vikings received the opening kickoff and started their drive from their own 20-yard line. Culpepper led the team down the field, but they were unable to score on their first possession. The Eagles took over and drove down to the Vikings' 30-yard line, where kicker David Akers booted a 47-yard field goal to give Philadelphia an early 3-0 lead.
The Vikings responded with a drive of their own, capped off by a 24-yard touchdown pass from Culpepper to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. The extra point attempt was good, and Minnesota took a 7-3 lead.
McNabb Takes Over
The Eagles took over in the second quarter and McNabb began to take control of the game. He led the team on a 9-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Freddie Mitchell. Akers' extra point attempt was good, and Philadelphia took a 10-7 lead.
The Vikings responded with a drive of their own, but they were unable to score. The Eagles took over and drove down to the Vikings' 10-yard line, where Akers booted a 28-yard field goal to give Philadelphia a 13-7 lead at halftime.
The Second Half
The Vikings received the opening kickoff of the second half and drove down to the Eagles' 20-yard line. However, kicker Paul Edinger's 38-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left, and the Vikings were unable to score.
The Eagles took over and McNabb led the team on a 7-play, 59-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Brian Westbrook. Akers' extra point attempt was good, and Philadelphia took a 20-7 lead.
The Vikings responded with a drive of their own, but they were unable to score. The Eagles took over and drove down to the Vikings' 20-yard line, where Akers booted a 38-yard field goal to give Philadelphia a 23-7 lead.
Final Score
The Vikings scored a late touchdown, but it was too little, too late. The Eagles won the game 27-14, advancing to Super Bowl XXXIX, where they would face the New England Patriots.
Box Score
- Philadelphia Eagles (27)
- Donovan McNabb: 21/33, 286 yards, 2 TDs
- Brian Westbrook: 20 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD
- Freddie Mitchell: 5 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD
- Minnesota Vikings (14)
- Daunte Culpepper: 24/46, 266 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Michael Bennett: 15 carries, 69 yards
- Marcus Robinson: 5 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
Awards and Accolades
- Donovan McNabb was named the NFC Championship Game MVP.
- The Eagles' victory marked their first NFC Championship since 1981.
- The Vikings' loss marked their fifth consecutive NFC Championship Game loss.
Who was the MVP of the 2004 NFC Championship Game?
+Donovan McNabb was the MVP of the 2004 NFC Championship Game.
What was the final score of the game?
+The Philadelphia Eagles won the game 27-14.
Who did the Eagles face in Super Bowl XXXIX?
+The Eagles faced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.