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The New England Patriots won the coin toss and opted to defer, kicking the football away to open the game.
Philadelphia's offense started the game well and was able to gain considerable yards against the Patriots offense while converting two third down attempts. However, after over seven minutes, the drive stalled in the red zone on a pass breakup by cornerback Eric Rowe and the Eagles had to settle for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
On came Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. The unit answered the Eagles' 67-yard drive with a 67-yard series of their own. And just like Philadelphia's opening possession, New England's also ended with a field goal after the team failed to convert a third down inside the 10-yard line. Stephen Gostkowski's 26-yard kick split the uprights and the game was tied at three.
The field goal is the first first quarter points the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick Patriots have scored in a Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, only three offensive plays later, the Patriots found themselves down 9-3 after giving up two big plays – the second of which a touchdown reception by Alshon Jefferey.