Jan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after a first down by running back Dion Lewis (33) picks up a first down in the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
(Reuters) - The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles have set up a second Super Bowl showdown after both teams won their respective conference championships with contrasting victories on Sunday.
The reigning NFL champion Patriots overcame a stubborn Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 in the AFC title game, while the Eagles crushed the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 in the NFC decider to set up a Feb. 4 clash in Minneapolis.
New England enjoyed the upper hand when the two last contested an NFL title game in 2005, winning 24-21, and should the favoured Patriots repeat that triumph, they will secure a record-tying sixth Super Bowl victory.
Jan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum (7) runs with the ball as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (75) chases during the second half during the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently the only team with more NFL championships than the Patriots, who will be making their 10th appearance in the title game.
Philadelphia has never won a Super Bowl, the Eagles also losing in 1981 before that Patriots defeat 13 years ago.
Overall, the teams have met have 13 times through the years, with the Eagles winning seven of the games, the last in 2015.
Jan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) breaks up a pass to Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Brady, despite an injured hand, rallied New England from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter with two touchdown passes to Danny Amendola to beat Jacksonville,
Philadelphia had its own quarterback star to thank for their victory when Nick Foles passed for three touchdowns as the Eagles scored 38 unanswered points.
The Eagles also crushed Minnesota's dream of becoming the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Jan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) causes Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum (7) to fumble during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Along with chasing a sixth title, New England also has another goal: seeking to become the first team in 13 seasons to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
They were the last to achieve the feat, capturing the 2003 and 2004 crowns behind the arm of Brady, who has been the Patriots quarterback for all five of their titles, a record.
"It's just been an unbelievable run," said Brady, who will be making his eighth Super Bowl appearance with coach Bill Belichick.
Jan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by John O'Brien)
Jan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) celebrates as Eagles owner Jeff Lurie (R) looks on after defeating the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsJan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum (7) throws the ball as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long (56) defends in the fourth quarter during the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsJan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) celebrates with quarterback Tom Brady (12) after catching a touchdown pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsJan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell (93) following the AFC Championship at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsJan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
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