Gutsy trick play gives underdog Eagles 10-point lead on Patriots

The Philadelphia Eagles were the clear underdog entering Super Bowl LII just based on the New England Patriots five titles.

But the Eagles are in the driver’s seat at halftime. The Eagles led 22-12 after scoring a touchdown with 34 seconds left.

Quarterback Nick Foles caught the one-yard touchdown pass from tight end Trey Burton on a 4th and goal. The play started with a direct snap to the running back, who pitched to Burton coming from the left side. Burton hit Foles who was wide open in the end zone. It was Foles first-career pass reception.

“I wasn’t going to let our offense be stopped on the one-yard line,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson.

The score was set up by a 55-yard reception by Corey Clements on a wheel route.

The Eagles’ trick play was similar to a play the Patriots attempted earlier in the second quarter. But the pass too long to Tom Brady and was incomplete.

The Patriots drove 90 yards in seven plays, including a 28-yard touchdown run by James White that pulled New England to within 15-12 just before halftime.

Patriots place kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed the extra point. He also missed a field goal earlier in the half. Eagles kicker Jake Elliott also missed a point after attempt in the first half.

This story was originally published February 4, 2018 at 7:21 PM with the headline "Gutsy trick play gives underdog Eagles 10-point lead on Patriots."