Donovan McNabb, injured while the Eagles were being eliminated in two previous seasons, entered this game in relatively good condition, and led the way to five scoring drives.
"It's a great feeling," McNabb said. "We know what happened the last three years, being close but never able to pull it out. It's a special feeling but there is no reason for it to stop now. There is no relief really, for me. I will feel relief after the Super Bowl. I set a goal to win the Super Bowl and that's where I'm going with it. We'll enjoy this but we're not done."
The Eagles capitalized on a regular-season record that included 13 wins in their first 14 games, giving them a chance to begin early preparations for the playoffs.
The Falcons, 11-5 during the regular season, have been accustomed to the artificial conditions of a domed stadium and sunshine on the way in and out. But Atlanta clearly was not feeling at home in the open, frigid air, with snowplows on the streets, and strong winds. Though Vick is the league's most elusive and potentially dynamic quarterback, he easily was contained by the Eagles.
Philadelphia missed a chance to take the lead on its first possession, faking a 50-yard field goal and failing to convert after a 3-yard completion from Koy Detmer to Chad Lewis fell 4 yards short of a first down.
But the Eagles set the tone for the game by scoring on their next possession, capitalizing on a 5-yard, hands-to-the-face penalty on DeAngelo Hall. Philadelphia then covered 65 yards on the next four plays, 4- and 36-yard runs by Brian Westbrook, a 21-yard pass from McNabb to L.J. Smith, and Dorsey Levens's 4-yard scoring run.
