"Hey, man, 60-minute men, that's what it had to be in Indianapolis. That's what it had to be [last night]. That's what it's going to have to be for the rest of the season," said Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs.
This game was less about perfection and more about survival against a game Eagles (5-6) squad that pushed the Patriots to the limit. New England (11-0) took the lead for good with 7:20 to go on a 4-yard run by Laurence Maroney, who got an assist from Logan Mankins. The Patriots' rugged left guard practically shoved Maroney into the end zone and New England back into the lead, 31-28.
"I didn't see it, but I'm glad he did," said wide receiver Donte' Stallworth.
Mankins also propelled the Patriots into the record books, as the 31 points gave them 442 for the season, besting the franchise mark of 441, set in 1980.
But it wasn't another relaxing record-setting night for the Patriots in prime time like last Sunday night's 56-10 victory over the Bills. The Eagles were primed to cancel their perfect season like a subpar sitcom.
New England survived a career night from A.J. Feeley, who was subbing for an injured Donovan McNabb. Feeley was 27 of 42 for a career-high 345 yards and a career-high-tying three touchdowns. His completions were also a career high, but he also uncorked three interceptions, two to cornerback Asante Samuel.
The first was returned 40 yards for a touchdown on Philadelphia's first possession and the second, an over-the-shoulder grab Samuel made in the Patriots' end zone with 3:52 remaining, prevented the Eagles, who had advanced to the New England 29, from attempting the tying field goal.
"He came up with a couple of big plays," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. "He doesn't let too many get through his hands. That's what a great playmaker does."
