Vrabel has caught TD passes in two straight Super Bowls and has five TDs in as many career catches, not bad for a linebacker — or anyone else.

Brady wasn’t as fluid as he was when he won the MVP awards in the 2002 and 2004 games, but he was 23-for-33 for 236 yards and two TDs.

“It doesn’t matter who gets what,” Branch said of taking the MVP away from his quarterback.

When the offense bogged down or turned over the ball, Harrison and his mates forced four turnovers, including a goal-line interception by the veteran safety. The Patriots also had four sacks, making Donovan McNabb look ordinary, even skittish at times.

And while Owens’ return from a seven-week injury layoff was an individual success — he had nine catches for 122 yards — it was not nearly the star turn that Branch made.

Chris O'meara / AP Patriots running back Corey Dillon (28) and quarterback Tom Brady celebrate after Dillon scored on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter. Brady completed 23 of 33 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Dillion ran for 75 yards on 18 carries.

Branch was most instrumental on the opening drive of the second half, which set the tone for New England’s 57th victory in its last 74 games.

While New England handled frequent blitzes, Branch caught four passes for 71 yards on the series that ended with Vrabel’s TD.

“We did a great job of adjusting during the game,” Branch said. “It was physical; a lot of guys were bumped and bruised.”

The Eagles responded with a 74-yard drive. McNabb whipped a 10-yard pass over the middle between two defenders to Brian Westbrook for the TD.

Still, as winners always do, the Patriots reasserted themselves, effectively using screen passes against a tiring defense. Even when Eagles defenders shouted to each other to watch for the screen, New England made it work, particularly on Kevin Faulk’s 14-yarder that preceded Dillon’s 2-yard run to make it 21-14.

Vinatieri hit his chip shot to make it 24-14. The Eagles came back on Greg Lewis’ 30-yard TD reception with 1:48 remaining.

Not that it bothered the Patriots, not that anything seems to bother the Patriots. Here’s a team that’s losing offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to Notre Dame and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to become Cleveland’s coach.

“When you’re in the middle of it, you’re not thinking about what you’re doing,” Weis said. “Dynasties are talked about 10 years later.”

Sorry, Charlie, the Patriots are the talk of the league now.

The victory gave New England its second team championship since the fall, though this was hardly as dramatic as the long-suffering Red Sox winning the World Series. Still, this certifies Boston as the hub of champions.