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Rodney Harrison (37), Asante Samuel (22) and Mike Vrabel of the Patriots celebrate after defeating the Eagles 24-21 in the Super Bowl on Sunday. Harrison had two interceptions and Vrabel caught a touchdown pass.

Philadelphia’s title drought goes on, but Owens certainly did his best to end it. The All-Pro receiver fulfilled his vow to start the Super Bowl, defying his doctor and playing with a metal plate and two screws in his right ankle.

“T.O. did a heck of a job,” coach Andy Reid said. “I was proud of the effort and they battled, but we came up just short — too many turnovers — and against such a tough football team you can’t do that.”

Replay played a significant role on the first series. McNabb dropped the ball when he was hit by Willie McGinest and New England recovered at the Philadelphia 34. But Reid challenged that McNabb’s knee was down when hit seconds before by Tedy Bruschi.

Replay showed McNabb, indeed, was down.

Philly put together the first good drive late in the opening period. Owens got open on a crossing pattern and gained 30 yards on third down, with a roughing penalty adding 9 yards, but a 16-yard sack by Mike Vrabel set back the Eagles.

Then McNabb threw a poor pass that Asante Samuel intercepted in the end zone, only to have it overturned because of illegal contact by linebacker Roman Phifer.

No matter. McNabb again threw a duck, which Harrison picked off at the 3.

But the Eagles got the ball again at the New England 45 after a punt. Three plays later, another turnover: Randall Gay knocked the ball loose from L.J. Smith and Samuel recovered at the 38.

Once more, the defense held, and when the Eagles got the ball back at their 19, they finally finished off a drive.

Todd Pinkston, often overshadowed by Owens, looked like his illustrious teammate on receptions of 17 and 40 yards. On the longer one, he soared high for yet another misthrow by McNabb and took it away from Gay.

On third down from the 6, McNabb hung in the pocket and waited for Smith to get free in the end zone for the game’s first score with 9:55 left in the half.

It was the first time New England trailed this postseason.

Brady then made a rare mistake, fumbling at the Philly 13. Darwin Walker recovered New England’s first giveaway of the postseason.

It didn’t lead to anything for the Eagles, and after a 29-yard punt by Dirk Johnson, the Pats drove 37 yards to tie it at 7. Brady found Givens behind Lito Sheppard in the right corner of the end zone for a 4-yard score, and Givens mocked Owens’ wing flap after the touchdown with 1:10 remaining.