Eagles' demeanor belies history, odds

"It is a slap in the face, but they are the champions," McNabb said. "In order for you to become the champion, you have to beat the champion. There is a reason why they are the top dogs in this game. It is well-deserved. We've been underdogs even on PlayStation games. We just can't win anything right now and the game hasn't even been played yet."

Eleven underdogs have won the Super Bowl.

"We are here to win that game, not just give a good effort," safety Brian Dawkins said. "We haven't been to the Super Bowl, but we are battle-tested because we went through those championship games. We know what it feels like year after year to have a lot of pressure dumped on you, and a lot of expectations upon you."

The Eagles' easygoing attitude is a reflection of McNabb, Owens and defensive end Hugh Douglas, who accepted a reserve role to return to Philadelphia after one miserable season with the Jaguars.

McNabb maintains his lighthearted spirit on and off the field. He keeps his teammates loose by cracking jokes, even when the game is on the line and he's in the huddle.

Owens brought his strut from San Francisco, invigorating the Eagles with his enthusiasm and instilling cockiness to a team that desperately needed a personality.

Douglas is the ring leader. Before games, he never stops yapping, walks around the locker room, yells encouragement, acts silly and plays loud music to make sure none of the players are tense.

"Hugh is really the only one that says anything before the game. We look at Hugh for entertainment," right tackle Jon Runyan said. "I think that is the good thing about this team. Everybody knows what they have to do."

Soon after beating Atlanta to win the NFC championship, the Eagles shifted their focus to the Super Bowl. While fans celebrated like their team had already won the big game, players relished their achievement but insisted they won't be satisfied until they bring home another trophy, the one with Vince Lombardi's name on it.

The Eagles vowed not to be one of those teams — such as San Diego, Atlanta and Cincinnati — that have let down once they got to the Super Bowl.

"We came here to win it and remembering how sweet it felt as we met a lot of goals along the way, and this is the end of it," Owens said.

Or, it could be the end of Philly's dream.