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1933: After the Frankford Yellowjackets folded a syndicate headed by Bert Bell and Lud Wray pay $25000 for the franchise for the purpose of placing a NFL team in Philadelphia. The club is christened "Eagles" in honor of the symbol of the New Deal's National Recovery Act. On October 15th the Eagles made their debut, with Lud Wray hold the coaching reigns, in New York by getting slaughtered by the Giants 56-0. A week later they did not do much better in their debut before the home fans of Philly being shut out by the Portsmouth Spartans 25-0. After losing to the Packers in Green Bay the Eagles finally won their first game on November 5th by beating the Cincinnati Reds 6-0 at the Baker Bowl. The Eagles would go on to finish their inaugural season with a 3-5-1 record.
1934: The Eagles continue to struggle in their second season losing their first six games. However, the Eagles would finish the season on a strong note by winning four of their last five games to finish with a 4-7 record.
1935: The Eagles continue to struggle finishing with a horrid 2-9 record. Following the season Bert bell buys out Lud Wray and becomes the team's sole owner.
1936: Bert Bell now the sole owner of the Eagles proposes that the NFL start an annual draft for college players to equalize talent in the league. In the very first draft the Eagles would have the first pick and they select Quarterback Jay Berwanger who recently had won the first Heisman Trophy. However, Berwanger had no intention of ever playing pro-football so he would never sign. Bert Bell would also take over as head coach and would not have any more success on the field winning his first game, but losing the next 11 to finish with an awful 1-11 record, as the Eagles are held to 51 points on the season, as the Eagles move from the Baker Bowl to Municipal Stadium.
1937: After losing their first 3 games the Eagles snap a 14-game losing streak over two seasons by tying the Chicago Cardinals at Municipal Stadium. After a home loss to the New York Giants the Eagles finally get a win by stunning the eventual NFL Champions Redskins 14-0 in Washington. The Eagles would go on to finish with a 2-8-1 record.
1938: The Eagles shows signs of improvement playing solid football at times on the way to a 5-6 record, which was bolstered by two straight wins to close the season.
1939: Davey O'Brien an All-American Quarterback signs with the Eagles for a reported $12,000 per year salary and percentage of the gate. O'Brien plays in every game and sets NFL passing yardage record with 1,324 yards. Despite the success of O'Brien the Eagles can only muster a 1-9-1 record, but they would make history. On October 22nd, the Eagles play in the first televised NFL game and fall to the host Brooklyn Dodgers, 23-14. Allan "Skip" Walz broadcasts the game for WNBC from Ebbetts field to approximately 1,000 TV sets then in Brooklyn. Despite the success of O'Brien the Eagles can only muster a 1-9-1 record, but they would make history.
1940: After selling the Pittsburgh Steelers to Alexis Thompson, Art Rooney buys a half interest in the Eagles, who move their games to Shibe Park. However, the Eagles would limp a long again finishing with an awful 1-10 record. Following the season Rooney along with Eagles co-founder Bert Bell would swap franchises with Thompson. Bell, who also departed his post as Eagles coach, would one day go on to be commissioner of the NFL.
1941: With Greasy Neale now coaching the Eagles, the team continues to struggle posting a 2-8-1 record, while returning to play in Municipal Stadium for one season.
1942: Now moving to Shibe Park full time the Eagles continue to be one of the worst teams in the NFL posting a wretched 2-9 record, which lands them in last place again.
1943: With a shortage of players due to World War II the Eagles merge with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and become the Phil-Pitt Steagles, with both teams coaches splitting duties. The Steagles would actually play competitive football posting a solid 5-4-1 record. Following the season Eagles owner Alex Thompson would dissolve the merger.
1944: Top draft pick Running Back Steve Van Buren, provides the spark that the Eagles need as they go unbeaten through their first seven games, on the way to posting their first winning season at 7-1-2. However, they would miss winning the division championship by a half of game.
1945: Steve Van Buren leads NFL with 838 rushing yards and 110 points, as the Eagles finish in second place again with a 7-3 record.
1946: The Eagles play mediocre football all season and wind up settling for second place again after posting a disappointing 6-5 record.
1947: The addition of Rookie End Pete Pihos turns out to be the final piece of the puzzle as the Eagles finish in a tie for first place with an 8-4 record. In the Divisional Playoff the Eagles overpowering defense would shutdown the Steelers all day in a convincing 21-0 win in Pittsburgh. However, the Eagles would fall 28-21 in a heart stopping NFL Championship game with Cardinals in Chicago.
1948: After losing and tying their first two games the Eagles take off, soaring to a 9-2-1 record, which sees them easily capture the Eastern Division Championship. Making the Eagles fiercer is a defense that allows just 156 points on the season. In the NFL Championship Game the Eagles find themselves in a rematch with Chicago Cardinals. The game would be played in a blinding blizzard at Shibe Park. In the game known as the Blizzard Bowl the Eagles defense smothers the Cardinals on the way to a 7-0 victory that earns the Eagles its first NFL Championship.
1949: The Eagles are sold to a 100 buyers, each of whom paid $3,000 for one of the 100 shares. They were called the "Happy Hundred" or the "100 Brothers." Their leader was James P. Clark, a Philadelphia sportsman and business executive, and the 100 investors included some of the leading names in Philadelphia business, government and politics, including Leonard Tose. University of Pennsylvania All-American Center & Linebacker Chuck Bednarik is the team's first round draft choice. The addition of Bednarik makes the Eagles defense even stronger as they allow just 134 points while posting a franchise best 11-1 record to win their third straight Eastern Division. In the NFL Championship Game the Eagles continued to soar smoother the Rams all day on the way to a 14-0 win in Los Angles for a second straight NFL Championship.
1950: After playing solid football most of the season the Eagles go into a sudden tail spin falling out of competition with a season ending four game losing streak that end their season with a disappointing 6-6 record. Following the season Coach Greasy Neale would retire. He would be replaced by Bo McMillan.
1951: The Eagles would win their first two games under Coach Bo McMillan. However, the new coach was forced to resign after becoming ill. Under his replacement Wayne Millner the Eagles would struggle winning just two of ten games on the way to a 4-8 record.
1952: With Jim Trimble taking over the coaching reigns the Eagles go back to playing solid football landing in second place with a 7-5 record.
1953: Bobby Thomason and Adrian Burk combine to pass for a league-high 3,089 yards, as Pete Pihos catches 63 passes for 1,049 yards and ten touchdowns to lead league. The would Eagles finish in second place again with a 7-4-1 record, while snap the Cleveland Browns 11-game winning streak with 42-27 win in season finale.
1954: The Eagles continue to be one of the NFL's strongest teams finishing with a 7-4-1 record, to finish in second place for the third season in a row. Leading the Eagles success is Kicker Bobby Watson who led the NFL with 114 points.
1955: Pete Pihos again leads all NFL pass receivers with 62 catches for 864 yards. However, the Eagles would struggle to a 4-7-1 record. Following the season Coach Jim Trimble would be replaced by Hugh Devore.
1956: The Eagles offense never takes flight as they struggle to score 143 points on the season while landing in last place with a terrible 3-8-1 record. Despite the struggles the Eagles defense continued to be one of the strongest allowing just 215 points, during the frustrating season.
1957: The Eagles continue to struggle finishing with a 4-8 record. However, Rookie Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen would play solid football all season, showing signs of brilliance at times. Following the season Coach Hugh Devore is fired and replaced by Buck Shaw.
1958: To give the team a veteran Quarterback, the Eagles acquire Norm Van Brocklin form the Los Angels Rams. The Eagles would continue to struggle falling into last place with a 2-9-1 record. However, despite the struggles the Eagles would double attendance moving to historic Franklin Field on the campus of Pennsylvania University.
1959: With Pete Retzlaff and Tommy McDonald his chief targets, QB Norm Van Brocklin becomes one of the league's top passers as the Eagles finish with a 7-5 record and finish in a second place tie with the Cleveland Browns.
1960: The Eagles start the season out on the wrong foot losing their season n opener at home to the Cleveland Browns 41-24. A week later the Eagles would barely beat the expansion Cowboys 27-25 in Dallas. However, from there Eagles would soar winning nine straight games to capture the Eastern Division with a 10-2 record. Spurring on the Eagles is QB Norm Van Brocklin who has a spectacular season by passing for 2,471 yards, and Chuck Bednarik who plays 60 minutes a game at Center and Linebacker. Bednarik would make his presence felt in a big way in 17-10 over the Giants in New York on November 20th, when he laid a ferocious hit on Frank Gifford that nearly ended the star Wide Receivers career. In the NFL Championship Game at Franklin Field the Eagles faced the Green Bay Packers. After holding a 10-6 lead throughout the 3rd Quarter the Eagles suddenly found themselves trailing 13-10 when the Packers scored early in the 4th. However, Ted Dean would return the ensuing kickoff deep into Packers territory as the Eagles retook the lead 17-13 with 5:21 left in the game. The Packers would not go down quietly driving deep into Eagles territory. However, Bednarik would save the game with a crushing tackle of Jim Taylor on the eight yard line as time expired, clinching the Eagles third NFL Championship. Following the season both Coach Buck Shaw and Quarterback Norm Van Brocklin would retire.
1961: Nick Skorich is named the new head coach as Sonny Jurgensen takes over as the starting quarterback. Jurgensen would have a record setting season passing for 3,723 yards and connecting on 32 Touchdown passes. However, the Eagles who finish with a 10-4 record have to settle for second place after two costly losses to the New York Giants.
1962: An unpredicted number of injuries hamper the Eagles all season as they crash into last place with a disappointing 3-10-1 record. Following the season Chuck Bednarik the last true two way player would retire after 14 ferocious seasons.
1963: Timmy Brown sets a then NFL record for total offense (2,436 yards; 841 rushing, 487 receiving, 11 passing, 945 kickoff returns, and 152 punt returns) in a season. However, the Eagles would continue to flutter ion last place finishing with a dreadful 2-10-2 record. Following the season Nick Skorich is fired and replaced by Joe Kuharich.
1964: In the first of a series of major trades Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen is traded to the Washington Redskins for Norm Sneed in a swap of single callers. With team in a rebuilding mode the Eagles would show improvement, before finishing the season with a 6-8 record.
1965: Despite a solid season form Quarterback Norm Snead and his favorite target Tight End Pete Retzlaff the Eagles continue to sputter finishing with a 5-9 record. However the Eagles did end the season on a strong note by winning three of their last four games.
1966: Despite statistically sub par years from most of their stars the Eagles actually play solid football all year posting a 9-5 record, to end a string five losing seasons. However, the Eagles record was only good enough to land them in second Place.
1967: Quarterback Norm Snead and flanker Ben Hawkins set team passing and receiving records, respectively. However, injuries to key players on the rest of the team leads to a disappointing 6-7-1 record.
1968: With Owner Jerry Wolman in financial ruin the Eagles have an air of uncertainty surrounding them all season. With QB Norm struggling with interceptions all season the Eagle crash into last place with a 2-12 record. Following the season Coach Joe Kuharich is fired and replaced by Jerry Williams. In addition the Eagles would have a change in owner when Leonard Tose a Millionaire trucking executive bails out Wolman, by purchasing the Eagles for a record price of $16.1 Million dollars.
1969: Despite the change at the top the Eagles continue to struggle finishing in last place again with a terrible 4-9-1 record.
1970: The Eagles begin a new decade on a sour note losing their first seven games on the way to another wretched last place 3-10-1 season, as the Eagles played their last season at Franklin Field. The Eagles would even actually mange to win their final game at Franklin 30-20 over the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 20th.
1971: In their first season at Veterans Stadium the Eagles did not start out any better losing their first three games, including the first at the Vet 42-7 to the Dallas Cowboys on September 26th, when coach Jerry Williams is fired and replaced by Ed Khayat. Under Khayat the Eagles would continue to struggle losing their first two games. However after getting their first win at the Vet on October 24th over the New York Giants the Eagles would play solid football the rest of the season, posting a 6-7-1 record, as they finished the season on a strong note by winning their last three games.
1972: Wide Receiver Harold Jackson has a spectacular year leading the NFL in both catches (62) and yards (1,048). However, the Eagles play terrible football all season and finish with a wretched 2-10-1 season. Following the disastrous season the entire coaching staff is fired, as part of a shake up from the front office to the field.
1973: Under new coach Mike McCormick and new QB Roman Gabriel, who passes for 3,219 years, the Eagles have an exciting offensive season, as Harold Carmichael becomes the second consecutive Eagle to lead the NFL in receptions with 67. However, the Eagles could only manage a 5-8-1 record, with a defense that allowed 393 points.
1974: With Tight End Charles Young, becoming the third consecutive Eagle to lead the league in pass receptions with 63, and newly acquire LB Bill Bergey leading an improved defense the Eagles get off to a solid start winning four of their first five games. However, a six game losing streak would doom the Eagles playoff hopes, as they needed to win their final three games just finish with a 7-7 record.
1975: The Eagles would suffer a season of setbacks finishing in last place with a terrible 4-10 record. Following the season Coach Mike McCormick is fired and replaced by fiery UCLA coach Dick Vermeil.
1976: After ten straight non-winning seasons their new coach Dick Vermeil is a change of direction. Vermeil a workaholic perfectionist came into camp and worked the Eagles hard. Many players rejected the hard driving Vermeil, as the Eagles did not play any better posting another 4-10 record.
1977: With newly acquired Quarterback Ron Jaworski the Eagles are in every game, but still end up struggling enduring a stretch where they won just once in eight games. However the Eagles would end the season on a strong note by taking their last two games in convincing fashion to finish with a 5-9 record.
1978: The Eagles continue to show improvement, as Running Back Wilbert Montgomery becomes the first Eagle in nearly 30 years to rush for over 1,000 yards. However, the Eagles hover around .500 all season, and can't seem to get the big win that would give them a leg up. In a key game November 19th it looked as if The Eagles were going to miss another key opportunity trailing the Giants 17-12 with only a few seconds in the game all New York had to do was knell on the ball. However, Giants Quarterback Joe Pisarcik unexplicitly tried to hand the ball off and Eagle Cornerback Herman Edwards would pick up the lose ball and run it back 26 yards for a Touchdown to give the Eagles a 19-17 win. The Miracle in the Meadowlands improved the Eagles to 7-5 and put them in the drivers seat for a wild card spot. However, the Eagles almost let it slide away and needed a win over the Giants in the rematch in the Vet. The Eagles would come up big in their finale winning 20-3 to earn a Wild Card spot with a 9-7 record. In the Wild Card game in Atlanta against the Falcons the Eagles had a 13-0 lead entering the 4th Quarter. However, the Falcons would take a lead with two big Touchdown scores. The Eagles would have one last chance to win the game, but Mike Michel's 34 yard Field Goal attempt sailed wide with 1:34 left in the game.
1979: The Eagles come soaring out of the gate winning six of their first seven games. However a midseason three game slide threatened their season. The Eagles would end their slide with a 31-21 over the Cowboys in Dallas that got them right in thick of the race for first place. However, the Eagles could never shake off the Cowboys and with a record of 10-4 entered a showdown in the Vet with NFC East on the line. The Eagles would fall 24-17 as the Cowboys held on to win the division via tiebreaker, as the Eagles settled for a Wild Card with an 11-5 record. Driving the Eagles was RB Wilbert Montgomery who scored 14 Touchdown and had over 2,000 all-purpose yards. In the playoffs the Eagles would beat the Chicago Bears 27-17 in the first playoff game in Philadelphia in 19 years. However, a week later their season would end with a disappointing 24-17 loss to the Buccaneers in Tampa.
1980: Led by Quarterback Ron Jaworski who passes for 3,529 yards the Eagles soar to the front of the NFC East by winning 11 of their first 12 games. The Eagles would go on to win the Division despite losing three or their final four game to finish with a 12-4 record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Eagles would trounce the Minnesota Vikings 31-16 at the Vet to earn a trip to the NFC Championship Game. In the NFC Championship Game the Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys 20-7, who were forced to wear their "unlucky" blue uniforms on a frigid day in Philadelphia before a loud sellout crowd at the Vet.
Super Bowl XV: In their first Super Bowl the Eagles are matched up against the Oakland Raiders in New Orleans. The Eagles would go into the game, as heavy favorite as the Raiders were just a wild card team. However, the Raiders would jump on the board early taking a 14-0 lead after the 1st Quarter. The Eagles would get on the board in the 2nd Quarter on a Ron Franklin Field Goal, and appeared to get back in the game on a long TD pass to Harold Carmichael from Ron Jaworski. However, the Touchdown was wiped out by a holding call and the Eagles would never get as close again losing 27-10 as Jaworski was picked off three times.
1981: With Runnning Back Wilbert Montgomery returning from injury to rush for 1,402 yards the Eagles get off to a high flying start winning their first six games. The Eagles would continue to play solid football and sat atop the NFC East at 9-2. However, a four game losing streak would drop them out of first. The Eagles would win their final game to finish with a 10-6 record, but had to settle for the Wild Card. However, their season would end suddenly with a stunning 27-21 loss to the New York Giants at the Vet.
1982: After splitting their first two games, the Eagles are clearly hurt by the two month player's strike as they lose their first four games after the season resumes. The Eagles would go on to split their two remaining games, but their 3-6 record, was not good nearly good enough for a playoff spot. Following the season Coach Dick Vermeil resigns sighting burnout. He would eventually be replaced by Marion Campbell.
1983: The Eagles would get off to a solid start winning four of their first six games. However, they would come crashing down to earth quickly during a crippling seven game losing streak. The Eagles would go on to finish in last place with a 5-11 record. Despite the disappointing season Wide Receiver Mike Quick establishes himself as a new star by collecting 1,409 receiving yards.
1984: The Eagles continue to struggle losing four of their first five games. However, the Eagles would rebound by winning three straight and appeared to be back in the playoff hunt with a 4-4 record. However, the Eagles would win just two games the rest of the way and would finish in last place with a 6-9-1 record.
1985: The Eagles are sold to Norman Braman for a reported $65 million prior to the start of the season. The Eagles would struggle out of the gate again losing three of their first four games. The Eagles would recover by winning five of their next six games to get into playoff contention. However, a four game losing streak would end all postseason hopes, as Coach Marion Campbell is fired. In the final game of the season interim coach Fred Bruney leads the Eagles to a win over the Vikings in Minnesota as the Eagles finish with a 7-9 record. Following the season the Eagles would name Buddy Ryan, who was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears their new coach.
1986: Buddy Ryan who was coming off leading one of the best defenses in NFL history takes over the Eagles and begins making sweeping changes, keeping young players and releasing several veterans. The youthful Eagles would struggle to finish with a 5-10-1 record, but there were plenty of bright sports. One bright spot was the play of second year Quarterback Randall Cunningham who becomes a double threat with his arm and his legs taking the job away from Ron Jaworski.
1987: The Eagles split their first two games before a NFL players strike leads to the use of replacement players. The Eagles scabs were not even competitive losing all three games, to put the Eagles into a 1-4 hole. Making matters worse the Cowboys regulars who crossed the picket line roll up to score in a 41-22 humiliation in Dallas. The Eagles would get revenge in a 37-20 win when the regulars returned at the Vet. The Eagles would go on to finish with a 7-8 record, as the regulars went 7-5. Reggie White would earn Defensive Player of the year honor by collecting 21 sacks in 12 games.
1988: The Eagles would get off to a slow start losing three straight games, after winning their season opener. The Eagles would continue to play mediocre football until the middle of the season when they sat at 4-5. However, the Eagles would catch fire winning six of their final seven games to capture the NFC East with a 10-6 record. Driving the Eagles Division Title run is Quarterback Randall Cunningham who passes 3,808 yards and adds 624 yards with his legs. However, in the Divisional Playoffs the Eagles find themselves in a fog losing 20-12 to the Bears in dense fog and zero visibility in Chicago.
1989: The Eagles used an aggressive, ball-hungry defense, which led the NFL in takeaways at 56, while setting a team record with 62 Quarterback sacks to finish with an 11-5 record. However, they would have to settle for the Wild Card despite beating the 1st place New York Giants twice. In the Wild Card game the Eagles are stunned by the Los Angeles Rams 21-7 on a rainy day at the Vet.
1990: The Eagles overcome a sluggish 2-4 start to make the playoffs for the third year in a row with a 10-6 record. Driving the Eagles once again is Randall Cunningham who rushes for 942 yards while passing for 3,466 yards to become one of the NFL's most potent offensive weapons. On defense the Eagles continued to be among the best units in the league led by Reggie White Seth Joyner, Jerome Brown and Clyde Simmons. However, for the third year in a row the Eagles season ends with a first round loss as the Eagles are stunned by the Washington Redskins 20-6 at the Vet. Following the season Coach Buddy Ryan is fired and replaced by Richie Kotite.
1991: The Eagles season starts on a painful note as Quarterback Randall Cunningham suffers a knee injury that ends his season in a 20-3 win season opening over the Packers in Green Bay. However, the Eagles would not be doomed as back up Jim McMahon came in and played well as the Eagles got off to a 3-1 start. However, the injury bug would bite McMahon too and while he missed four games the Eagles went winless. McMahon would return and the Eagles would win seven of their last eight games. However, in a competitive year for the NFC the Eagles 10-6 record is not good enough for a playoff spot.
1992: Tragedy strikes at the heart of the Eagles before the season even starts as Linebacker Jerome Brown is killed in an automobile accident a month before the start of training camp. The Eagles would dedicate the season to Brown as they wore a patch in his honor and retired his number 99. With the return of Randall Cunningham the Eagles would get off to a solid 4-0 start. After struggling through the middle of the season the Eagles would close with four straight wins to make the playoffs with a solid 11-5 record. In the Wild Card playoffs the Eagles would use a 3rd Quarter outburst to beat the Saints 36-20 in New Orleans earning their first road playoff win in 43 years. However a week later their season would end with a 34-10 thrashing against the Cowboys in Dallas. Following the season the Eagles who already lost Tight End Keith Jackson to Free Agency lose Defensive End Reggie White.
1993: The Eagles get off to another stellar start winning their first four games. However, in their fourth game they would lose Quarertback Randall Cunningham to broken fibula for the rest of the season. Without Randall the Eagles would lose their next six games as their playoff hopes withered and died. The Eagles would end the season on a strong note winning their final three games to finish with an 8-8 record.
1994: Prior to the start of the season a new era begins as the Eagles are sold to Hollywood Producer Jeffrey Lurie. The Eagles would lose their season opener but would win seven of their next eight games to sit right in thick of the playoff hunt with a 7-2 record. However the team would suddenly start to struggle losing their final seven games to finish with a disappointing 7-9 record. Following the season Coach Richie Kotite is fired and replaced by Ray Rhodes.
1995: Under new coach Ray Rhodes the Eagles play sluggish football losing three of their first four games, prompting Rhodes to bench Quarterback Randall Cunningham. Under his replacement Rodney Peete the Eagles offense would begin to fire on all cylinders as the Eagles won seven of their next eight on the way to finishing with a 10-6 record, which earned them a playoff berth. In the Wild Card Game at the Vet the Eagles would quickly soar in front to a 51-7 lead, and would cost the rest the way to a 58-37 slaughtering of the Detroit Lions at the Vet. However a week later it was the Eagles who were slaughtered 30-1 by the Cowboys in Dallas.
1996: The Eagles get off to a quick start winning three of their first four games, before a Monday Night showdown with the Dallas Cowboys at the Vet. The Eagles would lose the game 23-19 and Quarterback Rodney Peete for the season due to a freak knee injury. Since the Eagles released Randall Cunningham prior to the season they were forced to turn to Ty Detmer. Detmer would play well leading the Eagles to a four game winning streak, as Running Back Ricky Watters stepped up and supplied the offense with a career best 1,411-yard season. The Eagles would go on to finish with a 10-6 record, earning a wild card spot. However their season would be ended quickly as their offense got stuck in the mud in a 14-0 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.
1997: With a record of 1-1 the Eagles were poised to beat the Cowboys in a Monday Night showdown in Dallas as they set up for Field Goal slightly longer then a PAT in the final seconds. However, the snap was mishandled and the Eagles lost 21-20 in one of the most embarrassing moments in team history. The Eagles would recover, and sat at 4-4 through the first eight games. However, quarterback struggles began to catch up with Eagles, as Rodney Peete, Ty Detmer, and Bobby Hoying all struggled. The Eagles would drop their final three games and would finish with a disappointing 6-9-1 record.
1998: With the loss of Ricky Watters to free agency, Deuce Staley stepped in at Running Back and supplied a solid season with 1,065 rushing yards. However, with all three Eagles Quarterbacks struggling the team would go into a season long nosedive that would see them finish with a woeful 3-13 record. Nobody demonstrated these struggles more then Bobby Hoying who was sacked 35 times, and intercepted nine times, without throwing a single Touchdown pass. Following the season the Eagles would make a change in direction that started with head coach as Ray Rhodes is fired, and replaced by Andy Reid.
1999: To improve their Quarterback situation the Eagles draft Donovan McNabb with second overall pick in the draft. However, McNabb would start the season on the bench as the Eagles struggled losing their first four games. McNabb would get his chance in the second half of the season and shined as the Eagles finished on a strong note winning their last second games to finish with a 5-11 record.
2000: In his first season as starter Donovan McNabb established himself as a rising star by passing for 3,365 yards and rushing for 629. Behind McNabb the Eagles played solid football all season, sometimes winning games in heart stopping fashion while compiling an 11-5 record. However, two costly losses to the New York Giants cost the Eagles the division title. Settling for the Wild Card the Eagles hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Vet in the first round of the playoffs. In his first playoff game Donovan McNabb simply took over as the Eagles dominated the Bucs all day on the way to a 21-3 win. However, a week later the Eagles would be stymied by the Giants again 20-10 in the Meadowlands.
2001: After splitting their first four games the Eagles faced the Giants in a key Monday Night Battle at the Meadowlands. The Giants would dominate the game the entire way, but the Eagles defense did not allow a TD, and kept the Eagles in the game as the Giants held a 9-0 lead, before Donovan McNabb sparked a 4th Quarter comeback that gave the Eagles a dramatic 10-9 win. The Eagles would go on to play solid football all season before facing the Giants again in the next to last game of the season needing a win, the Eagles overcame an seven point deficit with two minutes left at the Vet to take a 24-21 lead with seven seconds left, as the Giants last ditch effort to score was stopped three yards short. The win gave the Eagles the division title, as they won their last game to finish with an 11-5 record. In the playoffs the Eagles thrashed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9 at the Vet in the first round of the playoffs. A week later Donovan McNabb returned to his hometown of Chicago, and had a stellar game as the Eagles stunned the Bears 33-19 to advance to the NFC Championship. In the Championship game at St. Louis the Eagles would take a 17-13 lead into halftime. However, the Rams stellar offense could not be contained scoring 19 unanswered points to take a 29-17 lead. The Eagles would not go down quietly as the Eagles scored a Touchdown with three minutes remaining. Down 29-24 the Eagles would have one last chance, but McNabb had his pass intercepted at midfield with less then two minutes left.
2002: After blowing a big halftime lead in their season opener on the road against the Tennessee Titans the Eagles soared to the top of the NFC East 116 points as they won their next three games. The Eagles would fall to 3-2, as an ailing Donovan McNabb could not rally the Eagles past the Jacksonville Jaguars. A week later in a showdown game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the Eagles would establish themselves as one of the favorites in the NFC by sinking the Bucs 20-10, as they started another three game winning streak. After a home loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Donovan McNabb led the Eagles over the Arizona Cardinals 38-14 despite breaking his ankle early in the game at the Vet. Without McNabb backup Koy Detmer would impress as the Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers on the road 38-17on the football. However Detmer would separate his shoulder forcing the Eagles to turn to third string Quarterback A.J. Feeley. Once again the Eagles would not miss a beat winning four straight games with Feeley under center to win the NFC East for the second straight season. Despite dropping their final game against the New York Giants on the road the Eagles would get home field advantage in the NFC with a 12-4 record as Andy Reid was awarded Coach of the Year. Donovan McNabb would return for the playoffs as the Eagles pulled away from the Atlanta Falcons in the 4th Quarter to advance to the NFC Championship for the second straight season with a 20-6 victory. In the NFC Championship against the Buccaneers all the stars seemed lined up for the Eagles with it being the final game at Veteran's Stadium where they had slaughtered the Bucs in the past two seasons. Early on it seemed as if the Eagles would fly to the Super Bowl as a long kick return set Deuce Staley up for a Touchdwon that gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead less then a minute into the game. However, the Eagles would be roughed up by the Buccaneers defense as Donovan McNabb was hit again as the Bucs took a 17-10 halftime lead. Down 20-10 with time growing short McNabb drove the Eagles deep into Buccaneers territory. However, McNabb would have his pass picked off and returned 95 yards as the Eagles season ended with a heartbreaking 27-10 loss.
2003: After their heartbreaking loss to close out the Vet the Eagles hoped to get a measure of revenge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Monday Night Opener at Lincoln Financial Field. However the Eagles played sloppy football and were shutout 17-0. A week later the Eagles looked sloppy again in a 31-10 loss at home to the New England Patriots. At the same time the Eagles would find themselves embroiled in a media derived controversy after Rush Limbaugh who was working as a commentator for ESPN called Donovan McNabb overrated. The comments were perceived as a racist attack, by a press hungry for controversy and the Eagles season was in danger of collapsing before it ever began. The Eagles would win their next two games to improve to 2-2, but in truth they still were not playing their best football, as Deuce Staley was struggling to catch up with the offense after holding out most of training camp. Still struggling, the Eagles lost a key division game to the Dallas Cowboys 23-21, and found themselves two games out of first place. Trailing the New York Giants 10-7 late in a game the Eagles were staring 2-4 in the face as their offense was stuck in neutral. However with 1:16 left Brian Westbrook delivered the Eagles the spark they needed with a game winning 84-yard punt return for a Touchdown. The win would be the turning point of the Eagles season as Donovan McNabb began to play better football putting up solid number again on the way to a 3,216 passing yard season, while the Eagles began a nine game winning streak which saw them soar to the top of the NFC East again beating the Cowboys 36-10 in a Week 14 rematch at Lincoln Financial Field. After a surprise 31-28 loss to the San Francisco 49ers ended their winning streak the Eagles closed out their season at 12-4 the best record in the NFC by beating the Washington Redskins 31-7. In the playoffs the Eagles got off to a shaky start as they found themselves trailing the Green Bay Packers 14-0 after one quarter in the Divisional Playoff Round. The Eagles defense would toughen and would keep them in the game, as the Eagles battled back to tie the game at 14 in the 4th Quarter. However with 4:38 left the Packers retook the lead on a 21-yard Field Goal, after the Eagles defense kept the Packers out of the endzone after having the ball 1st and goal at the seven yard line. After exchanging possessions the Eagles had the ball with 2:21 and just one timeout needing at least a Field Goal to tie. The drive looked stalled as Donovan McNabb lost 16 yards on a sack. With 4th Down and 26 the Eagles needed a miracle just to keep the drive alive. That miracle would come as McNabb connected with Freddie Mitchell on a 28-yard pass. The First down would spark the Eagle to life as they were able to get into Field Goal range where David Akers tied the game with 5 seconds left. In overtime Brian Dawkins intercepted Brett Favre's first pass and returned it 35 yards to set Akers up in perfect possession for a game winning Field Goal to send the Eagles on to the NFC Championship for the third straight year with a 20-17 win. Facing the upstart Carolina Panthers most had expected third time to be a charm for the Eagles. However it would only bring more frustration as Donovan McNabb suffered a rib injury in the 2nd Quarter. Trying to tough it out McNabb was further frustrated by a group of receivers that could not get open, and when they did could not hold on to any pass. The Eagles defense would keep them in the game as McNabb tried to play through the pain, but as McNabb was forced to the sideline in the 4th Quarter the Panthers expanded their lead to 14-3 as both watched helplessly as the Eagles season ended one step away from the Super Bowl for the third straight season.
2004: Hoping to give Donovan McNabb a star receiver to throw to the Eagles landed Terrell Owens in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. Owens had initially been dealt to the Baltimore Ravens but balked at going to Baltimore and insisted on being traded to the Eagles. The Eagles also bolstered their defense by signing free agent Jevon Kearse while reacquiring Jeremiah Trotter and Hugh Douglas. From the start of the season the Eagles were clearly the class of the NFC as they got off to a 7-0 start. After a loss on the road to the Pittsburgh Steelers the Eagles continued to soar, winning their next 6 games to clinch home field advantage and their fourth straight division title, as McNabb had a career season with 3,875 yards passing and 31 Touchdown passes thanks to Owens who had 1,200 receiving yards and 14 Touchdowns. However on the way to beating the Dallas Cowboys to improve to 13-1 Owens suffered a broken leg and was lost for the next six weeks meaning the earliest he could return was the Super Bowl. Fearing more injuries the Eagles played their stars sparingly in their final two games losing both to finish 13-3. In the playoffs the Eagles continued their winning ways beating the Minnesota Vikings 27-14 as Donovan McNabb passed for 286 yards with two Touchdowns. The win catapulted the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game for the 4th straight year. The was an air of trepidation over Lincoln Financial Field for the NFC Championship Game as the Eagles were hoping the fourth time was the charm after three straight NFC Title game losses. The Eagles would get off to a quick start as they led 14-3 against the Atlanta Falcons early in the 2nd Quarter. However the Falcons would get on the board before halftime as the Eagles led 14-10 at the half. In the second half the Eagles defense turned up the pressure shutting down Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick, holding the Falcons to 103 passing yards; as they went on to win the game 27-10 to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in 24 years.
Super Bowl XXXIX: Facing the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in Jacksonville the Eagles were clearly the underdog. However their confidence was bolstered as Terrell Owens returned from his injury. Still not 100% Owens played gamely with a team high 122 yards receiving as the Eagles and Patriots traded blows for the first three quarters as the game was tied following each quarter. However, in the 4th Quarter the Pats took control jumping out to a 24-14 lead. Facing desperation Donovan McNabb led the Eagles down the field while feeling fatigued and worn from a game worth of abuse got the Eagles to with in three points with a 13-play 79 yard drive. However the drive took up allot of time and the Eagles when they got the ball back only had 46 seconds to go with no timeouts while starting a drive at their own 4. Desperately trying to get into field goal range McNabb would be picked off with nine seconds left as the Patriots held on for a 24-21 win to capture their thirrd Super Bowl Championship in four years.
2005: Following their loss in Super Bowl XXXIX, the Eagles appeared to have the pieces in place for a return trip, but when Terrell Owens began demanding the Eagles renegotiate his contract and give him a raise; the seeds of disaster were being laid. After the Eagles refused to redo Owens' contract, the boisterous WR began taking shots at Quarterback Donovan McNabb, feeling he should have been supporting T.O. in his fight for a bigger contract. Prior to training camp Terrell Owens' agent Drew Rosenhaus suggested Owens could be a distraction if not given a contract, little did Eagles management know just how much of a distraction he would be. Almost from the start Owens ignored Coach Andy Reid and sulked his way through workouts eventually leading to a one week suspension, which Owens turned into a spectacle when he went home and worked out in his back yard with the media looking on. Despite all the headaches when the season starter Terrell Owens was giving his all on the field collecting 112 receiving yards in an Opening Week 14-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, the worst news the Eagles got in the game was an injury to Donovan McNabb on a vicious hit from Rod Coleman. The hot would hamper McNabb the rest of the season as it caused a Sports Hernia, which would slow down the usually mobile Quarterback. Despite the injury the Eagles appeared to be firing on all cylinders as they won their next three games topped by a come from behind 37-31 win on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the early success the problems with Terrell Owens continued to simmer behind the scenes as he often took shots at Donovan McNabb on and off the field, while getting in a locker room fight with former Eagle Hugh Douglas. After a 33-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles again rallied beating the San Diego Chargers 20-17 as Matt Ware returned a blocked Field Goal 65 yards for a Touchdown. The win put the Eagles at 4-2, and would be the last bright spot as the simmering storm clouds surrounding T.O. were about to move in and engulf the Eagles. Following a 49-21 loss to the Denver Broncos, Terrell Owens said in an interview that if Brett Favre was the Eagles Quarterback the team would be undefeated. The comments did not sit well and was the last straw as Owens and McNabb had a shouting match in the clubhouse, as the Eagles decided to suspend Owens for the following game against the Washington Redskins. After the suspension was announced Owens and his agent created another bizarre moment in his front yard as the slimy agent refused to answer any tough question repeatedly saying "Next Question Please." Owens would never again where Eagles green, as stories of insubordination and downright sabotage surfaced while the Eagles suspended him for four games and deactivated him the balance of the season. With Owens gone the Eagles contended their decent as they were beaten by the Cowboys 21-20 on Monday Night at home with McNabb having a pass intercepted and returned for Touchdown late in the 4th Quarter. After the game the Eagles Quarter back was lost for the season, as he decided to have surgery on his hernia, after the pain became too much to bear and began effecting his play. Without McNabb the Eagles would win just two more games the rest of the season finishing in last place with a disappointing 6-10 record. Following the season the Eagles would release their star Wide Receiver who went from fan favorite to sports villain in Philadelphia, almost reveling in how riled up he got Philadelphia, Terrell Owens would add more fuel to the Eagles fans anger as he signed with the hated Dallas Cowboys.
2006: After the Terrell Owens drama, the dust settled on Philadelphia with the Eagles hoping to regain, the top spot in the NFC East. Things started well for the Eagles as they won their season opener on the road against the Houston Texans as Donovan McNabb returned to throw three touchdown passes in a solid 24-10 win. A week later in their home opener the Eagles appeared to be cruising to 2-0 as they held a 24-7 lead in the 4th Quarter against the New York Giants. However, the Giants rallied to force overtime behind 17-unaswered points, as the Eagles defense allowed 371 yards passing to Eli Manning who hit Plaxico Burress on a 31-yard TD pass in overtime to deliver the Giants a 30-24 win. The loss to the Giants would be a mere bump in the world as they would win their next three games, with McNabb topping nearing 300 yards in each game with the Eagles scoring 31 or more, which included 38-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys, in T.O.'s return to Philadelphia. The winning streak would come to an end in New Orleans, as the Eagles lost another last second heartbreaker 27-24 on a Field Goal by John Carney as time expired. A week later the Eagles would suffer even greater heartbreak at the end of the game as were stunned by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-21, as Matt Bryant hit a 62-yard Field Goal as time expired. The Eagles would return home, but their struggles continued as they lost their third straight game to the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-6. The Eagles would improve to 5-4 a week later by taking out their frustrations against the Washington Redskins in a dominant 27-3 win. A week later the Eagles would lose more then a football game as Donovan McNabb suffers a season ending knee injury in a 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Eagles would fall below .500 a week later as the Eagles were hammered on the road in a Sunday Night Showdown with the Indianapolis Colts. At 5-6 with Jeff Garcia starting at Quarterback, it would have been easy to give up on the 2006 Eagles. However, Garcia a former Pro Bowler showed he still had magic left as he passed for three touchdowns in a 27-24 comeback win over the Carolina Panthers. The next three games would be even better for Garcia as he led the way in three straight road wins over the Eagles bitter NFC East rival, including a 23-7 win over the Cowboys on Christmas Day that gave the Eagles the gift of first place. The Eagles would close the season with a fifth straight win clinching the division title with a 10-6 record after a 24-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons. In the playoffs the Eagles would face the Giants for the third time, and this time it would be another nail bitter, as the Eagles held a 20-10 lead at the start of the 4th Quarter only to see the Giants rally to tie the game. However, there would be no repeat of the Week 2 disaster, as the Eagles won the game as time expired on 38-yard Field Goal by David Akers. The Eagles would advance to the Divisional Round where they landed in another rematch of a frustrating regular season loss as they faced the New Orleans Saints on the road. The Eagles gave their fans something to cheer about early as Sheldon Brown laid a devastating hit on Reggie Bush. The first half would go back and forth with the Eagles taking a 14-13 halftime lead on a one yard run by Brian Westbrook. The Eagles would extend the lead to 21-13 on a 62-yard run by Brian Westbrook. However, the game would seesaw back with the Saints scoring twice to take a 27-21 lead in to the 4th Quarter. From there it would be a struggle for the Eagles who cut the lead to 27-24, but could not get any closer, as time ran out on the Eagles miracle late season run. After the season, in a move that stunned their fans, the Eagles would not re-sign Jeff Garcia, allowing him to sign a free agent deal with the Buccaneers.
2007: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their 75th Anniversary as Donovan McNabb returned from a knee injury. Also glad to be back on the field was Coach Andy Reid who had to deal with a public agony with two sons heading to jail for dealing drugs. In the season opener, the Eagles would lose a frustrating heartbreaker as the Mason Crosby hit a 42-yard field goal in the final season to lift the Green Bay Packers to a 16-13 win. A week later in their home opener it was more frustration as McNabb struggled in a 20-12 loss to the Washington Redskins. Changing their colors meant changing their luck in Week 3 as the Eagles wore a blue and yellow uniform to honor the early Eagles teams of the 1930s. McNabb would have a stellar game with 381 yards passing and four touchdowns, as WR Kevin Curtis had a career day with 221 yards and three TDs. However, a week later in Primetime the Eagles and McNabb took a step backward, as an immobile McNabb was sacked a record 12 times in a 16-13 loss to the New York Giants. After the bye week, McNabb and the Eagles returned to the Meadowlands and faired much better as they beat the New York Jets 16-9. However, inconsistency continued to hamper the Eagles as they lost two of their next three games. The Eagles would avenge their Week 2 loss to the Redskins, and beat the hapless Miami Dolphins to get back to .500, but lost Donovan McNabb again to injury as they faced the unbeaten New England Patriots. Despite having a pass intercepted and returned 40 yards for a Touchdown by Asante Samuel back A.J. Feeley had a good showing for himself as the Eagles gave the Patriots all they could handle leading into the fourth quarter. However, the Pats would surge ahead 31-28, as Samuel intercepted Feeley again to clinch victory. The loss would be the first of three in a row for the Eagles, who playoff hopes faded fast. McNabb would return and the Eagles would finish the season strong beating the Dallas Cowboys on the road, and playing spoiler to the New Orleans Saints who bounced them from the playoffs one year earlier, as they ended the year at 8-8, but finished in last place, as the other three NFC East teams made the playoffs.
2008: After failing to make the playoffs the Eagles entered the season with questions about the future as some questioned weather Donovan McNabb would remain the Eagles Quarterback and Andy Reid would remain the Eagles coach, especially coming off a trying season that saw two sons end up in prison. They would start the season off on the right foot, as they ripped up a poor St. Louis Rams team 38-3, as McNabb passed for 361 yards with three touchdowns. After losing a Monday Night shootout against the Cowboys in Dallas, the Eagles won the battle of Pennsylvania, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers at home 15-6. However, McNabb would struggle the next two weeks as they lost two straight. The Eagles would recover to win their next three games, as they entered a Sunday Night showdown with the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. The Giants seemingly controlled the game all night, but the Eagles hung tough, before losing 36-31, as Running Back Brian Westrbook was tackled on fourth and one with the ball on their own 45 with 1:55 left. A week later, the Eagles would suffer a humiliating 13-13 tie when the faced the lowly Cincinnati Bengals on the road, as Donovan McNabb played without urgency, later admitting he did not know a game could end in a tie. McNabb would suffer more humiliation a week later as he was benched during a 36-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. At 5-5-1 entering a Thanksgiving Night showdown with the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles playoff hopes appeared to be fading, as fans began doubting McNabb and Reid. However, Donovan McNabb came through brilliantly passing for 260 yards with four touchdowns, as the Eagles beat the Cardinals 48-20. The Eagles would get revenge on the Giants ten days later, as Brian Westbrook collected 203 All-Purpose Yards, as the Eagles stunned the Giants in the Meadowlands 20-14. After splitting their next two games, the Eagles entered the final week of the season, hosting the Dallas Cowboys with a trip to the playoffs on the line. The game would never be close, as the Eagles scored 41 unanswered points in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters to beat the Cowboys 44-6, wrapping up the sixth seed in the NFC with a record of 9-6-1. By winning four of their last five games, the Eagles were the hottest team in the NFC heading into the playoffs as they faced the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round. McNabb was solid with 300 yards passing, but it was Brian Westbrook who secured victory with a 71-yard touchdown run in the 4th Quarter that gave the Eagles 26-14 win, setting up a playoff match up with the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants. The Eagles defense was the star of the day, on a bitter day at the Meadowlands, while David Akers kicked three field goals to send the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game with a stunning 23-11 win over the Giants. Facing the Arizona Cardinals on the road the Eagles were a favorite to reach Super Bowl XLIII, as the NFC Championship Game featured a meeting of two teams nobody expected to be there. However, early on it was all Cardinals as they jumped out to a 24-6 halftime lead. However, in the second half the Eagles would respond as Donovan McNabb got hot, passing for 375 yards with three touchdowns, including a 62-yard TD pass to DeSean Jackson that gave the Eagles a 25-24 lead in the 4th Quarter. However, the Cards would regain the lead 2:53 left, also completing a two point conversion to put the Eagles down by a touchdown. The Eagles would get the ball back, but they would not get the lead back as their drive stalled at midfield, with the Cardinals holding on for a 32-25 win to reach the Super Bowl.
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