Over the decades — the Eagles have on more that one occasion had some incredible talent that makes it hard to believe didn’t win a Championship. One of those connections was Michael Vick to DeSean Jackson. The incredible speed of Jackson coupled with not only Michael Vick’s athleticism but also coupled with a cannon of an arm. You might be surprised to remember that the duo with so much potential only made the playoffs twice with the Eagles and never advanced beyond the NFC Divisional Round Playoff (Jackson did make it to an NFC Championship Game with McNabb.)
But that isn’t only what we learned last weekend.
The excitement of Philadelphia’s first ever HBCU’s Battle of the Legends — a 27–20 victory from Jackson’s Delaware State over Michael Vick’s Norfolk State — was an experience that electrified Lincoln Financial Field on Mischief Night just one day before Halloween.
But that still isn’t the only what we learned last weekend.
The most important item that we learned last weekend was a reminder that collegiate football programs across America and their athletes need our support. And that for Delaware State and Norfolk State — the joy of being coached and to benefit from the knowledge and experience of two former NFL Players like Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson is immeasurable.
Vick and Jackson never had the chance to experience the level of success of Lincoln Financial Field’s current home team. We’ll never know if another couple more years of Andy Reid in Philadelphia could have molded an offense that featured Vick, Jackson, and LeSean McCoy into a Super Bowl Champion instead of a Chip Kelly regime that broke them apart.
What we did find out was that last Thursday night was a win for all involved. Especially for Philly.
Back at home at Lincoln Financial Field (and the Vet before it), it’s a history of playoff victories and pivotal points in Eagles history.
The Eagles face the Giants again this week in South Philly, looking to get one back on their division rival after they flat-out got embarrassed by them two weeks ago up at MetLife Stadium.
Before they try to settle the score, here’s a look back at some favorite Eagles-Giants memories at the Linc, and some old highlight packages along with them…
The Tanner McKee Game
Jan. 5, 2025, Week 18 – W, 20-13
The Eagles were all set. At 13-3, they were locked in as the NFC’s No. 2 seed, with divisional round home-field advantage in the playoffs.
There was still a reason to play their starters, or one of them, in what was rendered a meaningless Week 18, as Saquon Barkley was pushing for the NFL’s single-season rushing record.
Head coach Nick Sirianni made the call to sit everyone in the end, though, which handed the keys to third-string QB Tanner McKee and the Eagles’ reserves, up against all of the New York Giants’ starters playing for whatever shred of pride they had left.
But McKee took it from them. He stayed cool and collected in the pocket, and tagged the Giants for 269 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-41 passing.
He caught a floundering division rival completely off guard, but his Eagles teammates watching from the sideline? Hardly.
“Man, did you see Tanner McKee just throwing dimes all over the field?” starting center Cam Jurgens quipped afterward. “He’s fun to watch. We get to see him dice up our scout team. It’s just fun watching him go out there and make plays.”
The harder they fall
Jan. 21, 2023, NFC Divisional Round – W, 38-7
The 2022 Eagles broke out and tore through the regular season with a defense that had piled up sacks to a record degree, and with an offense that had threats all over the field and saw Jalen Hurts make his way into the MVP conversation.
They were a juggernaut entering the playoffs. The Giants, who rode Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones to a surprise playoff berth and then an upset over the Vikings in the Wild Card round, hoped to stand in their way, but their luck ran out in brutal fashion.
The Eagles had them crushed by halftime. The Giants couldn’t hope to cover anyone, playoff Kenny Gainwell became the new unsung hero of Philadelphia sports lore, and the Linc was breathing easy and celebrating a trip to the NFC Championship on the way to a 38-7 final – a familiar playoff score from the last Super Bowl run.
Eagles/Giants Week! The 2022 Divisional Round Beatdown:
The 2022 Eagles swept the Giants 3-0 and the cherry on top was the 38-7 beatdown in Round 2 of the playoffs getting out to a 28-0 1st half lead and the game was over by halftime.
Carson Wentz and the Eagles had rallied back from highlight-reel Odell Beckham Jr. catches and a resurgent Eli Manning performance to bring the game down to a field goal kick with one second left.
It was just that rookie kicker Jake Elliott would have to make the shot from 61 yards away.
But he nailed it. Elliott got the distance and put the ball just inside the right upright, and the Eagles mobbed their new kicker as they improved to 2-1, in what would become one of the key moments that propelled them to their first-ever Super Bowl.
Wild Card Westbrook
Jan. 7, 2007, NFC Wild Card – W, 23-20
The Eagles rallied into the playoffs with Jeff Garcia at quarterback, and in the Wild Card round, against the Giants, Brian Westbrook kept the run going for one more week into New Orleans.
Westbrook took off on an unreal 49-yard touchdown run and had 141 rushing yards in total, Garcia fired a 28-yard laser to Donte’ Stallworth for a score late in the first half, and down to the wire tied 20-20, Westbrook marched them in close to bring the game down to a David Akers field goal.
Akers made the kick, the Giants were going home, Philadelphia celebrated, and a season once thought to have gone down along with Donovan McNabb and his torn ACL instead lived another week.
Grand T.O.pening
Sept. 12, 2004, Week 1 – W, 31-17
The Delaware Valley had waited an entire summer for this: Terrell Owens’ Eagles debut.
The Eagles finally had their true No. 1 receiver for Donovan McNabb, and along with him, the hope that they had the final piece to break through and, at long last, get to the Super Bowl.
The start of it all couldn’t have been drawn up any better.
Week 1 at home against the Giants, McNabb and Owens carved New York up and connected on three touchdown passes, with the new star receiver flexing and then flapping his wings in celebration upon each score.
The Eagles pummeled the Giants, 31-17, and it was one of those games where you just knew right away, after repeated NFC Championship failures, that this year was going to be different.
I know what you are thinking. Two consecutive listless second halves of football — one both coming up short to NFL teams starting young NFL quarterbacks — may have you re-evaluating your expectations in 2025–2026. And who could blame you — considering the history that is following these Eagles?
Twenty years ago last month — the Philadelphia Eagles opened the 2005 NFL season with great expectations. Much like this current group of Eagles — Philadelphia had played in the Super Bowl the year before — then narrowly losing to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
After four seasons of being on top of the NFC and playing in consecutive previous NFC Championship Games — the Eagles and Andy finally broke through the year before — going 13–3 and winning the conference. Now — they would open the season against the opponent that they had even defeated in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field a year earlier in order to advance to the big game — the Atlanta Falcons.
Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.
But it was the altercation some 30-minutes prior to the opening kickoff of the season that set the stage for what was to come. It seems strange to say that Jeremiah Trotter’s father (Trotter the Younger is now a linebacker for the Eagles) who was then a member of the Super Bowl Team in February 2005 — got into a fight with Falcons cornerback Kevin Mathis. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie was even on the field and talked with the officials. Before kickoff — Trotter and Mathis were ejected before the season even began.
On opening day this season — amid all of the showmanship of a the start of another potentially championship season for yet another Philadelphia franchise that just ten months earlier was representing the NFC in the Super Bowl — Eagles Defensive Tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. In fact — Carter was subsequently ejected from the game before one snap elapsed in the 2025 season and in September was fined some $57,000.00 by the National Football League.
Drew Hallowell, Getty Images
The Eagles would lose the season opener to the Falcons 14–10 in 2005. Trotter’s timely exit was not only the quickest ejection of any player in the NFL until 2005 — it also marked the beginning of a tough season to the Eagles. Contract issues with Brian Westbrook and Terrell Owens — the latter of the two who ended up in a drive-way sit-up media frenzy that would conclude with him no longer being part of the team. The season was marked by devastating injuries including to Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Hank Fraley, Tra Thomas, Jerome McDougle, Todd Pinkston, Lito Sheppard, and Correll Buckhalter were all lost due to injuries and the team went 6–10.
The opening game of 2005 was significant for another reason. The NFL would change it the rules of the game as pre-game workouts would need to be with the teams completely separated in a 10-yard neutral zone for warmups before the game.
But before we write off the 2025–2026 Eagles season to only a possible rule change — consider this. The 2024 Eagles limped into a week five bye last season at 2–2. They would finish the rest of the regular season 12–1 and win the Super Bowl. The 2008 Eagles started the season at 5–5–1 before finishing the year 9–6–1 and went all of the way to the 2009 NFC Championship Game. For these Eagles — it’s not how you start — but rather how you finish.
It’s hard to believe, but when the Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs play Sunday in Kansas City, it’ll be the fifth time these teams have met in the past five seasons. That makes the Chiefs join NFC East rivals Dallas, Washington and New York as the only teams to play the Eagles at least once a year since the start of 2021.
The Eagles and Chiefs have only played 12 times dating back to 1972, which means almost half of all Eagles-Chiefs games in NFL history have taken place over the last four years.
On Sunday, temps are expected to be in the low 90s at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs went 10-0 last season including two postseason wins. The Chiefs haven’t lost at home since Dec. 25, 2023, a 20-14 loss to the AFC West Raiders. The Eagles went to Kansas City that year and escaped with a 21-17 win. (More on that later.)
Eagles-Chiefs have made for some classics lately, including two Super Bowl matchups in a three-year span, and Sunday’s game has all the makings of another.
Let’s take a trip down Eagles-Chiefs memory lane, shall we?
Super revenge
After losing to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, a 38-35 thriller that there’s no need to rehash, the Eagles exacted revenge in the biggest way possible.
They absolutely thrashed the Chiefs just about seven months ago in Super Bowl LIX, a 40-22 triumph that delivered the Eagles their second Lombardi Trophy.
The standout plays are countless – from rookie DB Cooper DeJean’s pick-six, to DeVonta Smith’s famous “dagger” touchdown, to any of the six sacks the Eagles defense picked up on Patrick Mahomes as they embarrassed the three-time Super Bowl champion.
The game, billed as a clash of elites, was lopsided from the start, as the Eagles took an early 10-0 lead and then started their ascent to a blowout when DeJean returned a Mahomes pick 38 yards for a touchdown. Eagles fans don’t seem to get tired of watching this:
At that point, Mahomes looked like a shot fighter, and even a very resilient Chiefs team that had come from behind in so many games that year just didn’t have any answers for Vic Fangio’s front-four rush.
Smith’s 34-yard TD catch in the third extended the lead to 34-0, and Jake Elliott’s 50-yard field goal in the fourth made it 40-6. The game was never in doubt for the Eagles, and the final score only looked somewhat close because Mahomes hit Xavier Worthy for a garbage-time 50-yard TD pass against Eagles backups, as the starters were on the sideline preparing to celebrate a title.
Road warriors
During the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs have gone through stretches where they’ve been almost unbeatable at Arrowhead.
In 2023, the Chiefs were 4-1 at home when Week 11 drew the Eagles on Monday night. At that point, the Eagles had lost four straight games to the Chiefs going back more than a decade – since a 2009 win a the Linc – and hadn’t won at Arrowhead since 2005.
And it sure looked like the Chiefs would once again get the best of the Eagles, who were down 17-7 in the third, but Jalen Hurts led a seven-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Hurts running in a 10-yard touchdown to cut the Kansas City lead to 17-14 with 4:05 left in the quarter.
Early in the fourth, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce fumbled after a 4-yard catch when he was hit by Bradley Toby. Nic Morrow recovered the loose ball, killing a Chiefs drive.
With 8:56 left in the game, the Eagles had the ball at their own 20-yard line. Hurts hit D’Andre Swift on the left side, which turned into a 20 yard-gain. The biggest play came on 3rd-and-5, when Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for 13 yards, setting up a 41-yarder to Smith on the very next play down the 1-yard line, and that’s where the Eagles are unstoppable.
One play later, Hurts’ 1-yard TD run put the Eagles up 21-17. The Chiefs had the ball two more times in the fourth but never advanced past their own 49. Finally, the Eagles had their first win against the Chiefs since 2009.
The Eagles improved to 9-1, and at that time, nobody could foresee the 1-6 slide they’d encounter to end the year.
Kolb comes through
The 2009 season wasn’t a great one for the Eagles. They won 11 games but suffered a bunch of injuries toward the end of the year, especially on the offensive line. They ended up getting blown out by Dallas in the last week of the season and again in an NFC Wild Card game, the latter of which turned out to be Donovan McNabb’s final game as an Eagle.
The season started off with McNabb getting hurt in the season opener against the Panthers, and third-year backup Kevin Kolb entering the game to finish off a 38-10 win. McNabb would miss the next two games, putting Kolb in the driver’s seat to show if he could be the franchise future. Kolb and the Eagles lost a Week 2 game against New Orleans at the Linc before welcoming the Chiefs, who were off to an 0-2 start.
Kolb held the fort down in this Week 3 battle, tossing two TD passes and going 24-for-34 for 327 yards in the 34-14 win. His 64-yard deep strike to DeSean Jackson in the second quarter put the Eagles up 21-7, and his fourth-quarter TD pass to Brent Celek extended the lead to 34-7.
Eagles/Chiefs 2009: LeSean McCoy’s first career TD.
McNabb got hurt early in the 2009 season so Kevin Kolb had to step up and he played great but he got a lot of help. Rookie @CutonDime25 scored the first TD of the game and his career (yes he wore #29 as a rookie) followed by… pic.twitter.com/dp87xAD9OQ
In the wild, deep, and largely untouched expanse of America’s wildness — Falcons and Eagles sometimes entangle. For the Eagles and Falcons in two different NFC Divisions, playing against each other hasn’t been an annual tradition. It has, however, brought us some of the best moments for both franchises. On Monday night, as the Eagles look to continue a path to the Super Bowl — Lincoln Financial Field will once again be electric for another chapter in a history that already runs deep between these two franchises.
PHOTO: John David Mercer/Imagn Images
Since Atlanta entered the NFL in 1966 — the teams have played 37 times, including four postseason matchups. The Eagles lead the series 21–15–1 going into Monday night — another opportunity for another great chapter to be told.
In the 1978 NFC Wildcard Round, an up-and-coming Eagles playoff team under Coach Dick Vermeil traveled to Atlanta. After a 13–0 Eagles lead, Atlanta would come back to win the game 14–13 thanks in part to a controversial call where Falcons wide receiver Wallace Francis and Eagles Safety Herm Edwards both went caught the ball at the same time. The ruling went in the Falcons’ favor.
When Andy Reid’s Eagles were fast becoming contenders in the early 2000s, the Eagles would again meet the Falcons in the post-season. The much-billed matchup between Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick featured McNabb’s first game back from a broken ankle in the 2003 NFC Divisional Playoffs at the Linc. The Eagles would win that game 20–6.
Two years later — Vick and the Falcons would return to Lincoln Financial Field for the 2005 NFC Championship Game. In a game when the Eagles offense wouldn’t be denied and a genius scheme from Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson — flipping defensive ends Javon Kearse and Derrick Burgess and not letting the elusive Michael Vick escape to his left in the 27–10 victory.
Then, in January of 2018 — in one of the most memorable games in Eagles history — Nick Foles and the Eagles would beat the Falcons 15–10. It was a game that featured an Eagles goal line stand against Julio Jones and Matt Ryan with only seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. It was the first post-season victory in the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning, magical season of 2017-2018.
In the wild — bald Eagles of the Accipitridae family dominate the skies against any other flying mammal in the region.
For the Eagles Quarterbacks and For Philly, It’s A Fourth Year Fenzy.
During the 2020 season — in a frigid December game in Green Bay — the Eagles brought the Carson Wentz Era came to an end when he was sent to the bench in favor of rookie Jalen Hurts. The move wasn’t just because Wentz had become increasing resistant to coaching, molding, and mentorship, or that he had shown selfishness instead of selflessness as documented in a video postgame showing a jubilant Eagles locker room after winning Super Bowl LII while Wentz put his head in his hands. It wasn’t even because he had seethed at the selection of Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft just four years after the Eagles traded up to the first pick to select the North Dakota State product in the 2016 NFL Draft.
It was all of the above.
By the start of Training Camp in 2021 both Wentz and Doug Pederson were gone, and Jalen Hurts was the Eagles anointed starter. The Eagles were now his team. Over the next three seasons, Hurts guided the Eagles to three playoff appearances, one NFC Championship, and one Super Bowl.
History shows us that for franchise Eagles quarterbacks — year four is a tremendous ride.
Tommy Thompson — In a league where running, not passing was the road to a championship, the vision-impaired Thompson returned to the Eagles in 1945 and became the starter in 1946 to lead the Eagles offense through the air. By 1949, the Eagles were at the top of the NFL and Thompson was a two-time NFL passing leader.
Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.
Ron Jaworski — When Jaworski was traded to the Eagles in 1977, he would join Dick Vermeil’s improving Eagles and lead them the playoffs in four straight seasons. In 1980, the Eagles would make it to the Super Bowl with Jaworski at the helm of an offense including Wilbert Montgomery and Harold CarMichael. The Eagles would not challenge for a championship again for nearly 25 years.
Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.
Randall Cunningham — Perhaps the most athletic quarterback of any ever in Philadelphia, Randall was never surrounded by offensive talent. In 1989 he rushed for 621 yards, threw for 3,400, and accounted for 25 touchdowns while leading the Eagles to the playoffs.
Donovan McNabb — Although Donovan McNabb became the Eagles franchise quarterback in 1999, his first full season wasn’t until 2000 as a starting quarterback. In 2004, with the addition of Terrell Owens along with Javon Kearse, McNabb and the Eagles defeated the Patriots to advance to Super Bowl XXXIX. That season, McNabb threw 31 touchdown passes for 3,874 yards and had a passer rating of 104.7.
Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.
In 2017, a former Andy Reid draft pick arrived back in Philadelphia after contemplating retirement. The 2017 season would be his fourth as an Eagle, two with Chip Kelly and one under Andy Reid. By the end of the 2018 Super Bowl, he’d be a World Champion.
The Philadelphia Eagles, with their passionate fan base and rich history, have created many memorable moments in the NFL.
From thrilling victories to unforgettable plays, the Eagles have a legacy that resonates with football enthusiasts.
Here, we explore the top 10 historical moments that have defined the Philadelphia Eagles.
1) Founding of the Philadelphia Eagles // 1933
The Philadelphia Eagles were established in 1933 when the Frankford Yellow Jackets went bankrupt. Bert Bell and Lud Wray purchased the franchise rights, birthing the Eagles. Despite early struggles, the foundation was laid for a team that would become an integral part of NFL history. The Eagles’ journey from these humble beginnings to a celebrated franchise is a testament to their resilience and determination.
2) First NFL Championship // 1948
In 1948, the Eagles won their first NFL Championship under head coach Earle “Greasy” Neale.The Eagles defeated the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 in a blizzard, showcasing their grit and determination. Steve Van Buren, one of the team’s legendary players, scored the only touchdown, securing the Eagles’ first title. This victory marked the beginning of a successful era for the franchise.
3) Back-to-Back Championships // 1949
PHOTO: Unsplash
The Eagles defended their title successfully in 1949, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in the NFL Championship Game.
This back-to-back championship victory cemented the Eagles’ status as a dominant force in the league. The team’s defense, led by Hall of Famers Chuck Bednarik and Pete Pihos, was instrumental in their success, laying a strong foundation for future teams.
4) Chuck Bednarik’s Career // 1949-1962
Chuck Bednarik, known as “Concrete Charlie,” is one of the most iconic players in Eagles history. Playing both linebacker and center, Bednarik epitomized toughness and versatility. His career, spanning from 1949 to 1962, included numerous memorable moments, such as his game-saving tackle in the 1960 NFL Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers. Bednarik’s legacy is a cornerstone of the Eagles’ storied history.
5) 1960 NFL Championship Victory
The Eagles’ 1960 NFL Championship win against the Green Bay Packers remains a defining moment. Led by head coach Buck Shaw and quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, the Eagles triumphed 17-13. Chuck Bednarik’s famous tackle on Packers’ fullback Jim Taylor as time expired secured the victory.This game was significant as it was the only playoff loss for legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi.
6) Miracle at the Meadowlands // 1978
One of the most famous plays in NFL history, the “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” occurred on November 19, 1978. With the New York Giants leading and attempting to run out the clock, a botched handoff resulted in a fumble recovery and touchdown by Eagles’ cornerback Herman Edwards. This improbable victory remains etched in the memory of Eagles fans and is a symbol of never giving up.
7) Reggie White’s Dominance // 1985-1992
Reggie White, known as the “Minister of Defense,” was a dominant force on the Eagles’ defensive line from 1985 to 1992. White’s extraordinary skill and relentless play made him one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.He amassed 124 sacks with the Eagles, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. White’s impact extended beyond his on-field performance, inspiring future generations of players.
8) Donovan McNabb Era // 1999-2009
Donovan McNabb’s tenure as the Eagles’ quarterback marked a period of sustained success. Selected second overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance.His leadership and playmaking ability revitalized the franchise, making the Eagles perennial contenders. McNabb’s era is remembered for its highs and his significant contribution to the team’s legacy.
9) Super Bowl LII Victory // 2018
The Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018, is undoubtedly the pinnacle of the franchise’s history. Led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in a thrilling game.The “Philly Special,” a trick play resulting in a touchdown pass to Foles, became an iconic moment. This victory ended a long championship drought and solidified the Eagles’ place in NFL lore.
10) Introduction of Jalen Hurts // 2020-Present
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jalen Hurts has quickly become the face of the Eagles’ future. Hurts’ dynamic play and leadership have injected new energy into the franchise. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs has made him a dual-threat quarterback, drawing comparisons to the league’s elite.As Hurts continues to develop, the Eagles’ future looks bright, promising new historical moments.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles’ history is rich with unforgettable moments that have shaped the franchise and its passionate fan base.From their early championship victories to recent triumphs, the Eagles have consistently demonstrated resilience, excellence, and a deep connection to their supporters.
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