The Eagles offense looked like a totally different unit from the one that was on the field three weeks ago in the second half at Metlife Stadium in New York. Wearing their traditional Kelly Green uniforms at Lincoln Financial Field — the Eagles opened the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Philadelphia’s offense never looked back — eventually routing the New York Giants 38–20.
Saquon Barkley finished the afternoon with 150 yards on the ground and 174 total yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts finished with 179 passing yards and four touchdowns. On National Tight Ends Day — Dallas Goedert hauled in two touchdowns.
Jaxson Dart struggled all day to find the same rhythm that he had against Vic Fangio’s defense in New York — limiting the Giants to only 246 yards of total offense. Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo exited in the second quarter with what appeared to be a horrific ankle injury.
Twenty-five years after Reggie White returned from retirement to join the Carolina Panthers in 2000 — thirty-seven year old Brandon Graham was back on the sideline for the Eagles after a brief stint out of football. Nakobe Dean was back from injury — and the Eagles limited the Giants to only 68 yards on the ground.
After Jaxon Dart tied the game at 7–7 in the first quarter — the Eagles responded when Jalen Hurts found Saquon Barkley for a nine-yard score. Dallas Goedert then caught a six-yard Hurts pass to put the Eagles ahead. In the 4th quarter the Eagles pulled away — with Jalen Hurts connecting with Goedert again and then Jahan Dotson for a 38–13 lead.
The Eagles head into the bye week with a 6–2 overall record.
By the Second Quarter — the Comeback Was In Full Effect.
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For a team that was predicted to be a Super Bowl contender in 1991- the season wasn’t going well for Philly by early November. The Eagles were 4–5 and had lost All-Pro Quarterback Randall Cunningham to a season-ending knee injury in the first game of the season. But Super Bowl Champion Jim McMahon was back, and the Eagles were in Cleveland on November 10th fighting for their playoff lives.
For nearly two quarters, the league’s best defense was exploited by a 42-yard interception return by Eric Turner and Bernie Kosar’s two touchdown passes to put the Browns up 23–0. The Eagles began a furious comeback sparked by an eighteen-yard touchdown pass from McMahon to Keith Jackson. McMahon then connected with Fred Barnett on a seventy-yard touchdown pass. Eagles kicker Roger Ruzek made four field goals to pull the Eagles within 30–26.
After a fourth-quarter Webster Slaughter fumble on a punt return while trying to come out of his end zone and Eagles recovery at the three-yard line — McMahon found Calvin Williams for a five-yard score to put the Eagle up 32–30 permanently.
The win pulled the Eagles to a .500 record at 5–5. Despite finishing the 1991 season with a 5–1 record down the stretch and the #1 defense against the pass, the run, and yards allowed, the team would finish without making the playoffs. The comeback in Cleveland, however, orchestrated thanks in part to Jim McMahon’s 341 passing yards, wouldn’t just be a season highlight.
It would be the second-largest comeback in franchise history to that point.
The Eagles of the Late 80s and Early 90s Had Done Amazing Things On the Field.
Winning a Playoff Game Hadn’t Been One of Them.
For today’s Eagles faithful, it’s hard to envision a time when the Birds couldn’t maintain a top-10 NFL offense and hadn’t won a playoff game in over a decade. But that will be the long-standing legacy of Buddy Ryan and Rich Kotite in Philadelphia.
Unfortunately, a record-setting defense and quarterback complete with acrobatic excellence does nothing if you don’t win. And if you call your boss “the guy in France,” you’d better win.
Nearly 30 years ago, in Rich Kotite’s second season as Head Coach, the Eagles were in a wildcard game in New Orleans down on the Bayou. In 1988, the Eagles lost the Fog Bowl at Soldier Field in Chicago — a place that an NFL team from Philly hadn’t won since the Frankford Yellow Jackets beat the Bears in the final game of 1931. In 1989, the Eagles lost to Steve Everett and the LA Rams at home, and 1990 Body Bag Game #2 went to Washington.
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With an 11–5 record, the Eagles were in the playoffs once again. The beginning of this one seemed to unfold just as in previous contests. Down 20–7 in the third quarter, Randall Cunningham connected with Fred Barnett on a 35-yard touchdown pass. A six-yard Heath Sherman rushing touchdown gave the Eagles the lead. That proceeded a Reggie White safety in the end zone on Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert.
Finally, an Eric Allen 18-yard interception return for a touchdown sealed the deal.
The win would prove to be Kotite’s only one as Eagles Head Coach. The 1992 team would be Reggie White’s last as Eagles.
The following week, the Eagles would be throttled by the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys, 34–10. But even that couldn’t diminish the comeback at the Superdome.
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
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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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