The Eagles, Philadelphia’s most valuable sports team, in terms of finance and popularity, are thriving in the team’s 90th NFL season.
As of Nov. 9, the Eagles have a record of 8-1, making their current overall standing at the top of the NFL, starting off their season strong with an overwhelming lead over their other competitors.
The Eagles have appeared in the playoffs 29 times, won 16 division titles (including 12 in the NFC East), appeared in four pre-merger NFL Championship Games, winning three of them (1948, 1949, and 1960), and appeared in four Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl LII at the end of the 2017 season.. These next few months of the season will be crucial for the Eagles as they try to maintain their current standing while also being on track for the Super Bowl.
One of the biggest reasons for the Eagles’ success is that their roster consists of the top players in the NFL. ESPN’s list of top five core roster players on the Eagles includes quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver A.J Brown, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, SAM linebacker Hasson Reddick, and cornerback Darius Slay.
Jalen Hurts is crucial to the Eagles’ offense. The quarterback comes up big in every game and has been a driving force for the Eagles, regularly making astonishing plays that showcase his skills and the thriving teamwork between players.
After an amazing game against the Cowboys on Nov. 5, Hurts said, “I’ll do anything for my city, my teammates.”
Some other key members of the team are D’Andre Swift and A.J Brown.
“One surprise has been D’Andre Swift…he has been one of their key players throughout the first couple weeks,” said Ajeet Bagga ‘24. Also, A.J Brown, the wide receiver who they got from the Titans last year is off to a great start, he recorded six straight 125-yard games”.
Despite their smooth start, many credit the Eagles winning streak for their easy schedule by playing easier teams prior to playing teams that can attest to the strength of the NFL. The true test for the Eagles will be in the upcoming games.
“They have a really tough schedule coming up,” Bagga ‘24 said, “They have to just maintain their level of play on the offense while still improving on the defense.”
Disregarding the controversy of debate going through the country over the Eagles’ real power on and off the field, the Eagles are a central part of Philadelphia culture. The Eagles, known to have the rowdiest fan group, dictate the mood of the city with just a win or loss.
Referencing the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win, the centrality of Philadelphia dressed up to show more support for the Eagles in a massive parade.
“The year this team won the Super Bowl, I dyed my hair green.” Upper School Chemistry Teacher and avid Eagles fan Mr. Matthew Kraynyak, said. “The Philadelphia region loves their Eagles, and I’m no exception. My best Eagles moment was being at the Eagles parade after their Super Bowl victory. It was awesome to see everyone so happy. I hope we get to see it again.”
The Eagles stand as a sports and cultural figure due to the massive impact Philadelphia sports teams have on their city’s population.
For all Eagles supporters, the upward trend of achievement in their season-lasting games provides a sense of hope for another comeback in the Super Bowl Stadium. Until then, all their fans will be cheering their hearts out; as the saying goes, “It’s a Philly thing.”
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