The life of a Philadelphia sports fan is a non-stop rollercoaster. But through all of the highs and lows, there is one thing that remains the same. Whenever the Eagles do well, the ‘Snowballs and Santa Claus’ argument surfaces. The most passionate fans in the NFL have had their names dragged through the dirt for a misunderstanding that happened in December of 1968. But a lot can change in a 50-year time frame…and changed it has. It’s time to focus on the here and now.
If the Eagles win a little later this evening, the team will have earned a 13-2 record for just the second time in franchise history. The only ever time this has happened was in 2004. With 438 points scored this year, just 4 less than that explosive 2013 Chip Kelly campaign, the Eagles offense has fired on all cylinders all year long with the help of Carson Wentz. But it wasn’t always like that. It’s been a long road for the Eagles to get to this point…and the faith and trust of the most loyal fans in the NFL has been consistent throughout.
Whether it was the heartbreaking end to an emotional Andy Reid era, an undulating Chip Kelly period, or the complete fire-sale that followed, Eagles fans refused to let their loyalty fade…and are now reaping the rewards. Yet still, ‘Snowballs and Santa’ continues to come up each and every year.
The truth is, this Eagles team is like nothing we have seen in this City. Ranking 3rd in NFL total offense and amassing 140.5 yards on the ground per game, it’s as if Doug Pederson has taken every positive aspect of what made Big Red so special and has channeled it into a coaching style that thrives on a sense of individuality.
What was a sheer weakness in 2016 has become a complete strength one season later…and the Birds’ 67.3% TD conversion rate when inside the red zone is a perfect example of that. Carson Wentz took the lead by storm in his sophomore season, amassing a then league-leading 33 touchdowns before suffering the most heartbreaking of injuries. But still, the Eagles carry on.
That’s become the tone for this team. It’s much more than just ‘next man up’. It doesn’t begin and end with Carson Wentz. Nick Foles came out in his first start since a Chiefs win over the Jags last year and tossed 4 touchdowns against a very ticked off Giants defense. Losing Jordan Hicks, Jason Peters, Darren Sproles, Ronald Darby too? There aren’t many teams in the league who can lose THAT much firepower and still dominate week in and week out. That’s culture.
With culture comes something to believe in for both fans and players alike. The Eagles fans from yesteryear can not be tarnished with the same ones who scream their hearts out each and every week, turning the Linc into an absolute fortress where the team remain undefeated this season as a result. This isn’t a ‘trashy, disrespectful’ fanbase anymore. As the Eagles have evolved, so has the culture surrounding the team.
But after years and years of having their name mocked, their reputation brushed over and their success dismissed, the Eagles and their fans are soaring. So take a look around when the Eagles host the Raiders this evening. You likely won’t see the horrible brawls or verbally dismantling of opposing fans…but more an appreciation and a reliability to a team that through thick and thin gives 110% every time it’s on the field. That’s what makes this Eagles team so special. That’s what makes its fans so special. This is a new breed of Eagles football, so lets enjoy it.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
