It's a Great Time To Be An Eagle's Fan

Despite not winning a Super Bowl, the 21st century has been very good for Eagles fans.  Since 2000, the Eagles have compiled one of the best records in football, including seven winning seasons, a 60 percent winning record, seven postseason appearances, a perfect record in first round playoff games, five championship games and a Super Bowl appearance. Our star quarterback, Donovan McNabb, has a .645 winning percentage, third best among starting quarterbacks, behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Unlike most fans outside of New England and Indy, Eagles fans have a many happy Sundays, with many more wins than losses, few blowout losses and, of course, a few blowout wins.  I'll never forget 44-6. This consistency is some hing Eagles fans have never had in the team’s 76 year history.  The Eagles would surround a winning season or two with year after year of mediocrity, including an infamous 13 year straight losing record in the '60s and '70s.

Despite this success, the Philly media and fans consistently call for Reid to be fired.  Change for change sake rarely works in the NFL, and while I might not like everything Reid does, but his record is undeniable.  Some fans say years of losing is okay if you get a Super Bowl ring and that may be true, but at least with Reid you know each year you at least have a shot instead of another year of rebuilding, like the Lions, Falcons and others.

This '09 offseason again started with an anti-Reid tirade, especially after letting team leader Brian Dawkins walk.  However, as we have consistently seen in the past, Reid usually knows when to let an older player go in free agency.  Cries about Trotter, Douglas and others were vindicated as the players failed in their new homes.  I hope Dawk is successful, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is done after this year in Denver.

Now with a fantastic draft, key trades, and shipping unwanted players away, (Sheldon Brown is probably next) the Eagles look like they are ready to seriously contend in the NFC for both a division and championship crown.  I can't wait.