The 10 Greatest Philadelphia Eagles of The Andy Reid Era
Over the past eleven seasons Philadelphia has seen many football players come through town, all a part of The Andy Reid Era. They have been from all types of places and played various positions, but only a select few could be dubbed "great."
Great players have come and gone over the last decade, but the coach has remained the same. Andy Reid, probably the most successful coach in Eagles' history maintains his job to this day despite many ups and downs through the years.
The Eagles, under Reid, have been one of the best and most consistent teams in the NFL. They have been to five NFC Title Games and one Super Bowl, yet the ring has been elusive for Reid and co.
This slideshow will take you through the years of The Andy Reid Era and for some, like myself will bring back tons of memories.
10. Hugh Douglas
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Hugh Douglas helped build the foundation of the Eagles under Reid and became one of the top pass-rushers in the game in the early '00s. Known for his "Fear the 'Fro" moniker, Douglas was one of the most popular Eagles of all-time. The "HUUUUUUUUUUUUGH" chants echoing at the Vet still give many the chills to this day.
Douglas had some of the biggest sacks in team history and helped make Philadelphia's d-line formidable. He was able to get into the backfield very quickly and disrupt a team's offense with his outside moves. All in all, Douglas makes this list because he was a staple in Jim Johnson's defense and was one of the most memorable players of the team during their transition to the top of the NFC.
9. Troy Vincent
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Troy Vincent was the most consistent Eagle corner I have ever seen. His all-around good defensive poise and vision set him apart from all others. Though his play still could not justify the type of man he is off the football field. Vincent was known as one of the classiest players in the game and was President of the NFLPA from 2004-2008.
Vincent ranked in the top 10 all-time in INTs by an Eagle and helped form one of the best defenses in team history. In many respects, he was to Reid what Eric Allen was to Buddy Ryan.
8. Tra Thomas
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William "Tra" Thomas, alongside #7 on our list Jon Runyan helped form one of the best offensive lines in team history. Thomas and Runyan played together for 9 season and then went out together in 2008. Now, the Eagles greatly miss their presence as the offensive line needs to be re-built.
Thomas started 165 games at left tackle out of a possible 166, making him one of Reid's most durable players. He protected Donovan McNabb's blindside and kept hungry NFC East pass-rushers astray. Notice how much running around #5 did last season without his blindside protection from Thomas. He most certainly would have helped late in the season against Dallas.
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7. Jon Runyan
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Michigan's Jon Runyan was one of Philadelphia's greatest acquisitions. Runyan seemed to have been formed in the mold of his coach and was a perfect fit for Reid's West Coast Offense. He was also imperative in keeping Michael Strahan away from Donovan McNabb all those years.
Runyan, now running as a Republican in New Jersey was one of the most beloved Eagles of his era. he was absolutely necessary in the Eagles' success and helped open many gaps for Brian Westbrook. His block against Washington in 2007 was one that will be remembered forever. Sadly, the last play of his Eagle career saw him lay motionless under a slew of confetti in Arizona.
6. Terrell Owens
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"T.O.-Mania" as it was commonly referred, was one of the biggest cults to ever sweep through the city of Philadelphia. As soon as Owens arrived in Philadelphia, chants of "T.O." and an ode to the great receiver could be heard across the Delaware Valley. Unfortunately though, those cheers would soon turn into boos as a summer-long saga erupted in 2005 after Owens believed he needed to be "paid."
Admit it though folks, we all still sit and wonder what could/should have been and why it all ended so abruptly. Owens presented fans with some of the most memorable moments in team history. From Owens' mocking of Ray Lewis to his courageous Super Bowl performance on ankle, the list of T.O. moments are endless and should always be acknowledged.
5. Jeremiah Trotter
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This one may be debatable for some but Jeremiah Trotter was the "defensive quarterback" of a very solid defense and held his position tremendously. Consistently leading the team in tackles, Trotter was an underrated linebacker that could scout out a running play better than just about anyone in the game.
Trotter swung "The Axe" through Philadelphia during three separate tenures and had his most memorable moments as an Eagle. Though he had lost a step by the end of his career last season in Philadelphia, many will remember him for his run-stuffing up the middle only to pop up and deliver a big "AXE!"
4. Brian Westbrook
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The Eagles rode Route 36 West for nearly a decade and worked it to the top. Westbrook was one of the most dynamic Eagles of all-time; the Villanova product had many great moments as an Eagle, particularly against the Giants.
Westbrook established himself as an unselfish, team-first player, which often times displeased his fantasy owners as we saw in 2007 against Dallas. Though it was ultimately his "Miracle at the Meadowlands" that he will always be remembered for. Westbrook did it all for the Eagles and was another unfortunate victim of the "30 Club," as were several others on this list.
3. David Akers
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David Akers. What more is there to say? A staple in the Eagles' kicking game and one of the very best at what he does. Due to Akers' consistency, this is one position the Eagles have never had to think twice about. He is the epitome of what a kicker in the NFL is supposed to be.
This raw, undrafted talent was discovered by Andy Reid in 1999 after stints with Washington, Carolina and Atlanta. Akers is the NFL's all-time leader in points in a single decade with 1,114 in the 2000s. His job remains safe and at age 35, Akers appears to be as good as ever.
2. Brian Dawkins
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Brian Dawkins was essentially one of the greatest Birds of all-time. His value came in form of more than just dollars and cents. Unfortunately, the organization did not see the same as they cut Dawk's Eagle career short in 2009.
Dawkins was one of the most popular, if not the most popular player in team history. Every game was a highlight reel for Dawkins, the team's spiritual and emotional leader. Dawkins played at a Canton-like level between the white lines and was an even better human being outside of them. They do not make 'em like Brian Dawkins, he's the type of player that comes around once every generation.
1. Donovan McNabb
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Donovan McNabb was the leader of the greatest period of Philadelphia Eagles football. He now has his rightful place on this list in the era that Reid and he helped create. Simply put, number five MUST be number one on this list.
McNabb, through all of his ups and downs left Philadelphia a unique figure. He was probably the most loved and hated player of all-time. His career saw much success and an even amount of drama, but through it all, McNabb remained a constant in the city of Philadelphia. Philadelphia, under Donovan McNabb was always entertaining as there was never a dull moment.
Despite all of the critics that were in his ear, McNabb persevered. From the T.O.saga to the success of five NFC Title Game appearances, and everything in between, it is safe to say that McNabb made it in Philadelphia.
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