When talking about the greatest moments in Philadelphia Eagles history, few would argue about which game takes the top spot.
That would be Super Bowl LII when the Birds defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, 41-33.
Then there are the three NFL championships from the pre-Super Bowl era:
- 1948: 7-0 victory over the Chicago Cardinals
- 1949: 14-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams
- 1960: 17-13 win over the Green Bay Packers
Speaking of Green Bay, that is where the Birds are playing tonight. FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook both have them listed as a 4-point underdog.
But let’s forget about NJ sports betting for a moment and remember that before the 2018 Super Bowl, the Eagles thrived on being the underdog.
This season is perhaps a different story. At 1-2, Philadelphia is in desperate need of a win.
And the last thing this team needs is another embarrassing moment on Thursday Night Football.
The upside is some of the Eagles greatest moments have come against the Packers. A couple of them are even worth including on the list of 10 best Eagles games of all time (minus the previously mentioned championships, of course).
Keep in mind that there are several other contests that could easily crack the top 10 in Philadelphia Eagles’ history. After reading this list, feel free to agree, disagree or add one you think we missed.
10. 4th and 26
Since Thursday Night Football features Eagles versus Packers, it’s only fitting that we start off with this 2004 playoff game between these two teams.
Philadelphia was trailing 17-14 at home with 1:12 remaining and no timeouts. And it came down to 4th and 26. Quarterback Donovan McNabb connected with Freddie Mitchell on a 28-yard pass.
Kicker David Akers added two clutch field goals (including the game-winner in overtime) to give the Eagles a 20-17 win.
9. The Double Doink
The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles almost missed the playoffs last season. And if it wasn’t for a miscue by Chicago Bears kicker Cody Parkey, it would’ve been one-and-done for Nick Foles and company.
Philadelphia took a 16-15 lead with 56 seconds remaining in the game (thanks to Golden Tate’s 2-yard touchdown reception). However, the Bears drove and got in position for a 43-yard field goal to win the game. Fortunately for Eagles fans, the kick hit the upright and the crossbar for the game-ending “double doink.” People are still talking about it several months later.
8. Donovan McNabb plays with a broken ankle
When you’re a mobile quarterback like Donovan McNabb, playing with a broken ankle would seem impossible. But there is no quitting in Philly. Just ask Rocky Balboa.
In this 2002 regular-season game against the Arizona Cardinals, he went down with an injury early in the first quarter. McNabb got taped up in the locker room and came back out to finish the game. All he did was pass for 255 yards and four touchdowns while essentially playing on one leg. Eagles won the game 38-14 but lost their quarterback for the rest of the regular season.
7. What a Vick-tory
This Nov. 15, 2010, NFC East matchup between the Eagles and Washington Redskins came down to a dominating performance by one man — starting quarterback Michael Vick.
Yes, the 59-28 final score on Monday Night Football is hard to forget. But the passer turned in a performance for the ages, throwing for 333 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another two (to go along with 80 rushing yards). It marked the first time in NFL history that a player put up those kinds of numbers in a single game.
By the way, the starting QB for the Redskins was some guy named Donovan McNabb.
6. The Pickle Juice Game
Have you ever tried pickle juice? Well, back in 2000 — Andy Reid’s second year as head coach — it ended up being the formula to victory in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
The temperature was only 109 degrees outside, and even hotter on the playing surface. The Eagles players drank the pickle juice to avoid getting dehydrated in the excessive heat. It may not have tasted great, but the 41-14 victory made drinking it worthwhile.
5. Miracle at the Meadowlands
You never know what’s going to happen when the Eagles and New York Giants play. The first Miracle at the Meadowlands takes us back to Nov. 19, 1978.
Most times, a 17-12 advantage with 31 seconds left in regulation means victory is moments away. But on a 3rd-and-2, instead of taking a knee, the home team ran a play, and the Eagles took full advantage of a costly mistake.
Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik fumbled the ball, Herm Edwards recovered it and ran 26 yards for the game-winner. Eagles won 19-17.
4. Super Bowl, here we come
The day the Eagles punched their ticket to the first Super Bowl in franchise history obviously belongs on the list. Even better, it came against the rival Cowboys at home.
The date was Jan. 11, 1981, and the game time temp was in single digits. Wilbert Montgomery rushed for 194 yards, highlighted by his 42-yard touchdown run. Tony Franklin added three field goals to secure the 20-7 victory. Bring on the Raiders.
3. McNabb throws 5 TDs, beats the Packers
Sticking with the Eagles-Packers theme, this one is hard to ignore. It took place during Week 13 of the 2004 season.
The Birds entered the game with a 10-1 record. Unlike the 2019 team, this squad absolutely dominated in the first half, outscoring Green Bay 35-3. Donovan McNabb passed for 464 yards and five touchdowns, three of which were caught by Brian Westbrook.
2. Finally over the hump
Losing three straight NFC Championship games are the moments that Eagles fans tend to avoid talking about. This playoff game from the 2004 season, however, is nearly impossible to forget.
The Atlanta Falcons came to the City of Brotherly Love, with a trip to Jacksonville on the line. The home team was hungry and ready, and it showed in the 27-10 final score.
1. Eagles vs. Vikings 2018
US Bank Stadium is home to the Minnesota Vikings. It also happened to be the site of Super Bowl LII. But the road to Minnesota came through Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Field.
On Jan. 21, 2018, the home team made it crystal clear that this was their year. Minnesota scored the first touchdown of the game, and the Birds responded with 38 unanswered points. Foles threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns. And, we all remember what happened next.