The Philadelphia Eagles are a historic franchise founded in 1933. While the Eagles have been around for over 90 years, they have won just four championships.
Philadelphia’s lack of championships makes it more difficult to pinpoint the greatest teams in franchise history, as some of the most talented rosters in the Eagles’ history failed to accomplish the greatest feat in the NFL.
Who Are the Greatest Teams in Philadelphia Eagles’ History?
Three of Philadelphia’s four championships came before the Vince Lombardi Trophy was even created. The Eagles have won just one Super Bowl, while the other three championships were in 1960 or earlier.
Arguably, the most talented rosters in Philadelphia’s history ultimately fell short in the postseason. Therefore, it’s time to take a broader view of the Eagles’ success and name the five greatest teams in franchise history.
5) 1980 Eagles
In 1980, the Eagles won 12 games during the regular season for the first time in franchise history. Quarterback Ron Jaworski was named to the Pro Bowl after leading Philadelphia’s aerial attack with 3,529 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, with only 12 interceptions.
Jaworski led the Eagles on three game-winning drives as they dominated the NFC. Philadelphia continued its dominance into the postseason, defeating both the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys by double digits.
After rolling over their opposition in the postseason, the Eagles ran into a team of destiny in Super Bowl 15. Philadelphia was the clear favorite heading into the matchup, but the Oakland Raiders pulled off a stunning 27-10 victory.
If the Eagles were able to get the job done and cap off the team’s dominant run with a victory in the big game, this team would likely be higher on the list of Philadelphia’s greatest teams of all time.
4) 1960 Eagles
The Eagles went on a memorable, dominant run in 1960. During the regular season, they went on a nine-game winning streak before losing the finale to Washington.
It was a meaningful run for Philadelphia, as it was the final season for head coach Buck Shaw, quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, and linebacker Chuck Bednarik. Philadelphia used the motivation of one last dance to fuel the team’s run for an NFL Championship.
On Nov. 20, 1960, Bednarik created one of the greatest moments in NFL history, by landing “The Hit” against New York Giants running back Frank Gifford. Bednarik’s memorable tackle powered the Eagles on an epic run that resulted in a matchup against the Green Bay Packers in the 1960 NFL Championship.
In what would eventually be Packers head coach Vince Lombardi’s only championship loss in his career, Philadelphia defeated Green Bay by a final score of 17-13. Van Brocklin was named MVP of the game and finished his historic playing career on top.
3) 2004 Eagles
There may not be a more talented roster in Eagles history than the 2004 squad. During that offseason, Philadelphia added three key pieces: wide receiver Terrell Owens, pass rusher Jevon Kearse, and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
That dangerous trio joined an already-stacked Eagles roster led by quarterback Donovan McNabb, who led the Eagles to a 13-2 record in his 15 starts. McNabb finished the regular season with 3,875 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
McNabb established a nearly unstoppable connection with Owens, who hauled in 77 receptions for 1,200 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. Brian Westbrook led Philadelphia’s rushing attack with 812 rushing yards, while also adding 703 receiving yards.
Philadelphia’s dominant defense is what made this team so special. The unit was loaded with talent, led by first-team All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins. Although the Eagles finished with a 13-3 regular-season record, Philadelphia would ultimately fall short against the New England Patriots and Tom Brady in Super Bowl 39.
2) 2022 Eagles
While the 2004 Eagles might be a favorite among fans, the 2022 team was just as impressive. After head coach Nick Sirianni bounced back from an embarrassing introductory press conference in 2021, Philadelphia had high expectations in 2022.
Yet the Eagles exceeded expectations and the team’s projected total of 11 wins in the regular season. Philadelphia won the first eight games of the regular season in (mostly) dominant fashion. Jalen Hurts appeared well on his way to winning the MVP award.
Hurts missed two games down the final stretch, which likely caused him to lose the award. Still, the Eagles secured the NFC’s top seed and continued their dominance in the playoffs — rolling over the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers on their way to Super Bowl 57.
It was a memorable matchup as Hurts went toe-to-toe with the Kansas City Chiefs and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Philadelphia’s defense, however, was unable to stop Mahomes and Kansas City’s high-powered offense in the game’s most crucial moments.
Despite Philadelphia’s defensive failures, Hurts put up historic numbers in the biggest game of his career. He outdueled Mahomes, throwing for 304 passing yards while also adding 70 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. It was a bittersweet ending to Philadelphia’s impressive season.
1) 2017 Eagles
The greatest team in franchise history is the one that was able to win the Super Bowl. The 2017 Eagles provided fans with an unbelievable ride that included every emotion imaginable encapsulated in one of the most entertaining teams in NFL history.
After a 10-1 start to the regular season, quarterback Carson Wentz appeared to be the front-runner for the NFL’s MVP award. Yet, a season-ending knee injury in Week 14 seemingly ended the year for both Wentz and the Eagles.
However, backup QB Nick Foles took over the reins and went on a historic run that will never be forgotten. Although the Eagles limped into the playoffs with a few uninspiring performances, they turned it around in the postseason.
Philadelphia escaped with a close win against the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round. Then, they blew the doors off the Minnesota Vikings with a 38-7 victory in the NFC Championship Game. This led to a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch against the Patriots.
While it seemed like the “underdog” Eagles had no chance against the Patriots, Foles was able to outduel Brady on the biggest stage. It was an epic performance that put a bow on the greatest season in franchise history, which was then capped off by Jason Kelce’s iconic speech at Philadelphia’s Super Bowl parade.
