![]()
It was the 1st day of September, 1991, and the
Eagles season was kicking off with a road game in
Green Bay. Expectations for a successful season were high in Philadelphia. With “The Ultimate Weapon” QB
Randall Cunningham to lead the offense and a top defense, lead by DE
Reggie White, there was no reason to believe that this team couldn’t be something special.
That feeling, which spread throughout the city and the Eagles fan base, quickly disappeared. All it took was one play and like a dart popping a balloon, the positive energy and excitement about the 1991 Eagles season was gone. A first quarter passing play by The Eagles ended with me and millions of other Eagles fans, holding their breath. Our star QB was gone for the season. Packers LB
Bryce Paup, came in and hit Cunningham low, around the knees. I was up all that night. I was upset that our season was over. Life was so cruel to make us wait impatiently the entire off-season only to kick us Eagles fans in the groin. It was too painful to digest.
It turns out the season was not over. The Eagles were competitive and finished 10-6. Who would have known that after that first game the Eagles defense would be one of the best ever defenses in the NFL. That season, the Eagles defense finished number one against the pass, number one against the run, and number one in overall total defense.
Darth Vader would say, “Most impressive”. I’m left wondering what this team could have done with a healthy Randall Cunningham.
Unfortunately, for Eagles fans everywhere, and in addition to having
Rick Kotite as the Head Coach, the Eagles offense was horrific. QB
Jim McMahon was decent as Cunningham’s replacement, but he never made it a full season. I still cringe when thinking of the performances that year by QBs
Pat Ryan,
Jeff Kemp, and
Brad Goebel.
This year, after seeing the
New England Patriots QB, and superstar
Tom Brady, injured and knocked out for the year on the first game of the season, reminds me of its parallels when comparing to the 1991 Eagles. Both teams were very talented. Both teams had high expectations. Only time will how the 2008 Patriots respond. Will other players step up and carry them? Will Patriots fans be frustrated with the lack of quality play from their QB position? I doubt anyone can be as bad as Pat Ryan. I also doubt their defense can give performances such as the 1991 Eagles defense did. However, I do give the Patriots the benefit of the doubt as I don’t think their current head coach can be compared to Rich Kotite; and that should give Patriots fans some hope. It will definitely be interesting to sit back from afar and watch how they respond, that’s for sure.
With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”
Share This
