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Eagles fans - general "feeling" - am I alone here?


xMRogers
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I posted this in a saints "fan feelings" thread, but felt i'd move to an eagles fan thread (mostly cause I was sick of looking at "go saints"). Gist of what I was responding to was general Saints fans feeling of pending doom (or not - seemed to be split feelings).

 

 

 

What's interesting about thsi post is that as a diehard Eagles fan.....we share some things.

 

 

Look, New Orleans isn't really a sports city - you have one real pro franchise (the bball team doesn't count as I don't even know where they play now). More importantly, you have a billion other things to do - it's an amazing city.

 

Now Philly is my hometown (well, really SJ, but it's my home "city"). It's got history - unfortunately, it's the history book history of 250 years ago, which is the age of most of the streets it sometimes feels like. It's the city people are born in, grow up in, get jobs in, die in. 75% of Philly resdients are from Philly - tops in all of the US. Where am I going with this - we have 4 sports teams, and a city like this lives and dies with them. For my childhood, it was great - Flyers won a couple cups, Phillies finally won a world series and reached another one, Sixers were a championship team and our beloved eagles finally got good, and got to a superbowl. 1980 was amazing and 83 was pretty good too.

 

I was 13 and thought "this is normal - one of the teams will win a championship every other year or so"

 

I'll be 37 when this superbowl is played. I'm still waiting on the next "other year".

 

I was reading a book about the Red Sox (by Bill Simmons, ESPN Page 2 columnist). He stated the '86 series was when Sox fans went from "cautiously hoping for the best to always expecting the worst". I'm not sure Eagles fans are there yet, but considering it's not just a team, it's 4 teams that represent a city in as deep a way as any city in america, I'm not sure we aren't there either.

 

So what does this all mean - one fan base is hoping to finally be able to take the figurative bag off their head this weekend forever (although I'd argue that's already happened)....the other may be looking at this team as it's lynchpin team - the one that makes us finally go from grudging optimists to fatalistic pessimists. It's weird, cause this is an "out of nowhere" team (look back at my NFC East Title post - not a single eagles fan, including me, said "yes, this is definitely going to happen"), so you would think we'd be somewhat "happy go lucky" about it. We're not - i think this is it, at least for me, meaning if they don't at least make the SB, I may turn into one of those fans that will root, but in a depressing way, not an uplifting one.

 

I think I just wrote myself into nausea.

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the other may be looking at this team as it's lynchpin team - the one that makes us finally go from grudging optimists to fatalistic pessimists.

 

We're already pessimists. Past years, we were the best team in the NFC and choked at home or in the SB. Those losses were very tough to take. This year we were written off for dead, so I'm just enjoying the ride...

 

The Saints, on the other hand, have all the pressure of a city, region, nation weighing on them. It'll be interesting to see how this game unfolds.

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I posted this in a saints "fan feelings" thread, but felt i'd move to an eagles fan thread (mostly cause I was sick of looking at "go saints"). Gist of what I was responding to was general Saints fans feeling of pending doom (or not - seemed to be split feelings).

What's interesting about thsi post is that as a diehard Eagles fan.....we share some things.

Look, New Orleans isn't really a sports city - you have one real pro franchise (the bball team doesn't count as I don't even know where they play now). More importantly, you have a billion other things to do - it's an amazing city.

 

Now Philly is my hometown (well, really SJ, but it's my home "city"). It's got history - unfortunately, it's the history book history of 250 years ago, which is the age of most of the streets it sometimes feels like. It's the city people are born in, grow up in, get jobs in, die in. 75% of Philly resdients are from Philly - tops in all of the US. Where am I going with this - we have 4 sports teams, and a city like this lives and dies with them. For my childhood, it was great - Flyers won a couple cups, Phillies finally won a world series and reached another one, Sixers were a championship team and our beloved eagles finally got good, and got to a superbowl. 1980 was amazing and 83 was pretty good too.

 

I was 13 and thought "this is normal - one of the teams will win a championship every other year or so"

 

I'll be 37 when this superbowl is played. I'm still waiting on the next "other year".

 

I was reading a book about the Red Sox (by Bill Simmons, ESPN Page 2 columnist). He stated the '86 series was when Sox fans went from "cautiously hoping for the best to always expecting the worst". I'm not sure Eagles fans are there yet, but considering it's not just a team, it's 4 teams that represent a city in as deep a way as any city in america, I'm not sure we aren't there either.

 

So what does this all mean - one fan base is hoping to finally be able to take the figurative bag off their head this weekend forever (although I'd argue that's already happened)....the other may be looking at this team as it's lynchpin team - the one that makes us finally go from grudging optimists to fatalistic pessimists. It's weird, cause this is an "out of nowhere" team (look back at my NFC East Title post - not a single eagles fan, including me, said "yes, this is definitely going to happen"), so you would think we'd be somewhat "happy go lucky" about it. We're not - i think this is it, at least for me, meaning if they don't at least make the SB, I may turn into one of those fans that will root, but in a depressing way, not an uplifting one.

 

I think I just wrote myself into nausea.

 

 

Good post. The thing is, it isn't like Philadelphia teams have just been bad recently, it's that they just haven't been able to bring home a title. The Flyers and Sixers are bad now, but, had a pretty good run there for a while (expecially the Flyers), but, just couldn't finish it off. The Phillies seem to always be battling for a playoff spot, and come up just short. The Eagles have been one of the best teams in the NFC in recent years, but, haven't gotten the title yet. I think what makes it painful is coming close so many times. Trust me, I felt it as a Steelers fan. They were close so many times, you could taste it, but, they never finished the deal. Then, in a season where I felt good just to make the playoffs, BOOM, it finally happened. Don't give up hope, it is worth the wait when it finally happens. :D

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From this fans point of view, I am just enjoying the ride. 6 games ago I figured I would be waiting for next season. This game we are road dogs, with a back up QB. I will be happy if they win for sure. Right now this is gravy for this season.

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Good post. The thing is, it isn't like Philadelphia teams have just been bad recently, it's that they just haven't been able to bring home a title. The Flyers and Sixers are bad now, but, had a pretty good run there for a while (expecially the Flyers), but, just couldn't finish it off. The Phillies seem to always be battling for a playoff spot, and come up just short. The Eagles have been one of the best teams in the NFC in recent years, but, haven't gotten the title yet. I think what makes it painful is coming close so many times. Trust me, I felt it as a Steelers fan. They were close so many times, you could taste it, but, they never finished the deal. Then, in a season where I felt good just to make the playoffs, BOOM, it finally happened. Don't give up hope, it is worth the wait when it finally happens. :D

 

 

Your right - that makes it worse. If your team sucks (the phillies for instance for most of years between 85 and 2002), it's not all that draining. Pisses you off a bit, but you watch a bit, and when they do make a run (93), it's exciting, and if they fall short, oh well - it was fun.

 

problem is that the Eagles have been very good recently, and in general above average. Flyers for most of the past 20 years have been top 6 I'd say in the league. Sixers had a few good runs (honestly, don't follow them as much - so it'll be my luck they win one first). And the Phillies are now back to being a heartbreaker as well.

 

It's the combination of being close a LOT and not getting there, and the length of time times the number of teams involved.

 

And beleive me - as a Steelers fan, you have past glory at least, and in your lifetime (well, depends on age I guess). That's what makes it worse - of the four teams, the Eagles are by far my favorite due to various reasons, and considering I have to go back before the "modern" championship era to find a championship, it's a huge problem.

 

I'll never not be a diehard - just be the way I look at it (ie, already do it with the Phillies- last year, I stated for a fact they'd f it up down the stretch and not make the playoffs although I really wish they would make it.)

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We're already pessimists. Past years, we were the best team in the NFC and choked at home or in the SB. Those losses were very tough to take. This year we were written off for dead, so I'm just enjoying the ride...

 

The Saints, on the other hand, have all the pressure of a city, region, nation weighing on them. It'll be interesting to see how this game unfolds.

 

 

Pressure! Don't talk about Pressure! Pressure! Are kiddin me! Pressure! Saints and pressure are two words I've never heard in the same sentence. New Orleans fans are obviously the most forgiving fans in sports. Regardless of the outcome of the game I envision the Saints walking off to a standing ovation. :D

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Yea, I don't feel either team has much pressure for "this" year. If the saints lose, guarantee they still have a parade for the team.

 

Eagles lose - 'house money' in theory. I just don't buy that. Be another possible superbowl team loss (maybe it's just me, but i've essentially made this my turning point team from happy, optimistic fan to "I love em, but they suck" fan).

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From this fans point of view, I am just enjoying the ride. 6 games ago I figured I would be waiting for next season. This game we are road dogs, with a back up QB. I will be happy if they win for sure. Right now this is gravy for this season.

 

Pretty much how I feel exactly. I'll be upset if we lose a close one, but I come in simply happy that we are where we are.

Edited by TDFFFreak
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Even though we head into these playoffs as an underdog for a change, the feeling when we lose will be no different for me than in year's past.

 

If you are excited about your team, you are excited for the sole reason that your team has a shot to win the whole thing. And if they fail to reach that goal, you will be disheartened. The only difference this year is that we were not expected to be there, so there will be no sense of "underacheiving" that has gone hand-in-hand with each of the Eagles' playoff departures over the last five years.

 

But if you are exicted just because they got to the playoffs, and would be happy with this year regardless of the outcome of Saturday's game, then phooey on you....

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Even though we head into these playoffs as an underdog for a change, the feeling when we lose will be no different for me than in year's past.

 

If you are excited about your team, you are excited for the sole reason that your team has a shot to win the whole thing. And if they fail to reach that goal, you will be disheartened. The only difference this year is that we were not expected to be there, so there will be no sense of "underacheiving" that has gone hand-in-hand with each of the Eagles' playoff departures over the last five years.

 

But if you are exicted just because they got to the playoffs, and would be happy with this year regardless of the outcome of Saturday's game, then phooey on you....

:D

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Interesting - think there are some like me, but not most. Wonder if age has anything to do with it, or just is diff. people with diff. feelings.

i will be 40 in Feb and you summed it up well....i was in 8th grade when the phils won the WS(I was there too section 301) and yeah back then you could never envision the drought the city has suffered thru....and much like you I am from SJ but look at it just like you do

 

I am sure you even remember the swamp fox :D

 

edit: I am sure someone can do a search and see I basically gave the birds ZERO chance at making the playoffs this yr so this is just gravy well extra gravy Dallas losing was the first helping of gravy:shades:

Edited by keggerz
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i will be 40 in Feb and you summed it up well....i was in 8th grade when the phils won the WS(I was there too section 301) and yeah back then you could never envision the drought the city has suffered thru....and much like you I am from SJ but look at it just like you do

 

I am sure you even remember the swamp fox :D

 

edit: I am sure someone can do a search and see I basically gave the birds ZERO chance at making the playoffs this yr so this is just gravy well extra gravy Dallas losing was the first helping of gravy:shades:

 

Marion f'n Campbell....what's terrible is he wasn't the worst coach we've had in the last 30 years (how Rich Kotite got 2 NFL head jobs is absolutely beyond me). He11, wehn Ray Rhodes is probably middle of the pack when you rank our last 8 coaches (I'm guessing at the number - everyone since Vermeil), you know you've had some problems.

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Even though we head into these playoffs as an underdog for a change, the feeling when we lose will be no different for me than in year's past.

 

If you are excited about your team, you are excited for the sole reason that your team has a shot to win the whole thing. And if they fail to reach that goal, you will be disheartened. The only difference this year is that we were not expected to be there, so there will be no sense of "underacheiving" that has gone hand-in-hand with each of the Eagles' playoff departures over the last five years.

But if you are exicted just because they got to the playoffs, and would be happy with this year regardless of the outcome of Saturday's game, then phooey on you....

 

 

See, this is where I feel i'm mostly alone I guess. If they don't make the superbowl, I will feel a sense of underachieving/"fits in with everything", whether they deserve that from me or not. I'll look towards next year, but in much the same way I do next year for the Phillies - how are they going to stomp on my heart this summer?

 

We'll see how it plays out I guess - could be I'm overstating and come next fall, regardless of things, I'll be in "going to superbowl" mode, but I have a feelign this year is it. They blow it, I'm going to be one of those nasty a-holes who roots passionately, but also sits around saying "they'll f it up- just watch".

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Even though we head into these playoffs as an underdog for a change, the feeling when we lose will be no different for me than in year's past.

 

If you are excited about your team, you are excited for the sole reason that your team has a shot to win the whole thing. And if they fail to reach that goal, you will be disheartened. The only difference this year is that we were not expected to be there, so there will be no sense of "underacheiving" that has gone hand-in-hand with each of the Eagles' playoff departures over the last five years.

 

But if you are exicted just because they got to the playoffs, and would be happy with this year regardless of the outcome of Saturday's game, then phooey on you....

 

I agree with this wholeheartedly. I was in NO WAY saying, "Hey, I'm just happy we're there." In fact, I EXPECT them to win tomorrow. Anything less will be a HUGE disappointment. However, unlike in years past, it won't sour me on the organization as much as those BRUTAL home Championship loses did. After which I was ready to quit as a fan...for about a week or so...

 

Think about it. When those other teams lost, it had a lot to do with Reid's stubborness. This year, he has changed and delegated a lot. Now, they are a more balanced offense. So, I'd be less critical if we were to lose in these playoffs than I was in the previous years.

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I go into every season expecting to go to the playoffs and get to and win The Superbowl... I have learned over the years to roll with the good times and bad every week, in and out.

 

My typical Sunday (home game)

 

I wake up at 7:00AM.. Shower and head down to The Linc. Section C2. Set up my canopy, set up my washers game and fire up the grill. I cook some kick-ass breakfast sandwiches for the dedicated few from my tailgate who make it down that early. I then sit back in my chair and watch the parking lots fill. As more of my taigate crew begin to show up around 10:00, we begin throwing washers as the smells from other tailgates's grills and fryers water our mouths.

 

I crack my first beer at 10:30 AM. A group of about 30 of us raise our glasses and belt out an E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! cheer. It is going to be a good day. Game time is a couple hours away and we are all goofing around, and having the time of our lives.

 

We grill up lunch around 11:45 and scarf it down. then we start breaking down the canopy and clean up the area. We start heading into the game around 12:15.. With Eagles cheers being shouted all around us as we file into the stadium like cattle, it has already been a great day.....

 

This is where I can seperate.. Because game time is different. I feel the adreneline build up inside as I head up the escalators. leading droves of people in more cheers all the way down the concorse to the entry way to our section. Familliar faces come and pat my back knowing I am bringing the noise today.

 

I get up to my seat in section 203 just in time for the player introductions. They announce the visiting teams offense, where after each name announced, a resonating "SUCKS!" come from a packed house in return. Then, the music pumps and here comes the Eagles defense. I am frothing at the mouth now. last but certainly not least, B-Dawk comes out of the tunnel, creeping, crawling, like an animal. This is going to be the best game of the season...

 

Whatever happens after that happens. I am a true fan. I love my team. If we win, I cheer the whole way through.. If we lose, I cheer the whole way through..

 

After the game, we fire the grill back up and either celebrate the victory or celebrate friendship and life..

 

On Monday, I am back at work, looking forward to the next one. because, I know there will always be a next one... And I am lucky for that.

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I go into every season expecting to go to the playoffs and get to and win The Superbowl... I have learned over the years to roll with the good times and bad every week, in and out.

 

My typical Sunday (home game)

 

I wake up at 7:00AM.. Shower and head down to The Linc. Section C2. Set up my canopy, set up my washers game and fire up the grill. I cook some kick-ass breakfast sandwiches for the dedicated few from my tailgate who make it down that early. I then sit back in my chair and watch the parking lots fill. As more of my taigate crew begin to show up around 10:00, we begin throwing washers as the smells from other tailgates's grills and fryers water our mouths.

 

I crack my first beer at 10:30 AM. A group of about 30 of us raise our glasses and belt out an E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! cheer. It is going to be a good day. Game time is a couple hours away and we are all goofing around, and having the time of our lives.

 

We grill up lunch around 11:45 and scarf it down. then we start breaking down the canopy and clean up the area. We start heading into the game around 12:15.. With Eagles cheers being shouted all around us as we file into the stadium like cattle, it has already been a great day.....

 

This is where I can seperate.. Because game time is different. I feel the adreneline build up inside as I head up the escalators. leading droves of people in more cheers all the way down the concorse to the entry way to our section. Familliar faces come and pat my back knowing I am bringing the noise today.

 

I get up to my seat in section 203 just in time for the player introductions. They announce the visiting teams offense, where after each name announced, a resonating "SUCKS!" come from a packed house in return. Then, the music pumps and here comes the Eagles defense. I am frothing at the mouth now. last but certainly not least, B-Dawk comes out of the tunnel, creeping, crawling, like an animal. This is going to be the best game of the season...

 

Whatever happens after that happens. I am a true fan. I love my team. If we win, I cheer the whole way through.. If we lose, I cheer the whole way through..

 

After the game, we fire the grill back up and either celebrate the victory or celebrate friendship and life..

 

On Monday, I am back at work, looking forward to the next one. because, I know there will always be a next one... And I am lucky for that.

 

 

This is almost Ernest Hemingwayesque. :D

Edited by The Holy Roller
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I go into every season expecting to go to the playoffs and get to and win The Superbowl... I have learned over the years to roll with the good times and bad every week, in and out.

 

My typical Sunday (home game)

 

I wake up at 7:00AM.. Shower and head down to The Linc. Section C2. Set up my canopy, set up my washers game and fire up the grill. I cook some kick-ass breakfast sandwiches for the dedicated few from my tailgate who make it down that early. I then sit back in my chair and watch the parking lots fill. As more of my taigate crew begin to show up around 10:00, we begin throwing washers as the smells from other tailgates's grills and fryers water our mouths.

 

I crack my first beer at 10:30 AM. A group of about 30 of us raise our glasses and belt out an E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! cheer. It is going to be a good day. Game time is a couple hours away and we are all goofing around, and having the time of our lives.

 

We grill up lunch around 11:45 and scarf it down. then we start breaking down the canopy and clean up the area. We start heading into the game around 12:15.. With Eagles cheers being shouted all around us as we file into the stadium like cattle, it has already been a great day.....

 

This is where I can seperate.. Because game time is different. I feel the adreneline build up inside as I head up the escalators. leading droves of people in more cheers all the way down the concorse to the entry way to our section. Familliar faces come and pat my back knowing I am bringing the noise today.

 

I get up to my seat in section 203 just in time for the player introductions. They announce the visiting teams offense, where after each name announced, a resonating "SUCKS!" come from a packed house in return. Then, the music pumps and here comes the Eagles defense. I am frothing at the mouth now. last but certainly not least, B-Dawk comes out of the tunnel, creeping, crawling, like an animal. This is going to be the best game of the season...

 

Whatever happens after that happens. I am a true fan. I love my team. If we win, I cheer the whole way through.. If we lose, I cheer the whole way through..

 

After the game, we fire the grill back up and either celebrate the victory or celebrate friendship and life..

 

On Monday, I am back at work, looking forward to the next one. because, I know there will always be a next one... And I am lucky for that.

 

 

One of the best posts I've read. :D

 

Just think how much more exciting it would be for you if you were from the other side of the state... :D

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