The Model Franchise: The Philadelphia Eagles

Photo courtesy of EaglesCentral.com



Let me just say up front, no, I am not a Philadelphia Eagles fan.  I do like some of the players on the team, but I am naming them the model franchise for reasons outside of their abilities and their perennial appearances in the playoffs.  I am not naming them the model franchise because of their consistent ability drafting players.  I am naming them the model franchise because of their front office, and the franchise as a whole.

The eagles are a team that, despite every other team's moral reservations, took a chance on giving one of the most electrifying players in NFL history a second chance, and have been greatly rewarded.  Ever since his signing, Michael Vick has been almost completely absent from the media, outside of his extaordinary production.  Vick has thrown for over 1,300 yards and 11 TDs, and is still without a single interception all season.  He is now the front runner to win the coveted NFL MVP award, and is regaining his high standing with the NFL.  Without owner Jeffrey Lurie taking the chance, the Eagles would be in a completely different place.

The Eagles have not only been able to obtain players with the pure talent that Vick has, but they have been able to win and retain that talent for years.  Since 2000, the Eagles have only missed the playoffs once, and have been 1st in the NFC East for 5 of the last 10 seasons, three times in 2nd, and only once in 4th in 2007.  The repeated presence in the playoffs in the last 10 years, however, has only netted them one super bowl appearance, which they lost to the New England Patriots in.  Despite their lack of championships, their consitency in the post season has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

In the off-season, the Eagles are even more dominant than they are in during the season.  In the past 10 years, Philly has drafted 9 Pro Bowlers, and has one of the most talented group of youngsters in the league.  Two wide receivers drafted in the last two years have each passed the 750 yard mark in a season, and have combined for 23 touchdowns in 3 seasons, including the current season only 9 games in.  Even without former veteran team captain Donnovan McNabb (traded to the Redskins), the Eagles are 3rd in total offense and rushing, and 9th in passing.

Now, the Philadelphia Eagles have just announced a project to make Lincoln Financial Field self-sufficient, and independant from the power grid.  The plan calls for 80 wind turbines, 2,500 solar panels, and a 7.6 Megawatt cogenerator.  The eco-friendly direction the franchise is taking will no doubt drastically increase its exposure in the media, and gain economic and political support because of the consciencious ownership.  With enough power to generate for itself, the stadium will also be able to sell power back to the grid for an additional source of revenue. 

The dominating presence of the Eagles on and off the field keeps them in my mind the greatest organization in the NFL to date, and solidifies them as the model franchise.