Owens' Season With the Eagles
All-Star Wide Receiver Terrell Owens Brought Excitement to Philly
Apr 29, 2008
It was only a few seasons ago - 2004/2005 to be exact - that the Philadelphia Eagles were flying high in the NFL. While they had lost the previous three NFC championship games, this year seemed different. This year felt like it was the year. The defense, led by Brian Dawkins, Jevon Kearse, and Lito Sheppard, was treating opponents like target practice, and the offense was, to say the least, potent. At the helm was Donovan McNabb, helped by a stellar supporting cast comprised of running back Brian Westbrook, tight end L.J. Smith, and their all-star receiver, the newly-acquired Terrell Owens.
The Arrival of a Savior
The arrival of Owens in Philadelphia was met with a media frenzy and an anticipation of a Super Bowl win from the fans. It was the biggest 2004 offseason signing. With Owens as his number-one receiver, McNabb had a breakthrough season, passing for 31 touchdowns (14 of them to Owens), while throwing only 8 interceptions, and the Eagles finished the year with a team-best record of 13-3. The Eagles steamrolled through the NFC playoffs on their way to a match-up against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. Owens returned to play in the game after a broken ankle had kept him sidelined since week 10 and he provided a much-needed spark for the Eagles, amassing 122 receiving yards. Philadelphia hung tough in the game but lost by a field goal to the Patriots...then the fiasco began.
The Departure of a Problem
The controversial and outspoken Owens began the 2005 offseason by calling out his quarterback, McNabb, claiming that the Eagles would have won if Brett Favre had been calling the plays. The comments led to a media circus that included Owens talking to reporters while working out in his driveway and were followed by a four-game suspension by the Eagles. Owens had become a sideshow distraction and the Eagles decided to do something about it. On March 14, 2006, Owens was released by the team that had initially signed him for 7 years and four days later was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles' biggest rival. The Eagles finished that season with a record of 6 wins and 10 losses, their worst since McNabb's rookie campaign.
Life After Owens
The Eagles-Owens dance was over but it appeared as if that one season, combined with the offseason, had created the blueprint for several seasons to come. The team seemed to almost implode and lacked a true sense of identity. Injuries ran rampant through the roster and did not spare McNabb, as the Eagles had to rely on miraculous performances by their back-up quarterbacks. There were brief glimpses of the team that was, but the consistency as a true powerhouse team was all but gone. As much as Eagles fans were happy to see Owens leave they yearned for the days when Philadelphia would again field a deep threat for McNabb.
Eagles Looking for Their Future
This past offseason saw the Eagles sign a top-tier cornerback in Asante Samuel, a reliable defensive end in Chris Clemons, but no wide receiver. The Eagles reportedly offered Randy Moss a deal, but he re-signed with the Patriots. There were also whispers that they could land Larry Fitgerald, Chad Johnson, or Roy Williams, but none came to fruition. Fans are left wondering: Who will be the next all-star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and when will he arrive?
