Choosing your NFL/EFLI team - Optimists

Philadelphia Eagles

Colours: Dark green, black and silver

Mascot: Swoop

Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field

Home City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Super Bowl wins: 0 (2 appearances)

Records over last 5 years: 43 wins, 37 losses, 3 playoff appearances

Best Players: LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Evan Mathis

Bio: The Eagles are the almost-but-not-quite team of the NFL in the 21st century. They have appeared in and lost 4 NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl since 2001, blowing their best chance to win the first Super Bowl in team history.

That team was dominated by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb is out of the league now and Reid is head coach in Kansas City. Under new head coach and offensive guru Chip Kelly, the Eagles might have a chance to become interesting again.

Kelly’s fast paced, college style offense led his team to become one of the most dangerous in the NFL this season, winning the NFC East title on the back of pro bowl seasons from quarterback Nick Foles, running back LeSean McCoy and receiver DeSean Jackson. There is never a dull moment in an Eagles game, from trick plays to long passes to pictures of cartoon characters appearing as signals on the side-lines.

Considering their city is known as the city of brotherly love, no love is given whatsoever to opposing fans in Philadelphia. The Eagles have one of the most passionate fan bases in the entire NFL, and have been known in the past to throw things at opposing fans and players (like snow and eggs).