NFL All-Time Series: Top 5 Quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles History
The NFL All-Time series continues. We continue with the NFC East and take a look at the best Passers in Philadelphia Eagles History. This was a tough list to make because there are over four or five other Quarterbacks who didn’t make this list that otherwise could’ve easily made it. This list is only the Top 5 of the very best though and longevity is a key factor in these rankings. Who do you think is the best Quarterback in Eagles History?
Before we begin, be sure to check out the other NFC East QB Rankings list:
Let the countdown begin!
5. Ron Jaworski (1977 — 1986)
Considering Jaworski is 2nd All-Time in Eagles History for Passing Yards and Touchdowns, this may be a little too low. You could also say Jaworski is vastly underrated. The fact of the matter is Jaworksi’s career with the Eagles was very impressive but it’s hard to put him ahead of the rest of the names on this list. Still, “Jaws” was a Pro-Bowler who took the team to the playoffs four times, and threw for a ton of touchdowns for the Eagles. He’ll always be an Eagles fan favorite and is also one of the more beloved former ESPN NFL analysts.
4. Nick Foles (2012 — 2014 & 2017 — 2018)
I get it. Nick Foles isn’t the typical Franchise Quarterback or face of a Franchise. He probably wasn’t for the Eagles. What he was though, is a Super-Bowl Champion and Super-Bowl MVP. Foles had two stints with the Eagles and both were very impactful and memorable. In his first stint, Foles threw for a career-high 27 Touchdowns against only 2 picks. In his second stint, Foles earned his nickname “St. Nick” and led the Eagles to a “fairy tail” Super-Bowl run after high profile starter, Carson Wentz (more on Wentz later) was lost during the end of his MVP caliber 2017 Season.
Foles' entire career success has been predicated on his two runs with the Eagles. It’s an ironic poetic justice that has sort of defined his career. Every other team Foles has played for hasn’t lived up to what he was able to produce for the Eagles. What will his future with the Chicago Bears Hold? Can he rekindle the magic he had in his years with The Eagles? We shall see. Only time will tell. But for now, his place amongst the best Philly Passers ever is secure.
3. Carson Wentz (2017 — Present)
It was hard to place Wentz. He’s a very controversial figure for the Eagles, much like Donovan McNabb was. Playing in the rough city of Philly isn’t easy. Fans in Philly have a very short memory and they don’t care about what you did or were able to do in the past if you don’t perform in the “now”. That is the predicament Wentz finds himself in after a rough start to his Eagles 0–2–1 2020 NFL Season. Wentz has thrown a league-leading 6 interceptions through 3 games.
With that being said, Wentz is one of the most talented Quarterbacks in the NFL today. He’s struggled with injuries in the past and he has yet to win a single Playoff game. Still, his production and skill for the Eagles through four full Seasons, can’t be overlooked. Wentz was an MVP candidate in 2017 and was a big part of the Eagles getting to the Super-Bowl and ultimately winning. If he can somehow recapture his MVP level season of 2017, Wentz could find himself atop this list someday.
2. Randall Cunningham (1985 — 1995)
A question that often comes up with Randall Cunningham is what if? What if he hadn’t been constantly injured throughout his career. Well, I can tell you right now, if his production when he was healthy is any indication, Cunningham might’ve found himself in the Hall of Fame had he been able to stay healthy. Cunningham was a dual-threat and made magical things happen on the field.
Cunningham’s elusiveness and arm strength down the field are legendary. He was one of the most exciting Quarterbacks to watch in the ’80s. His 150 Touchdown passes are 3rd All-Time for the Eagles. Cunningham could also hurt you with his legs and his 4,482 Rushing Yards with the Eagles is 6th All-Time. Cunningham is a Philly Legend.
1. Donovan McNabb (1999 — 2009)
Despite being a controversial figure during his time with the Eagles, this isn’t debatable. McNabb spoiled Eagles fans with five trips to the NFC Championship game including 4 straight appearances from 2001–04, and a Super-Bowl Appearance during the 2004 Season. McNabb ultimately wasn’t able to deliver the illustrious Super-Bowl win, but when you look at what he was able to accomplish in his career with the Eagles, you can’t help but be impressed.
Say what you want about Donovan McNabb but when you take into account that he played with a putrid cast of receivers for the first four seasons of his career, his production is even more impressive. McNabb didn’t play with a Pro-Bowl Wide-Out until the infamous T.O. came to town. As we know that was short-lived and lasted only a season and a half. We can debate whether or not McNabb deserves to be a Hall of Famer or not, but the fact of the matter is for most of his prime years (all with Philly) he did way more, with way less than you would typically surround your Franchise Quarterback with.
Putting McNabb’s career with the Eagles into context, and to be franker, Donovan McNabb didn’t fail the Eagles. No, not at all. In fact, for a huge chunk of his prime, the Eagles grossly wasted and failed the prime years of Donovan McNabb’s career. I’m bitter about that and I’m not even an Eagles fan. The owner of almost every major statistical Career Passing category for the Philadelphia Eagles, Donovan McNabb, is no doubt the best Quarterback to ever put on a Philadelphia Eagle uniform.
Jeffrey Genao is a Writer and Contributor for Top Level Sports. You can read more of his Content at Top Level Sports. You can also Follow his Publication Below:
