The modern Miggle Ravens vs. ’67 “large” Eagles

Some of you already know that I’m an Eagles fan. The first live NFL game I saw was the Eagles vs. the Baltimore Colts on September 24, 1967. My dad and I sat way up in the upper deck of Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Field and watched hopefully as the Eagles put the first six points on the scoreboard. Then the Colts got their powerful offense in gear and reeled off the next 38 points. The Eagles never scored again – 38-6 was the final.

It was a typical result for the time, as the Eagles were pretty lousy back then (QB Norm Snead threw four interceptions). But on the field for the Colts that afternoon were future NFL Hall-of-Famers Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, John Mackey, and Jim Parker. And coaching the Colts was a guy named Don Shula. The Eagles weren’t quite as impressive, but center Jim Ringo and TE Mike Ditka were both on their way to the Hall of Fame.

It was quite the introduction to the NFL, and the die was cast – I would be an NFL “lifer” and also an Eagles fan. Of course one of the first things I did after getting my first Tudor NFL game (a Santa-delivered No. 620) was order the Eagles. They were a lot better on the No. 620 than they were in real life.

This Sunday the Eagles host a different Baltimore team, the Ravens. The way the Ravens played last weekend, I doubt that my “large” 1967 Eagles would be any match for Joe Flacco and company. Despite their oversized features, my big men Eagles wouldn’t be able to deal with the speed and power of the modern-day Ravens. There just wasn’t enough talent. Not even Don Shula could help them.

Anyway, we’ll see what the real-life 2012 Eagles can do.

Earl