Will ‘Boo-Birds’ Become an Extinct After This Season?

By KO Kelly

What was your reaction to last Thursday’s game against the Steelers?

Were you excited for football to return? Frustrated by the team’s performance? Intrigued by some of the new and young players? Relieved no one was seriously injured? Preoccupied with re-watching the Super Bowl instead (my plan for the 4th preseason game)?

I was at the game. Back in the seats where I had most recently watched our Eagles demolish the Vikings. Where I have watched close to 100 games over the past 15 years. Where I have experienced some the highest and lowest moments in my Eagles fandom (from 4th & 26th to Jake Delhomme hoisting the Halas Trophy.)

But there was something different about the energy in the stadium last Thursday. Everyone was certainly happy to be back at the Linc to watch our Birds. Everyone was riding high on the expectations for this year’s team but there was something else in the air. Or to be more precise, there was something missing from the stadium’s atmosphere: the subtle yet pervasive presence of anticipatory grief.

Anticipatory grief is the feeling of loss prior to the occurrence of a dreaded event. In most cases, this feeling is associated with the death of a close one but for Eagles’ fans this feeling has long been associated with the fear that we would never see our beloved Birds win a Super Bowl.

For Eagles’ fans, no matter how much the team won or how well they played - there was the persistent worry over the other shoe dropping. One loss or even just one ugly win, would ignite the chorus of concern from the Boo-Birds:

“This coach can’t win when in the big games”
“These players aren’t ready for the post-season”
“There goes another season down the drain”

Having had our dreams dashes many times over the years, we resisted being too hopeful and came to expect the worst. Many found solace in negativity.

Well, that mentality was shattered when Foles & Co led us to the Promised Land. The wishes and what if’s of many were realized. The shoes dropped all throughout the year but it did not stop them during the regular season and they were not going to let it stop them in the Super Bowl.

Will the team eventually falter? Yes. Will Eagles’ fans boo? Most certainly yes. However, early signs indicate those boo’s won’t be as serious or insecure as in years past. Fans are confident and excited for this season. And deservedly so because - spoiler alert: season preview sneak peak - this year will be better than last year!