Remembering The 1992 Philadelphia Eagles

It was June 25th, 1992 that the Philadelphia Eagles family lost one of their greatest play-makers far too early. Jerome Brown and his 12-year old nephew were killed in a tragic car accident that brought the sports world to a halt. An all-American at the University of Miami and the ninth pick overall in the 1987 draft, Jerome Brown’s untimely death will always personify the fragility of human life, particularly in the sports world. And despite the tragedy of losing their teammate, the 1992 Philadelphia Eagles banded together for one of the greatest seasons ever in Eagles history.

“Bring It Home For Jerome” might not resonate as much today as it did 23 years ago, but Jerome Brown’s memory will always live on in the city of Philadelphia. The camaraderie of that particular Eagles team might never be surpassed. Head coach Rich Kotite is not remembered fondly by Philadelphia Eagles historians and fans alike. But the job done by he and his coaching staff in the 1992 season should be a billboard for how to handle adversity.

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Randall Cunningham‘s surgically repaired knee was one of the biggest questions surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles offense. Herschel Walker was signed by the team from the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason. And receiver Fred Barnett was entering his third year in the NFL and on the verge of his only Pro Bowl of his career.

The defense, despite Jerome Brown’s absence, was the story of the season however. The Eagles limited the Denver Broncos to a total of 82 yards in week 3. The defense as a whole allowed only 34 points through the first four games. Through nine games, the Eagles allowed the fewest points in the NFL. The Eagles did not allow an opponent to score more than 20 points in the final five weeks of the regular season. In that stretch, they faced three playoff-bound teams. But perhaps the most impressive defensive sequence of the season came against the Cardinals in the form of a seven play goal-line stand.

The Philadelphia Eagles were the only team in the NFL to go undefeated at home in 1992, highlighting the importance of home-field advantage. An undefeated December led way to a playoff berth. And despite Randall Cunningham’s temporary benching during the middle of the season, the Eagles found a way to persevere through adversity.

Now 23 years later, Sam Bradford enters the season coming off a surgically repaired knee. DeMarco Murray was signed in free agency to bring a powerful running game to Philadelphia. And a young receiving corps of Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor will try to bring legitimacy to head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. While the current defense doesn’t have a Reggie White, Seth Joyner, or Eric Allen, as a collective unit they have all the talent necessary to impose their will on the NFL.

The 1992-93 season did not bring a Lombardi trophy to the city of Philadelphia. There were no parades at the conclusion of the season nor was there a repeat of the performance the following season. Reggie White would leave the team in free agency in the offseason and both Randall Cunningham and Fred Barnett would suffer season ending injuries in 1993. But none of that should deter from the grit and determination demonstrated by that Philadelphia Eagles team. While some consider anything short of winning a Super Bowl a failure, the 1992 Philadelphia Eagles were a story of success, perseverance, and teamwork.

Next: Is The Eagles Backfield The Best In The NFL?

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