The Eagles haven't won a home game at Lincoln Financial Field since retiring Brian Dawkins' number on September 30th, 2012, a 19-17 win over the New York Giants and look to snap that streak Sunday against the Washington Redskins.
Chip Kelly's first NFL season has certainly been a historic one, and we're only through ten games on the schedule.
Before Nick Foles posted the highest quarterback rating for a visitor to Lambeau Field in that stadium's hallowed existence and before he tied the single game record for passing touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders, the Eagles lost their tenth consecutive home game.
In the modern era the Eagles are the first team to finish the first ten games of the season with a .500 mark sans a home victory.
This season the NFC East has come back to the Eagles and they currently sit atop the division standings with the possibility of controlling their own playoff destiny in the regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys on December 29th.
However, before the Kelly and his troops can even consider a postseason run, they must first figure out how to win a game at home because -like it or not- this streak is in the players heads.
“It’s hard to really answer that question,” LeSean McCoy said. “I think we have the same preparation each week, no matter if it’s home or away. We’ve just got to find a way to get over this hump, and until we do, I’ll be getting the same questions.
“So hopefully we can take care of it this week and get a win at home.”
Even Kelly is searching for answers.
“What’s the answer for us not winning at home and being 5-1 on the road? I don’t know,” Kelly said. “If we knew it, we’d replicate it. Do we have to take the buses and drive around for a half hour before we go to the stadium? I don’t know. If that was the answer, we would do it.”
Somehow I doubt the team buses will be cruising past the Liberty Bell, Boathouse Row or the art museum steps before parking in Lincoln Financial Field Sunday morning prior to the team's matchup against the Washington Redskins.
The Eagles of course topped the 'Skins 33-27-on the road-in the season opener at FedEx Field, but they'll be facing a much different Washington team this time around.
Unlike the season opener when Robert Griffin III still surpassed the 300 yard passing mark while playing on one healthy knee will be fully healthy and on a recent tear. Plus, the Redskins have the luxury of ten days of rest leading into this week's division showdown.
There has even been cricism of the fans from veteran receiver DeSean Jackson, who probably should know better.
“We have a nasty trend going at home so whatever we need to do to fix that – all support," Jackson said this week. "Everybody in the stands just really encouraging instead of the opposite. That’s really more of what I meant by it. Just trying to get that energy to be on our side and not feel like it’s against us sometimes.”
While Jackson's comments easily are considered out of line, the Eagles have lacked a home field advantage for several years. But it has nothing to do with booing.
Philadelphia's reputation as a passionate fanbase has shown chinks in the armor in recent years due to the late arrival of the fans and general complacency on game day.
The postseason is well within the Eagles grasp and with a division win would come the spoils of hosting a first-round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
It would be nice, and certainly helpful, if the Eagles can figure out a way to win there sometime between now and then.
Matt Lombardo is the Editor-In-Chief of Eagledelphia and also an on-air personality on 97.5 FM The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Join the conversation and follow Matt on Twitter.
