For all of Philadelphia Eagles history, they have never been the favored team. From bad coaching, to an injury-prone team, the odds have always been stacked against them. But the fans have always believed in this team, even after watching a 4-12 season in 2012, and hearing every sports news station who doubted the Eagles, the fans knew it in their bones that this team was special and a Super Bowl was in their future.

The 2017 season was one of the most exciting seasons yet, but even with an 11-2 record, NFC East clinch, and playoff berth, with or without Carson Wentz, they "won't be able to make it past the first playoff game." The Eagles organization, along with its fans have heard this hate for the entire season, but they believed in this team. There was something special about this team. Maybe it was the electric slide as a celebration for an awesome play, or the pre and post game prayers, this team was different. They are still different, and they are still the underdogs of the NFL in 2018.

Reason 1: The Eagles are never America's favorite team

Even after winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history, the Eagles are far from America's favorite team. In fact, most NFL fans want to see them fail miserably this season, just because they are angry the Birds won a Super Bowl. The Eagles have always been the butt of every late-night television joke (but we might have to thank the fans for that).

"The fans are reckless, look at them climb light poles!" "They are burning their own city to the ground!"

This is correct, we have lit the streets of Philadelphia on fire and the city greased the light poles to stop the fans from climbing (never worked, I think this city is filled with American Ninja Warriors). This destruction is not because we hate the city and our home, it's because we love it. Hard to understand, but if you are not from Philly, you just won't get it. Other NFL fans and NFL commentators hate this type of celebratory acts, but they don't understand what Philly pride is, and I don't think they ever will.

Reason 2: Carson Wentz and his unknown injury

Just like when Carson Wentz left the week 14 game against the Rams, everyone thinks the Eagles are nothing without him. Don't get me wrong, the team thrived with Carson Wentz as QB, but that is not all the team has to offer. The Birds won the Super Bowl without him, the "Philly Special" was played and perfectly executed without him. But, "without Carson Wentz starting, the Eagles' season is going to be off to a rough start."

We can't forget that it is very rare a player bounces back and plays how he left the game after an injury. It will be hard, but this team has the heart and the drive to show America that they can overcome adversity once again.

Reason 3: Nick Foles' inconsistent performance

If miracles are real, Nick Foles is the biggest miracle that could happen to Philly... mid-season last year. Nick Foles stepped up when he needed to last season, and finished the 2017 NFL season with a Super Bowl. That's HUGE for a backup QB, but if we look at his past, he is notorious for his inconsistent game. He has had OK seasons wherever he went and never lasted in a city for more than three seasons. He was never a star until this past season with the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

This causes some concern for some fans, but excitement for other NFL teams. Although Foles has a Super Bowl under his belt, some skeptics do not think he has what it takes to lead the Eagles in a good direction at the start of the season.

Thursday night's season opener

Tonight is the big game. All eyes are on how the Super Bowl champions will play against the Atlanta Falcons. Will Nick Foles give Philadelphia something to cheer for tonight? Are the Eagles anything without Carson Wentz? What will the fans do if they lose? Philadelphia is the city of underdogs, but we like being the underdog. We don't mind the doubt and the hate people throw our way.

"We were a bunch of underdogs. And you know what an underdog is? It's a hungry dog." - Jason Kelce

This team is not done yet. We are still hungry.