Eagles & Falcons, Philadelphia and Atlanta, NFL part 8

Classic Philadelphia Eagles Flag

Here are two birds of prey with patriotic undertones. The Eagle is of course the national bird seen on quarters and the dollar bill. Likewise the Falcon is a popular bird in the US Air Force and is the official bird of the US Air Force Academy.

But in the NFL they are mascots. The Falcon is tied to Atlanta, Georgia while the Eagle is rooted to Philadelphia.

Large Atlanta Falcons Flag

Both birds are raptors, birds of prey, specialized in opposite ways. The Eagle is big, strong, and imposing while the Falcon is lighter relies on speed and swiftness. It's like the difference between an F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon. The F-15 Eagle is an all around air superiority fighter jet. The F-16 Falcon is a lighter more swift fighter jet.

USAF USES EAGLES & FALCONS

Likewise players in the NFL must be big, strong, swift and speedy. However as of 2011 neither avian inspired team has taken a Super Bowl Trophy home. But both teams have won the NFC Championships. Amazingly only once have both teams clashed in the NFC Championship Bowl back in 2005.

NFC RAPTOR BOWL I
2005
EAGLES 27/FALCONS 10

Link to Philadelphia Eagles Official Site
Link to Atlanta Falcons Official Site

Link to NFL Part 9 - This Site