The Eagles sold 38 million copies of their Greatest Hits album and saw Hotel California become a top-10 hit upon its 1976 release. Their success became legendary within the NFL and they looked set for yet another Super Bowl appearance.

Now, after Saquon Barkley lit up the Giants and Jalen Hurts has proven himself as their franchise running back, the future for this team looks bright.

What Makes The Eagles Great?

No matter your opinion of The Eagles, no one can deny they were one of the greatest bands ever. Selling more records than any group ever before them and with Greatest Hits still being the number-one album sold in America alone. Although many fans love them dearly, many others may consider them too repetitive or overrated. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while being decried by others who consider them too predictable or repetitive for modern ears.

I brought together an expert panel–radio legend and rock historian Tom Scharpling, esteemed cultural critic Rob Sheffield, and myself–to help resolve this seemingly perpetual dispute. Here is what our group came up with.

The Band‘s Early Years

Henley and Frey initially formed the Eagles after performing as sidemen on LA’s music scene during the early 70s. Their debut album ‘The Eagles’ became an instant classic and resulted in two top 40 hits as well as earning them a Grammy award.

“Desperado,” their second album, continued the band‘s successful career. With an engaging Western outlaw theme and Henley’s vocal prowess highlighted by a captivating storyline, this release also marked a change in musical style by including more hard rock sounds into their soundscape.

The album was an immediate hit, and they began their next chapter of career success with 1979’s release of “The Long Run”, an enormous commercial success which produced two top 10 hits and introduced Timothy B. Schmit, previously seen playing in Poco and Steely Dan bands; Henley and Frey continued as their core group but now included Schmit as well.

The Band’s Mid-Seasons

Philadelphia Eagles entered this matchup boasting a 5-1 record and were one of only two undefeated teams remaining in the NFL after Miami Dolphins lost earlier in the day. A thrilling back-and-forth thriller would eventually end with Philadelphia taking victory thanks to Jay Ajayi’s 3-yard touchdown run in overtime.

Eagles traveled to Louisiana Superdome for their Week 9 matchup against resurgent New Orleans Saints, who had defeated Philadelphia in Week 6. Eagles started slowly, falling behind early as Saints running back Mark Ingram scored on a 5-yard TD run.

The Eagles managed to tie the score in the second quarter with Jordan Matthews’ 6-yard touchdown catch from Donovan McNabb. But following two mistakes by Ryan Moats (muffed punt return) and Dexter Wynn (fumble on kickoff return) allowed New Orleans to take control for good with just under two minutes left before halftime. Philadelphia tried their best in the third quarter but an Eagles quarterback Drew Bledsoe fumbling on their opening drive of third quarter seal their defeat by New Orleans.

The Band’s Final Years

In 1968, Big Pink issued their debut album Music From Big Pink which established their signature sound. Manuel’s sweet soulful voice provided an ideal balance for Danko’s unhinged edge and Helm’s strong Southern tones; all five songwriters formed an indelible unit, creating music which conjured a rich mythical past through song.

In 1974, they released their second studio album Stage Fright with songs that more directly addressed anxiety and fear in society at large. Members began asserting more control over the group at this time, leading to friction between Danko and Helm.

In 1979, The Eagles issued The Long Run which was commercially successful but less well received critically than Hotel California. That same year saw Frey and Henley dismiss Felder from the band in favor of Timothy B Schmit; their reformed Eagles continued touring and recording thereafter.