Way back in 2004, the Philadelphia Eagles conducted a very revealing study: “The Terrell Owens Experiment.” The aim was to overcome a recent string of big, late-season losses (three-straight NFC Championship L’s) by combining their jovial, fun-loving All-Pro leader and quarterback, Donovan McNabb, with a reputed team nuisance, All-Pro receiver, Terrell Owens.

Year one’s findings were positive: the McNabb/T.O. combo produced 14 touchdowns, 1200 yards and an average of 15.6 yards through 77 connections in the regular season; and, despite losing Owens for four games due to injury (two regular season games,and the division and conference championship game), the Eagles reached the Super Bowl.

Year two’s findings resulted in absolute chaos, causing the Eagles to be weary of high-paid free agents. After the Super Bowl, T.O. decided he wanted to rip up the multi-year contract he signed a year earlier and get more money. In-house conflicts ensued — T.O. blamed McNabb for the S.B. loss, and for being selfish (!) — and once the Eagles refused to rework the contract and Owens’ world-famous rambunctious ways took over, “the experiment” officially ended by way of a T.O. dismissal from the team.

Up until this year, and ever since the T.O.-burning, the Eagles remained weary of big-name free agents. They were like a kid who broke their heart for the first time — too scared to jump right back in take another risk.

But just as if it were a clear sign from the football gods, another reputed team troublemaker of sorts, Randy Moss, hit the market this free agent season.

Fresh off a 1400+ yard, 23 TD season and, most importantly, 0 team disputes, the Eagles chose to set aside their lingering pain to take yet another chance at something with the potential to produce NFL magic.

The Eagles missed out on Moss — he resigned with the Patriots for 3 years, $27 mil today ($15 mil in guarantees) — but reportedly made a run at the All-Pro receiver, offering him more than what he signed for (ESPN’s John Clayton said during an interview the number was around $10 mil per).

According to ProFootballTalk.com’s Rumor Mill –

The Eagles, as reported elsewhere, offered a higher annual average than the Patriots. The Eagles also offered more guaranteed money than did the Pats.

But it was a day of high drama. The process went back and forth between the Eagles and the Patriots. At one point, the Eagles thought they had him. Then, it looked like the Pats had him. Then the Eagles. Then the Patriots.

One source said that the Pats won Moss “at the wire.”

Moss, as we’re told, was afraid to leave a place where he’s happy after being unhappy for so many years before that.

The Eagles, as we understand it, knew that Moss was inclined to return to New England but decided to be aggressive.

*insert applause here*

Kudos to the Eagles for making a run at arguably the best receiver of his era, despite being burned in the old, lingering feelings left behind after “The T.O. Experiment.” Shame on them if they let their motivation to get an All-Pro receiver die out here and now.

With the signing of All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel (ex-Patriot), the Eagles established their willingness to spend, and at the same time opened up a clear path for disgruntled DB Lito Shepard (wants a new contract) to be dangled as trade bait.

Use that bait to land McNabb an All-Pro receiver, and he’ll come through with an All-Pro year.

The evidence is there, clear as daylight. Brian Westbrook proved yet again that he is an amazing double-threat (rushing and receiving) and when it comes down to padding stats versus winning games, no one doubts were he stands (or, slides in this instance). Kevin Curtis had a great year, but would be best suited to assume a 2nd or 3rd option role at receiver. The team gained a new pass-rush specialist with the signing of ex-Raider Chris Clemons, adding to its 9th-ranked defense of 2007.

The team is well on its way — that is, if they finally make the most important move needed to put the team over the top. McNabb, Westbrook and Eagles fans deserve it.

Time is running out and, soon, patience will follow.

(Wonder if a “Fire Andy Reid” domain is available… might be able to sell that off to a crazy fan somewhere down the road…)