By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Sunday was an important day for a certain subgroup of Philadelphians, those who call themselves “Eagles fans.” They gathered in private homes or in bars to watch the first game of the regular season, once again hoping for a winning season.

“The Eagles are a thing that you do. E-A-G-L-E-S, it’s ingrained in our brain,” Terry Lee Barrett said.

Barrett watched with fellow fans at Mac’s Tavern in Old City, showing the sheer persistence that marks Eagles fandom.

“The Eagles have always been a team that I always thought could have done better,” said one fan.

“I think they’ll be okay if Michael Vick doesn’t get hurt and if he doesn’t turn the ball over and if the secondary holds, but they are huge ifs with this team,” another fan explained.

Fans were acutely aware that the Eagles have gone 52 years without a championship but it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm.

“I bleed Eagles green so I can’t just change teams although some times I want to, with these guys,” one fan said.

“We’re Philadelphians, we’re used to that. We always have hope and we’re determined and we love our team no matter what I feel like,” another fan pointed out.

And the fans were rewarded with a 17-16 Eagles victory.