PHILADELPHIA (AP) From Randall Cunningham's magical runs to Andre Waters' questionable hits to the so-called "body-bag game," there have been plenty of memorable Monday night moments at Veterans Stadium.
The Eagles and Giants meet for the fourth and final time on "Monday Night Football" at the Vet. The Eagles are moving to the new Lincoln Financial Field next season.
Philadelphia last played a Monday night game at home on Nov. 2, 1998, losing 34-0 to the Cowboys. Between 1980 and 1994, the Eagles played nine Monday night games and won them all before losing their next three.
But long after the Vet is turned into a parking lot, the Monday night memories will live on. Something strange always seemed to happen when the Eagles played in prime-time, especially at the Vet.
Cunningham's dazzling play in 1988 - his first Monday night appearance - defined a career filled with acrobatic, athletic performances. He rolled out, took a hit, started to go down, regained his balance, avoided another rusher and tossed a short touchdown pass.
The play highlighted Philadelphia's return to Monday night after a seven-year absence and helped lead the Eagles to a 24-13 victory over the Giants en route to their first NFC East championship in eight years.
"Sometimes I amaze myself," Cunningham said afterward.
The body-bag game - that's what former coach Buddy Ryan called it - against Washington in 1990 stands out as one of the most dominating, physical displays by any defense.
The Eagles knocked out quarterbacks Jeff Rutledge and Stan Humphries, forcing the Redskins to finish the game with rookie running back Brian Mitchell under center. Mitchell, now in his third season with the Eagles, is the NFL's all-time leader in return yards.
There was the game against Dallas in 1974 when defensive back Joe Lavender returned a fumble 96 yards for a touchdown to lead the Eagles over the Cowboys 13-10.
Hard-hitting safety Andre Waters earned his reputation for being a dirty player and received endless criticism following a low hit on Minnesota quarterback Rich Gannon's knees during a 32-24 victory in 1990.
The notorious Philly fans, known for their boorish behavior, also have made their presence felt before the prime-time lights.
During a 24-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in November 1997, a fan shot a flare gun into some empty seats. Not long after, a courtroom was set up in the stadium to help deal with unruly fans.
"I love the crowd in Philly," Giants defensive end Michael Strahan said. "I love when they boo you, I love when they (flip) you off when you're riding the bus into the stadium. I love when you go out for your pregame stretch and they tell you how bad you are and how much you stink. I expect to hear every bad thing about myself. I'll hear about gap-toothed stuff."
The Vet's infamous turf also injured someone on a Monday night.
In the second quarter of a 23-19 loss to Dallas in 1996, Eagles quarterback Rodney Peete dropped back to pass and fell even though he wasn't hit. Peete stepped on a seam, tore the patella tendon in his right knee and was out for the rest of the season.
"I think the consensus in the league is that's the worst field to play on," Giants running back Tiki Barber said. "Hopefully, we can put it to rest now."
The Eagles replaced the Astroturf beginning with the 2001 season with NeXturf, a synthetic grass surface.
