Rivalries define the National Football League, here are five which raise the blood pressure of any fan.
Today’s NFL is based upon rivalries. Almost every team sells out every home game, but there are still those special games that are starred on the schedule immediately after it is released each spring. Even though these games will not be played until September or later, they are always on the players’ minds. Here are five great rivalries in the NFL.
Indianapolis Colts versus New England Patriots: The top rivalry in the league is a creation of two franchises peaking at the same time. The Patriots and Colts have become not just a part of the NFL, but a part of the American cultural fabric. Both teams have won their division each of the last four seasons, guaranteeing a regular season game. They have also met three times in the playoffs, including last season’s epic AFC title game. Embodiments of their two superstar quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and their brilliant head coaches, Bill Belichick and Tony Dungy, the two teams are always on top of the league, making their games a must see. The next clash is Week 9 of the 2007 regular season.
New York Giants versus Philadelphia Eagles: While the Colts, Patriots rivalry strikes up fervor throughout the country other match ups are relegated to intensely local feelings. One such rivalry is the Giants and Eagles. The NFC East foes meet twice each season. Bad blood has circulated among these teams in part due to the constant media attention both teams receive. This has caused a number of players to make outlandish quotes, including Brandon Short and Trent Cole before last season’s Wildcard Playoff game. The rivalry resumes Week 4 of the 2007 season in New York and Week 13 in Philadelphia.
Arizona Cardinals versus San Francisco 49ers: Both teams have kept a low profile lately, but this rivalry has the chance to explode as these teams continue to improve. The Cardinals are a perennial sleeper pick for the playoffs, but they cannot get past the 49ers. Both teams have young quarterbacks, Alex Smith for San Francisco and Matt Leinart for Arizona, who could lead their teams to success. Last season the Cardinals took both games in thrilling fashion, winning 34 – 27 in Week 1 and 26 – 20 in Week 16. These two teams play early again in 2007 with a Week 1 meeting in San Francisco and a Week 12 meeting in Arizona.
Green Bay Packers versus Chicago Bears: This original NFL rivalry dates back to 1921, making it the oldest in the league. After a time of dominance by the Packers, coinciding with Brett Favres’ play as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, the Bears have taken over as kings of the NFC North. If Green Bay wants to get back to the top before Favre retires they will be forced to go through Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears. Two great football venues offer a unique setting for the rivalry. The two outdoor facilities in Lambeau Field and Solider Field guarantee unique weather elements and intense football. In 2007 the Bears and Packers play Week 5 at Lambeau, and again Week 16 at Soldier Field.
Philadelphia Eagles versus Dallas Cowboys: Lately, this rivalry has been sparked by a mercurial wide receiver named Terrell Owens. His ability to generate headlines has made the games between these two teams one of the premiere events of the NFL season. When the NFL realigned geographically in 2001, Dallas was kept in the NFC East partially to maintain their rivalry with the three other teams in the division, the Eagles, Giants and Washington Redskins. This season, T.O. and his touchdown antics reach Philadelphia Week 9. The rematch will be Week 15 in Dallas.
Rivalries arise for a number of different reasons including great quarterbacks, passionate fan bases, all-time great players, amazing games and controversy. These are five of the greatest rivalries in the NFL today.
