The Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Dallas Cowboys for the first of two regular season meetings on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. The Birds came away with a 28-23 win by the skin of their teeth. Dallas was driving with seconds left on the clock when the Eagles defense stepped up and delivered three sacks on that final drive. Is this matchip the best rivalry in the NFL right now?
Watching all of the game coverage gives you a good glimpse into this rivalry, which dates back to the 1960s. Dallas has the overall edge in the all-time series and has enjoyed a lot of recent success. However, the Eagles have had better overall success of late compared to Dallas where it counts the most. Where does it count? It counts in recent playoff wins and Super Bowl titles.
The Pre-Game Social Media Hype
Tossing aside the individual franchise history of these two teams, the two head-to-head matchups every year are always highly anticipated. Take a look at social media in the days leading up to these games. The memes are strong on both sides, the comments sections are often riddled with inappropriate, yet hilarious statements, and videos of superfans are rampant.
Every divisional game is a tough one in the NFC East and the same goes for most of the other divisions in the NFL each year. However, when two NFC East teams clash, you are treated to some of the best football that week.
Look at how well the Washington Commanders played in their two games against the Eagles this year. Statistically they are not that good of a team. They have a ton of trouble protecting quarterback Sam Howell, but they sure did a good job of it in both games against the Eagles.
Of all the NFC East teams this season, the New York Giants might be the only team to go winless in the division. Even though it seems like players perform at higher levels when playing against division rivals, the Giants just do not have enough talent on their roster or on their coaching staff to compete in the East this year.
Even the Players Get Hyped for the Eagles vs. Cowboys Rivalry
As one might expect, the players get just as heated in the Eagles vs. Cowboys rivalry as the fans do every year. Eagles center Jason Kelce went off last night in the face of a Cowboys player (see video below).
Following the game, Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham was sporting a Dallas Cowboys hat with a “no” symbol over the Dallas Star.
Where Does the Eagles vs. Cowboys Rivalry Stand?
I am obviously biased as an Eagles fan, but it seems like the Eagles vs. Cowboys rivalry is the best in the NFL right now. No other rivalry in the NFC East comes close. No other rivalry in the NFC comes close. The NFC South is not what it used to be. Green Bay Packers – Chicago Bears is not what it used to be with the changing of the guard at quarterback in Green Bay.
In previous years you might be able to argue for New England Patriots – New York Jets or New England Patriots – Miami Dolphins, but New England is now 2-7 this year and it looks like head coach Bill Belichick might be headed to the unemployment line sooner rather than later.
Simply based on the pulse of the fans, the Eagles vs. Cowboys rivalry is tops in the NFL right now. Both teams’ fanbases travel well, especially the Eagles, so you always see Dallas silver in Lincoln Financial Field and Eagles green in AT&T Stadium.
Who is your favorite NFL team? Do you think they have the best rivalry in the NFL? Do you agree that Eagles – Cowboys is the best NFL rivalry right now? Let’s talk about it in the comments section.
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