SPORTSDAY

Posted by PMS @ 9:44 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

The Eagles.

Dallas went through that LOOOONNNNGGGG period where the 'Skins couldn't beat them, no matter how bad the Dallas teams were were, and that killed the intense rivalry.

Gibb's two fluke wins last year notwithstanding, the Gibb's II Era has produced such mediocre teams that there just isn't much to get worked up about.

The Eagles, though, that's the REAL Cowboys Rivalry.

Posted by Ryan in DC @ 9:49 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Being born and raised in Dallas I never really considered the Redskins that worthy of a rival. They were merely more of an annoyance. I personally feel like the 49ers were stronger rivals during the 1990's at least.

However, after moving to DC several years ago I will say that people approach the game here completely different than the folks do back in Texas. They live and breathe to beat the Cowboys. Beating the Cowboys makes their season a success regardless of their record. Last year we made the playoffs they didn't and all they wanted to rant about is their victory over us.

I liken the rivalry here to the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry with Texas being the Cowboys and A&M being the Redskins. UT fans want to beat A&M, but it doesn't make or break their season they way it does for the Aggies. The Aggies wait all year long for a chance to whoop up on Texas while the Horns merely see A&M as a road bump to the Big 12 title or some important bowl game.

Perhaps another reason why Redskins fans hate the Cowboys is because there are so many Cowboy fans here. I've been to the Boys-Skins game here in DC for the past 4 years and I'd say year in year out that 30 to 40% of the stadium is always decked out in blue.

Posted by Ricardo @ 9:49 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Actually, last year we split the games, didn't we?
But I agree, the eagles games have been more intense over the last few years.

Posted by Fraggy @ 9:56 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

the problem with the redskins being the biggest rival is that they have not been good enough to sustain it over the last few years. it's only natural for your biggest competitor to be your biggest rival and that's been the eagles in the 2000's. if the redskins could get their team back up to a winning level, they would return to being the biggest rival. i think the rivalry with the redskins is more fun because of the long history.

Posted by tomthumb @ 9:58 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

This rivalry is considered by many to be one of the best in sports. It has produced some of the most exciting finishes and regardless of the team's respective records, they always fight each other like two skinny dogs fighting over a bone.

For instance, in Dallas' 1-15 season ('89?), our only victory came against Wash, which turned out to be their first loss that season, on Turkey Day, national broadcast no less.

Washington holds a special place for long term (prior to the 90's) Dallas fans and the Skin's fans feel the same.

Posted by Bill In DC @ 9:59 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

The Cowboys are definitely the biggest rival for the Redskins. I live amongst the heathen in DC and they still hate Dallas with a passion.

Funny, but I think they are expecting a butt whipping this weekend because they are avoiding any conversation about this week's game and I am a known 'Boys fan. No banter, no snide remarks, they seem to be wanting to ignore it.

It appears that they will be without Sean Taylor and Marcus Washington on D and without Santana Moss, James Thrash, and Brandon Lloyd (he seems to have broken his clavicle at practice yesterday -- not that he was doing anything for them anyway, but he was one of the few WR who knows the offense.) They signed some WR this morning becasue the only WR they have are Randle-El (also hurting a little with a bad hammy), Reche Caldwell, and Keenan McCardell.

Posted by StB @ 10:00 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Speaking on behalf of some Cowboys fans in Milwaukee, our hatred for all that is Redskin has not diminished. Sure the Eagles and Giants have been better but to beat the Redskins means that season has been a success. Especially with Danny boy trying to play fantasy football. The more they lose, the happier I am.

Posted by Antonio Romo @ 10:00 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

In order for there to be a rivalry teams need to beat each other back and forth or 2 out of 3 times at least, not lopsided like the Boys whoop on the Skins every year.

I still have a a memory of when Alonzo Spellman dragged the Skins QB for about 5yds after a play! That was AWSOME and RIVALRY!!!!

Can you post that pic???

Posted by Jeanne @ 10:01 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Definitely the Eagles. I hate them far more than I do the Redskins and Giants combined.

Posted by dan @ 10:03 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

EAGLES, I hate the eagles more than any team, merely because they think beating dallas is like a superbowl victory, of which they have none, beating the redskins now is like a game of "poke the retard", amusing but not really worthy of a rivalry

Posted by BRETT DENVER @ 10:05 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

DEF. THE AIR-RATS/ EAGLES, PLAYING DALLAS IS THEIR SUPER BOWL !

Posted by Monty @ 10:08 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I currently live in DC and am a big fan of the Boys. I gotta gree with Ryan, that a large part of it on the Skins end is that there are so many Dallas fans here. It's like for the Dolphins, where there will be more Jets' jerseys in the stadium than Miami when NY comes to town, because of all the Jersey transplants down there.

Also, there's a good amount of history between the franchises, all happening long before I was born. Here's a neat story from wikipedia:

Texas oil tycoon Clint Murchison was having a hard time bringing an NFL team to Dallas. He tried buying two teams, but the negotiations fell through. In 1958, Murchison heard that George Preston Marshall, owner of the Washington Redskins, was eager to sell the team. Just as the sale was about to be finalized, Marshall called for a change in terms. Murchison was outraged and canceled the whole deal.

Around this time, Marshall had a falling out with the Redskin band director, Barnee Breeskin. Breeskin had written the music to the Redskins fight song, now a staple at the stadium; additionally, Marshall's wife penned the lyrics to the song. Breeskin wanted revenge after the failed negotiations with Marshall. He approached Tom Webb, Murchison’s lawyer, and sold the rights for $2,500.

Murchison then decided to create his own team, with the support of NFL expansion committee chairman, George Halas. Halas decided to put the proposition of a Dallas franchise before the NFL owners, which needed to have unanimous approval in order to pass. The only owner against the proposal was George Preston Marshall. However, Marshall found out that Murchison owned the rights to Washington's fight song, so a deal was finally struck. If Marshall showed his approval of the Dallas franchise, Murchison would return the song. The Cowboys were then founded and began playing in 1960.

However, it did not end there. To build the roster of an expansion team, Dallas was allowed to pick certain players from certain teams per League rules. Murchison selected the Redskins' Pro Bowl quarterback, Eddie LeBaron, who would become the Cowboys' first starting quarterback. Somehow, Marshall had forgotten to move LeBaron to the team's "protected" list.

Posted by tomthumb @ 10:09 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

For anybody who has forgotten:

Boys/Skins split in 2006

Skins swept Boys in 2005.

Posted by Al @ 10:10 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Ryan in DC, I agree with you 100% on that analogy. I graduated from A&M and I just moved to DC recently so I know what you mean and I had that exact thought about the "rivalry". Up here, the Skins fans live to hate the Cowboys, but back in Dallas, we don't care about them, unless it's the week of the game. I guess we have better things on our mind, like winning the Super Bowl.

Posted by Bob @ 10:11 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I think the rivalry is more made up by the media than it is by the teams or fans. Also when the Cowboys started the "Americas Team" hype this put a lot of other teams on the defense. Also, lets be honest, teams that have to play against each other every year are going to be rivals. I would be surprised if they weren't.

Posted by Ray @ 10:11 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Actually, the 89 win against the Redskins was not on T-giving. The T-giving game that year was against the Beagles, we got killed, but the O-line got into an awesome fight against the Eagles D-line after a cheap late hit on Aikman.

I think Buddy Ryan made the Eagles-Cowboys the most heated rivalry with the Bounty Bowl.

Posted by Habib @ 10:14 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Redskins are the biggest rival.It does not matter what either team's record is I want to beat them up as bad as possible.

Posted by Perry @ 10:17 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

2005: Skins broke your hearts on the night the "triplets" were inducted then swept you and made you sweat out our final game of the year before sending you home for the season while we participated in the playoffs and actually won a game. Something the Cowboys haven't done in over a decade.

2006: Skins broke your heart again by blocking a field goal then kicking one with no time on the clock sending you on the road in the playoffs to continue your losing streak.

Skins have won 3 of the last 4. I wouldn't want to consider a team that dominates mine a rival either.

Posted by Carl L @ 10:18 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I'd rank'em like so...

1. Philly
1A. NY Giants
2. Washington

Posted by Carl L @ 10:25 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Perry, winning 3 out of the last 4 isn't "dominating". But, I guess being a Redskins' fan you really know how to celebrate mediocrity.

Posted by Todd @ 10:26 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Rivalries are only created if both teams are somewhat equal. In the past, Cowboys' rivalries included the Steelers, Redskins and 49ers. Now, I think the closest team to matching the Cowboys are the Packers, but they don't play each other often enough to be considered a rival...yet. If they consistently meet in the playoffs for the next few years, then it could be considered a rivalry. The Giants are the current rival in the NFC East, but they aren't putting up a very good fight.

The best rivalry in the NFL currently is Patriots-Colts. Why? both teams are very comparable and every game between them is meaningful.

Posted by John @ 10:28 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

The Eagles are nothing more than a pimple on our arses. They tend to beat us when we are bad. Big deal.

Posted by Perry @ 10:30 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Classic!!!

You Dallas fans are so scared this week that you refuse to invoke the word rivalry when the Skins are mentioned.

Don't be afraid. Its not like you have to actually play in the game. Even Owens can sleep well because Sean Taylor is out this week.

Did I fail to mention that when it counted, we crushed you twice in the playoffs?

At least most of you are from Dallas. Unlike most Dallas fans. Also you don't see many fans of any kind in Texas Stadium because its too small. Ironic, considering its Texas, Hause!

Posted by Dallas1977 @ 10:32 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Dallas vs. Washington
Cowboys lead series 55-37-2

Dallas vs. Philadelphia
Cowboys lead series 53-42

Dallas vs. NY Giants
Cowboys lead 52-35-2

Dallas is a bigger rival for the other NFC East opponents than they are for Dallas.

That said for the fans dating back to Tom Landry days should have Washington as the main rival.

Current players (within the last 5 years) would probably go with Philly for their recent division dominance or NY Giants for the big flappin' lips.

Posted by clay @ 10:32 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I'd say the thing is that neither Dallas nor Washington has been that good over the past 5-7 years, but Philly has been really good -- excluding this year of course. Dallas kind of ignores Washington to focus more on beating Philly, but Washington still focuses on Dallas.

Posted by Donovan @ 10:39 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

In my opinion, the Redskins are always going to be our biggest rival. Between Philly and Washington, there's an equal amount of hate. But, there is an amount of respect for the Redskins that is missing when I think of the Eagles.

Simply put: The Eagles team, organization, and fans are just a bunch classless punks, and are not worthy to be considered our chief rival.

Posted by Creth Davis @ 10:41 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

false.

"I hate the freakin' Eagles" to quote the Dude

but the Skins are still the team to beat, from a rivalry stand point, in the NFC East.

if the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I'd still hate 'em (but they lost a couple of years ago...)

if the Giants won the Super Bowl, I'd still despise 'em (but they lost more thana couple of years ago...)

but if the Skins won the Super Bowl I'd probably stop watching football for a period no less than seven months not to exceed thirteen months. I'd send Daniel Snyder a personal letter congratulating him on his accomplishment and I'd acknowledge Nascar as a legitimate sport.

as for any of those fools who think that either team has to be worth a plug nickel ("good enough") to make the rivalry fo-real. GET OVER YOURSELF, you're not actually a fan and you don't know rival from Rival, the home appliance company.

when a team is your rival, you hate 'em when they're up and you hate 'em when they're down. you have only ONE rival, and that doesn't change based on regular season records

anyway, who would say that either the Eagles or the Giants have much of a chance as long as D-Nabb & Elle Manning are in charge?

Posted by Perry @ 10:43 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Is this Cowboy Clay from DC?

Posted by necro @ 10:44 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I've watched and rooted for our Cowboys since 1965 and I consider myself to be in the "#1 Fan" category. To me the #1 rivalry in that time to present is the Redskins and it always will be. I've seen too much. You really do throw the records, "better team" analysis, and home field advantages out the window when these two teams play. I've accepted that through all these years and close unpredictable games. I no longer hate the Redskins but rather extremely respect the rivalry. It seems bigger and better than the game itself.

Posted by L.J., Fla. @ 10:46 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

The Eagles have been the most intense rivalry since coach villian (Ryan's) arrival, back when. Thier players try to hurt ours, and the fans ape-s... hate us. Personnaly I have eternally disliked the Eagles, Skins, and Pittburg. Incidently, for years, the Steelers have garnered more good calls from the officials, then any sports team since the Dodgers, in thier prime.

Posted by david @ 10:56 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Eagles/Giants

The Redskins rivalry is for old guys that cant let go. Possible future, but at this point the Boys historically have ended our view of a rivalry. Now for the Skins, that may be a different story. Im sure they hate us for the multiple poundings. Next up....Their moms! Wheres my soup?

Posted by Scott @ 11:00 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I think that since the Cards were kicked out of the East, every divisional game is a rivalry. What team is our biggest rival is dependent on how good the teams are at the time. Lately, it has been the Eagles. It will probably be the Giants for the next few years.

Posted by D.B. from N.M. @ 11:04 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Although, traditionally, the Redskins have been the biggest rival due to the classic Cowboy vs. Indian synopsis, I think the Eagles and the Giants have crept in that rivalry role due to previous matchups. We pretty much have the Redskins number so that match up is boring now. Personally, I cant stand the Eagles, ever since Buddy Ryan was the coach. Since then, it seems as though the Eagles have retired a lot of our Dallas players. M. Irvin's last game was in Veteran's Stadium due to a neck injury. I think Aikman's last concussion was in against Philly. Actually many concussions to Aikman came against Philly. I dont know for sure but it just seems like subconciously I've held a grudge against Philly because they were always injuring our Boys and putting them out of commission.

I think the classic rivalry match up will always be the Redskins but I love to hate the Eagles. (Although I have a tremendous amount of respect for Andy Reid).

But for right now, I have a personal vendetta against the Patriots because I just hate them with a passion, the Lions because they took it to us last year and they shouldnt have, and the Seahawks because of the field goal fiasco in the playoffs.

Posted by Xanthippas @ 11:06 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Pretty good comments from everybody. I definitely think the Eagles have replaced the Redskins as the most hated rival, and I definitely think that Redskins fans hate the Cowboys more than any other team. That's all fine with me, as it's a win-win: we lose, no big deal, they lose, the world implodes. Which is satisfying, but not quite in the way that beating your rival is.

Posted by matt @ 11:12 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

After Redskins fans and players started whinning about how New England ran up the score on them, I found it hilarious that they even think they can hang with the Cowboys this year. I'm a Pats fan and we all know that Dallas is the best team in the NFC. Let's just hope you don't whine too much after Dallas throttles you.

Posted by TheRealSoothsayer @ 11:12 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

In 1960 the fledgling Dallas Cowboys played each of the other 12 teams in the NFL at the time once.

Beginning in 1961 and continuing to this day, the Washington Redskins are the only team that Dallas has played twice every year.

Thus, the Cowboys have played the Redskins more often than any other team. And beaten them more often than any other team.

So it's no wonder the Redskins hate us. There is no other rivalry more intense in the NFL.

But the rivalry has fizzled of late. Once the Danny bought the Redskins, the Cowboys promptly went on a five year winning streak. Gailey never lost to them. Campo swept them twice, then lost to them once, in his final game as head coach. Parcells swept them twice, got swept by them once, then split with them last year.

The Danny has had his moment in the sun. He's beaten his hated rival, the Jerry, four times, but no more.

It's time to put this dog down. It's time to get back to sweeping Washington every year into perpetuity. Beat the Redskins! That's what I say.

It's a rivalry to them, but it's a bother to us. It's past time for us to stop bothering with it and start beating them with marked regularity.

Posted by mattyinnj @ 11:14 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Ive been a Boys fan for all 26 years of my life and have lived smack in the middle of Eagles/ Giants country (central NJ) the whole time. I'd have to say that the Eagles and Giants are my idea of rivalries given my upbringing and their relative successes in recent years. The Redskins, save their SB years, aren't consistently that good. But ythey DO provide interesting games.

Funny thing: I know alot of Giants / Eagles fans and they all point to Dallas games as those that they circle on the calendar. But that ALL tell me that they hate the Redskins the most of all...sort of like that awkward cousin that hits on your girlfriend at Thanksgiving.

Posted by JD @ 11:21 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I'm a Cowboys fan living in the DC area and I can tell you that THEY consider us their biggest rival. Newscasts and radio shows all scream "It's Dallas week." We are the team that they want to beat (not gonna happen). I "hate" them back. This year, the 'Boys fans are representing--I've never seen so many Cowboys flags on the cars as I have this year (having a dominating record doesn't hurt).

Posted by Load Left @ 11:23 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I am not that old. But if you do not hate the Deadskins then you need a history lesson. All of these are things from my memories and I am under 40!

Joe Theisman, John Riggins, The Hogs, Dexter Manley, Dave Butts.
Blue Jerseys in NFC Championship game--catch the punt Ron Fellows!
More recently--Lavar Arrington--remember!
Daniel Snyder!!!

Good memories: Roger Staubach, Ron Springs and Tony Hill--last of a memory and didn't even know it at the time.
Emmit and a rookie coming out party.
Jimmy Johnson, Michael Irving and an onside kick in Washington. What an upset.
Roy Williams as a rookie on Thanksgiving Day.

Before me. George Allen--bounty on injuring Roger Stuabach. Spying. Clint Longley to Drew Pearson.

How do you not hate these guys. I still HATE THEM! Some people need a history lesson!!!!!

Posted by jp @ 11:40 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Michael Irvin lays on the ground, motionless, in the old Philly Vet. Stadium. Eagles fans CHEER.

Eagles are the biggest rivals. case closed. The Skin's haven't been the same since their heyday of the 70's, 80's and early 90's.

Posted by Bill In DC @ 11:41 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Perry,

Neither do I.

Since the Cowboys entered the league they have

Won more Superbowls - 5
Played in more Superbowls - 8
Won more Conference Championships - 8
Played in more Conference Championships - 14
Won more Division Titles - 15
Won more playoff games - 32
Played in more playoff games - 54

And own a 50-31 record in games vs Washington

Clearly the Redskins are dominant. NOT!

AND we don't have a derogatory reference to an ethnic group as a team name.

Posted by Bill In DC @ 11:44 AM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Oops, error -- Dallas has played in 16 Conference Championships with an 8-8 record.

Posted by gpaq @ 12:19 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

good job ray! you beat me to the punch. the '89 win was 11/5/89 @ RFK not on turkey day.

history says its the skins but it sure means to me the eagles really get most fans pumped up. buddy ryan in philly started it for me. the bounty game specifically.

Posted by Marvin in DC area @ 12:29 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Being born and raised here in the DC area and being a DIEHARD Cowboys fan, I would say the Skins for me is still our biggest rival. The fans here absolutely hate Dallas and I feel the same way about the Skins. You should see our local Sports bar on Sundays. I think the Cowboys fans take over the spot.

Posted by Other @ 12:34 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

For me, a Cowboys fan living in Virginia, the heart of Redskins land, in the past it has been the Skins as the biggest rival. BUT most Redskins fans act like semi-civilized human beings. Eagle fans on the other hand, behave like rabid animals. I guess that has elevated the Eagles to my number one rival spot. Anything that makes those goons miserable has GOT to be a good thing!

Posted by Dave @ 12:34 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

False: Skins can burn in hell. The Eagles can just burn on the surface of the sun. As for New York, how about a brickoven Giant?

Posted by Andrew @ 12:40 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

In response to Skin fan John, I WILL invoke the word rivalry, and the fact that the skins won those two playoff games is about the only way they can call this rivalry equal at all.

I just wish Sean Taylor was out there, so we could embarrass him too.

Jason Campbell can't cut it, your recievers can't make big plays, your defense is overrated and Joe Gibbs is no longer a relevant coach in this league.

Get ready to be stomped come Sunday hoggettes.

Posted by Gary @ 3:20 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

To me the Eagles have always been the big rival, but maybe in part that was because I spent most of the last 34 years living in Philly & getting to see what sweet people the fans there are (their hatred goes beyond football & extends to everything Texan). They are poor losers, but it mostly shuts them up; they are insufferable winners.

Posted by Aaron Layman @ 7:12 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

I live and grew up in the Washington, DC area and almost all of my friends are Redskins fans, so I have to really hear it if the Skins beat the Cowboys. Still, this isn't the same as it used to be, it was such a big deal in the 80s. The other guys who live in this area are dead on, this is much bigger for Skins fans than Cowboys fans, but that is probably true no matter what city you go to. For me personally, it has to be Philadelphia, I was absolutely ecstatic when the Boys laid that smack down on national television at the Linc. The truth is, no one has taken it to Dallas the way the Eagles have over the past 20 years, there were two long stretches (86-91, 00-04) in which the Cowboys could not only beat the Eagles, they usually weren't even competitive. Still, gotta beat them 'Skins, or I will spend the rest of the season hearing about it non-stop.

Posted by Aaron Layman @ 7:15 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Oops, meant to say "there were two long stretches in which the Eagles not only beat the Cowboys, the games usually weren't even competitive."

Posted by DC Cowboy @ 7:27 PM Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Since moving to DC from Arlington, TX back in 1980, I have had a great deal of experience living amongst these delusional Skins fans. I know the biggest reason why this 'rivalry' is so big up here and why it is magnified and trumpeted by them: jealousy.

They are so jealous of the popularity of the Cowboys that it sickens them. They hate how everybody loves the Cowboys. They hate how the Cowboys games are constantly televised nationally. They hate how the players get on the covers of magazines and television commercials. They hate, HATE the words "America's Team". And as much as they do not outwardly admit, I have heard enough from Skins fans to know that they wish the Redskins were more popular. It's only natural to want your football team to be well known. But too bad. We are as popular as they are not. We are the Marcia Brady to their Jan. Sadly, the only thing they can do is latch onto the popularity of the Dallas Cowboys and declare themselves the Dallas Cowboys Rivals.

Next time you run into a Redskins fan, pat them on the head and tell them to go back to obscurity, Jan.