Philadelphia Eagles Rivals: A Quick Guide

The Philadelphia Eagles, a team steeped in history and tradition, have faced their fair share of rivals throughout their time in the National Football League. Among these rivals, some have spurred intense match-ups and unforgettable games that have defined the legacy of the Eagles. As fans eagerly anticipate the next season, we take a closer look at some of these noteworthy adversaries.

In the NFC East, the Eagles have consistently faced off against tough competition, with divisional opponents making the games all the more exhilarating. Understandably, many Eagles’ rivalries have been derived from this division, as the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders each present their unique challenges to Philadelphia’s dominance.

Over the years, these rivalries have been shaped by thrilling games, iconic plays, and the shared passion of the teams’ fan bases. As each new season unfolds, the rivalries between the Philadelphia Eagles and their NFC East opponents only grow stronger, further solidifying their place in NFL history.

Historical Rivals

Philadelphia Eagles have had their share of intense rivalries throughout their history. Let’s take a look at three of their biggest historical rivals.

New York Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants have one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL, dating back to 1933. This rivalry is fueled by the close geographic proximity between the two teams. The battles between these two teams have led to many memorable moments, close games, and intense emotions from both players and fans. The Eagles and Giants have met over 170 times in their history, with the Giants holding a slight advantage in the overall series.

Washington Football Team

Another significant rival for the Philadelphia Eagles is the Washington Football Team. Established in 1932, this rivalry has grown over the years due to the intensity of the games and the competitive nature of the NFC East division. The two teams have faced each other more than 170 times, with the Eagles having a slight edge in the overall series. The rivalry between these two teams has sparked memorable plays and important moments, making it a staple of the NFL season.

Dallas Cowboys

The rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys has been one of the most heated in the NFL. Since the Cowboys’ inception in 1960, the two teams have clashed regularly, leading to some unforgettable moments and matchups. This rivalry is particularly tense as it often has playoff implications, with many crucial games played between the two teams in December. Eagles and Cowboys fans are known for their strong dislike of each other, which only adds fuel to the fire during games. The overall series between the two teams is closely contested, adding even more excitement to this rivalry.

Divisional Rivalries

The Philadelphia Eagles, being a member of the NFC East, have some intense rivalries within their division. These rivalries have shaped the landscape of the league throughout the years.

NFC East

• Dallas Cowboys: Arguably the Eagles’ most fierce rival, the Dallas Cowboys have been battling it out with the Eagles for divisional supremacy since the inception of the NFC East. The two teams have a storied history and face each other twice every regular season, leading to some unforgettable moments and hard-fought matches. The rivalry has been fueled by both team’s passionate fanbases who are always eager to one-up each other.

• New York Giants: Another long-standing rivalry in the NFC East, the Eagles and the New York Giants have consistently clashed in heated battles. The series dates back to the 1930s, and the teams have played each other over 170 times to date. With a relatively even win-loss record between the two, the Eagles-Giants rivalry remains a hotly contested one every season.

• Washington Football Team: The Eagles’ rivalry with the Washington Football Team also has deep roots. Though not as intense as their rivalries with Dallas and New York, the Eagles and Washington have shared a division since 1933 and have played each other over 170 times as well. The dynamics of this rivalry have shifted over the years, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance.

In summary, the Philadelphia Eagles have some spirited divisional rivalries within the NFC East, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Football Team. These rivalries have consistently produced entertaining and competitive matchups, keeping fans engaged and enhancing the overall NFL experience.

Recent Rivalries

New England Patriots

The Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots have developed a friendly rivalry in recent years. The two teams faced each other in Super Bowl LII, where the Eagles emerged victorious, capturing their first Super Bowl title. Both franchises have consistently been competitive, which adds excitement to their matchups.

In their most recent encounter in 2019, the Patriots defeated the Eagles 17-10. Fans of both teams eagerly await their next encounter to see which team will come out on top.

Seattle Seahawks

The rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks has intensified recently, with both teams being strong contenders in their respective conferences. They have met multiple times over the past few years, and the games are often close and hard-fought.

In the 2020 NFL season, the Seahawks defeated the Eagles twice, once during the regular season and then in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Eagles will be looking to settle the score in future matchups, making this rivalry one to watch.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles have also had some memorable clashes in recent years. Although they don’t face each other on a consistent basis, their meetings always garner attention.

In the 2017-2018 NFL playoffs, the Eagles defeated the Vikings in a dominating 38-7 victory, securing their spot in Super Bowl LII. This game is still fresh in the minds of both fan bases, fueling a spirited rivalry. With both teams aiming to regain their status as contenders in their respective conferences, future matchups promise to be exciting and competitive.

Cultural Rivalries

The Philadelphia Eagles have a rich history of rivalries, some of which extend beyond the playing field and into the cultural fabric of the cities involved. These rivalries are fueled by not only the competitiveness of the teams, but also the passion of their fans.

The most well-known rivalry is between the Eagles and the New York Giants. These two teams have been battling each other since the 1930s, making it one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the NFL. The fans of these respective teams love to hate one another, adding extra intensity to each matchup, with the city pride on the line.

Another significant rivalry exists between the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. While this rivalry may not have the same historical roots as the one with the Giants, it has developed into a fierce competition since they began playing in the same division in the 1960s. With both teams having had their share of success over the years, fans from both sides relish the opportunity to see their team come out on top.

Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles have a strong rivalry with the Washington Football Team. This rivalry has existed since the 1930s and has seen many heated battles on the gridiron. Fans of these teams often engage in friendly banter and lighthearted trash talk, further solidifying the rivalry’s place in the hearts of both fanbases.

While not all rivalries involve teams from the same division, the Eagles have also found a rival in the New England Patriots. Though these teams do not face each other as frequently, their memorable clashes on the field – including their epic showdown in Super Bowl LII – have created a rivalry that fans from both sides eagerly anticipate.

In conclusion, the cultural rivalries of the Philadelphia Eagles stem from the deep-rooted passion of their fans and their long-standing competition against other teams. These rivalries have stood the test of time, making each matchup a chance for both players and fans to demonstrate their city pride and sportsmanship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Philadelphia Eagles have established some intense rivalries throughout their storied history. Their most significant rivals include the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Commanders, all of whom share the NFC East division with the Eagles. These rivalries have added an extra level of excitement and competition to the games, making them must-watch events for fans.

While the Eagles’ rivalries with the Giants, Cowboys, and Commanders remain strong, it’s essential to remember that the landscape of the NFL is always changing. New faces and challenges arise, making for an ever-evolving list of adversaries. As the Eagles continue to chase success on the field and strive for championships, fans can look forward to many more memorable clashes with these rivals and others yet to emerge.

Truly, there’s nothing quite like witnessing these rivalries play out on game day. From the electric atmosphere in the stands to the display of passion and grit on the field, these battles are what make football such a beloved sport. As a fan, you can’t help but feel invigorated and drawn into the camaraderie that comes with supporting your team through thick and thin.

So, as you follow the Philadelphia Eagles going forward, be sure to revel in the spirit and energy that comes with their rivalries. Embrace the emotion, the competition, and the fun that the games against these long-standing rivals offer. In doing so, you’ll find that the enjoyment and anticipation only add to the overall experience of being a dedicated Eagles fan.