Who is the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest rival?
As the next generation of Dallas Cowboys start to contend for titles, it’s time to look at their biggest rival standing in their way.
Rivalries are what make sports so entertaining. They engage us by stirring up emotions inside ourselves, attracting us to the spectacle. Every major professional sports league is built on them, as they draw in even the most casual of observers.
The Dallas Cowboys are the greatest example of how rivalries can affect a sport. Throughout their history, they’ve taken part in some of the most compelling and entertaining battles the NFL has ever seen.
In the 70’s it was the Pittsburgh Steelers, clashing in two iconic games, Super Bowls 10 and 13. In the 80’s and 90’s there were the San Francisco 49ers, battling the Cowboys for NFC dominance. And finally, decades of hatred filled matchups with division rivals New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.
As quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and the next generation of Cowboys stars try to get the team to the promised land, there is one division foe who rivals them.
The New York Giants
The biggest rival to the Cowboys is the Giants. It seems like every time Dallas and New York play, its on prime time. The two teams have had some great finishes over the last few years, as they are constantly battling for the division crown.
What makes this matchup so interesting is that they are at opposite ends of the spectrum at almost every turn. Their offenses, defenses, and management couldn’t be more different. Combine this with all the close games they’ve played recently, and the fact their in the same division, and you have yourself the basis of a great rivalry.
Opposite ends of the Spectrum
Dallas is a run-first offense that dominates time of possession. New York is basically an “Air-Raid” offense, built on getting the ball to their receivers and playing up tempo. The Cowboys have a young quarterback in Prescott, while the Giants rely on veteran Eli Manning. New York has an average offensive line, Dallas has the best one in the league. The contrasts aren’t limited to the offense either.
Their defenses are polar opposites. The Giants have two high caliber pass rushers in Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre Paul. Dallas hasn’t had a double digit sack artist in a few seasons. New York has a sub-par linebacker group. The Cowboys have one of the premier linebackers in the NFL, in Sean Lee. The Giants have a secondary full of established veterans and All Pro safety Landon Collins. Dallas’ is made up of rookies and young up and coming players, like Byron Jones.
The two front offices are like night and day. The Cowboys have been incredibly successful in recent drafts, allowing them develop players in house. The Giants, on the other hand, have built their roster primarily through free agency, due to multiple sub-par drafts. And finally, their figureheads couldn’t be more different. New York’s owner John Mara is reserved and doesn’t talk to the media, unless addressing a team issue. Dallas’ owner is Jerry Jones. Enough said.
The Future
What could take this matchup to the next level is if they start playing each other in the postseason. Last year, both teams made the playoffs and had more than 10 wins. Going forward they should both field rosters capable of competing for a Super Bowl.
If the Cowboys and giants continue to compete at a high level, their rivalry could grow to the level of Steelers vs Ravens or Seahawks vs 49ers. In both of these examples, the teams played in the postseason and the level of hatred between them escalated. This is last step the Cowboys vs Giants rivalry needs to take, before it reaches its apex.
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While Cowboys fans, myself included, would prefer the easiest possible rout through the season and playoffs, you have to admit that rivalries are great. With Dallas and New York close to creating another great one, the league, fans of both teams, and even casual observers should be excited for the future.