IRVING, Texas - Without question, the Cowboys and Redskins are a rivalry, one of the best in the history of sports.
Cowboys and Eagles? Undoubtedly so. In fact, some nfl jerseys
might argue it has surpassed Dallas-Washington. What about Cowboys and Giants? It's been pretty strong here of late.
And there have been times throughout the years where teams like the 49ers, Packers and Steelers have jumped in there as rivals.
So what about the Houston Texans? For years, Houston has always treated this game as one, but that passion has never really been matched by the Cowboys. Since they really only play every four seasons, can this game really be a rivalry?
Well, for the Cowboys' sake, it damn sure better be.
We've said this for years and years about this game, mostly played for the Governor's Cup during the preseason, but over and over it's been rather clear about these two teams. For the Cowboys, it's always been another opponent that just happens to be down the interstate. For the Texans, it always been treated like a Super Bowl.
Guess what Cowboys? This is your Super Bowl right here. Forget the game played in February, this is the ultimate game right here and right now. Any dreams or maybe they're delusions right now, of somehow making it to the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl, must be met this weekend in Houston.
So the Texans are an upstart team with no history to speak of.
So the Texans have absolutely no playoff wins, not to mention appearances.
So the Texans have always put more stock in beating the Cowboys than any other team.
So the next big victory the city of Houston will have will be its first.
So what to all of that because all of that is completely irrelevant this week.
We've said it before in football - the next game is always the biggest. Never has that been a truer statement for a team than right now for the Cowboys.
This is your rival game. This is your Super Bowl. And why is that? Because it's Houston? No, because it's the one right here in front of them.
A 0-3 start with two weeks that will feel more like two months, is staring this team in Cowboys jersey
the face if they don't take care of business in Houston.
You won't find a game in September that means more than this one for a team. I mean, let's be honest. After two games, a 2-0 start wouldn't have even been good enough to please everyone. That's how much pressure is on the Cowboys. And don't get me wrong, I'm not making an excuse for them. Just saying, with so much pressure on them, winning both games wouldn't have been 100 percent satisfying to everyone.
So just imagine what's going on now that they've lost them both. It's been just short of a nightmare. But trust me, if the Cowboys lose to Houston, we'll be sitting here on Elm Street real fast!
Don't mistake my tone for downplaying what the Texans have done after two games. I know Houston is a franchise that is excited about what's going on down there. And they should be.
But you don't need me to point out that they haven't won anything down there. That's why beating the Cowboys, even if its preseason, is a big deal.
People in Houston despise the Cowboys. In fact, there's never been any love lost between the cities of Houston and Dallas. Two huge cities on a national scale with residents from both places that somewhat look down at the other. It's the way it is in a lot of aspects, from the weather, the accents, the traffic, the nightlife, the pretty faces and, of course, the football.
And that's definitely what matters the most on this occasion.
Now anytime the Cowboys go to another stadium, there seems to be a different level of excitement. Fans get a little more aped to beat the Cowboys. No surprise that's the case. Every other team in the NFL is in America. Wouldn't you get upset if there was an America's Team out there when you all share a nation with this team?
So imagine sharing a state. It's an obvious rivalry from Houston's standpoint, but it's just never been the case with the Cowboys.
Now I've said this many times before, if the NFL ever adopted an 18-game schedule, I think teams should pair up with an inter-conference opponent to create more rivalries. One of the two added games should be a Cowboys-Texans match up every year. Then, maybe the rivalry would be reciprocated a little more.
Still, forget the overview. No matter what has been the case in the past or what it will be in a year or two, the fact of the matter remains clear right now - the Cowboys have never played a more meaningful game down in Houston.
So call it a rivalry. Call it a big game. Call it a battle for the state championship. Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
It doesn't really matter.
But for the first time maybe ever, both teams should have the same intensity. If this is Houston's Super Bowl, then it better is matched by the Cowboys, if not exceeded.
There's no room for excuses. The Texans shouldn't want this game any more than the Cowboys. At least not this time.
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