On Sunday night, the 4-2 Eagles take on NFC East rival the hated 5-1 Dallas Cowboys. For most of South Jersey, the rooting interest is heavily favored towards the Philadelphia Eagles but for some unknown reason, South Jersey finds itself with a sizeable amount of Dallas Cowboys fans, as well.
“Rooting for the Eagles has been something that my family has done for generations. It brings us all closer during the season….if you live in this area, it boggles my mind you would root for the Cowboys” said Andrew Schetter, a life-long Summer resident of Ocean City. “My son is a year old and he is already a big Carson Wentz fan.”
This year’s rivalry is intensified by the surprising starts for each team and the unexpected fabulous performances by their respective rookie quarterbacks, Dak Prescott of the Cowboys and Carson Wentz of the Eagles.
“Everyone thought the Cowboys were done when Tony Romo went down but Dak Prescott has played really well and I think we are in store for a great game on Sunday night” stated Ocean City Police Sargent, Brian Hopely “But let’s be honest, the Eagles will clearly win”
While most households throughout the area will be rooting on the Eagles Sunday night, there are still those misguided few that will continue to root for the Cowboys “I like to root for the winners. The last time I checked, the Cowboys had 5 Super Bowl rings and I believe the Eagles have zero, right?” stated Ocean City Pee-Wee Football Head Coach and Egg Harbor Township resident Ken Berardis “Just check the standings, the Cowboys are one of the best in the league, as usual”
The animosity between fans and the teams goes back years. Eagles fans recall the infamous “Bounty Bowl” from 1989 when then Eagles Coach, Buddy Ryan, placed a “bounty” on Dallas kicker Luis Zendajas in a game the Eagles won 27-0 and the more recent pounding of two Thanksgivings ago handed out by back-up Quarterback Mark Sanchez to the Dallas Cowboys. Winning is always great but beating the Cowboys always has special meaning for the Eagles fans.
“The Eagles against the Cowboys rivalry has been awesome over the years” stated Pete Madden, Broker/Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach in Ocean City “It will be nice to for the Eagles get an easy win Sunday night to continue to boost everyone’s morale.”
Regardless of the occasion, anytime there are large gatherings in South Jersey, it’s not unexpected to hear chants of “Dallas Sucks” and the resounding Eagles fight song “E-A-G-L-E-S….EAGLES” emanate at some point during the event. The love for the Eagles and the dislike of the Cowboys is common place here in South Jersey.
“I am looking forward to a big win on Sunday night. I don’t care if Dez Bryant is back or not…..it’s clearly an Eagles win” stated Somers Point resident Dave Laut “Go Birds!!!”
