The Kentucky Derby. The Running of the Bulls. The Tour de France. These are just some of the global spectacles that come close to matching the sense of wonder instilled in the common sportsman as that of the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets annual preseason bout.
Born in 2001, this 17-year preseason rivalry is one of the world’s natural wonders. Fans are mystified by the sheer consistency of the event and can’t help but wonder just what it is that draws these two teams together at the close of every preseason.
Every year, when the Eagles’ schedule is officially released, I immediately, unconsciously begin searching through the preseason with baited breath. Once I behold that week four match-up, in all its intoxicating glory, I feel safe because I know all is right with the world. Soon enough, I’ll be home again.
This is a series that defies all logic and necessity. In their 17 exhibition matches, the Eagles are just 5-12 against the Jets. To put that in perspective, four teams tied for the fifth worst record in the NFL last season after finishing 5-11. Historians are baffled as to why these two teams continue, but accept that the world may never know.
The Eagles took the inaugural match-up between the two teams back in 2001 and didn’t win again until 2011. That’s pretty ugly, but it’s the journey, not the destination. This series was never meant to be about wins or losses, it’s all about the unforgettable moments the fans will never forget.
Like when Michael Vick made his return to the NFL, while Mark Sanchez won a starting QB job and Danny Woodhead rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries for the Jets.
Or how about when Greg Lewis went off for 118 yards on six catches as a rookie and became the face of the Eagles’ receiving corps. Or when Reheem Mostert recorded 162 yards from scrimmage in a losing battle for a roster spot.
And who could forget the time Tim Tebow tried to introduce the football world to the sport’s first two-point specialist.
And if the moments aren’t enough, just think of some of the iconic figures that have taken the field for the Eagles in this storied rivalry:
Jabar Gaffney
Ifeanyi Momah
Koy Detmer
Tim Hasselback
Reno Mahe
Hank Basket
Correll Buckhalter
Mike Kafka
Eldra Buckley
Chad Hall
Chris Polk
Greg Salas
Henry Josey
GJ Kinne
Rasheed Bailey
McLeod Bethel-Thompson
I could go on, but the list of historic names, who truly embody this rivalry, is practically endless. Tonight, both teams will try to add to their own rich tradition.
Christian Hackenburg will attempt to join the likes of Tebow as someone who’s played on both sides of this historic rivalry. After having seen the quarterback In the previous two seasons, I can only imagine the Eagles signed Hackenburg in order to gain valuable intel on the enemy, which makes perfect sense because I highly doubt they signed him to actually play football.
Will Dandre Carter be able to out preform his famed predecessors? Will Josh Adams fall to the same fate as the likes of Mostert and Henry Josey?
We’ll find out tonight, as the NFL’s greatest rivalry is renewed once again.
Snowballs & Batteries 