Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News has picked his Top 10 rivalries in the NFL. Take a wild guess which matchup took the top spot:
1. Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
In retirement, John Madden didn’t leave us with enough onomatopoeia to describe all the hard-hitting, head-snapping, clock-cleaning and slobber-knocking that happens when Baltimore and Pittsburgh trade blows. The NFL’s most visceral rivalry isn’t for the faint of heart, stomach, mind or body. This is physical football at its best.
The defenses fly around smacking everything, but the offenses also have enough tough personalities to stand up and fight for every extra yard. Two players who come to mind immediately are Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.
The teams clearly are the class of the AFC North, and playing each other three times a season might become a habit.
I hate hate hate the Bawlmerr fucking Ravens, and nothing makes me happier than watching us beat the snot out of them. But I’ve gotta admit – these games bring out the best (or worst, depending on your view) of these teams. Any time the Steelers play the Ratbirds you know it’s gonna be a old-fashioned “street fight” kind of game. Last year, Mike Tomlin said even a scrimmage between these two teams would be a big deal, and you know what? He’s right. If you like your football to be like the 12th round of a heavyweight boxing match… then the Steelers\Ravens is for you.
I’m not sure about some of his other picks, though. “Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys”… when was the last time that was relevant at all? “Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers”… I hate to break it to you, Vinnie, but the Falcons main rival always has been (and always will be) the New Orleans ‘Aints.
via Yahoo! Sports.
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