There's often that "really?" moment in the preseason-- especially in areas where there are NFC and AFC teams both co-habitating. Houston-Dallas, Jacksonville-Tampa Bay and Redskins-Ravens are prime examples of regional rivalries that aren't.
There are always exceptions to the rule: Jets-Giants because although things have changed since both teams shared a New Jersey stadium in the 80's... there's quite a bit of disdain between the two fan bases (most of my NYC friends in college were Giants-Yanks-Knicks-Rangers or Mets-Nets-Jets-Islanders fans)... and I'll even put Pittsburgh-Philadelphia in a different room because until 1970, these two teams were division rivals (except when they merged as the "Steagles" during WWII). Raiders-Niners is another exception as there's still some old AFL-NFL ire that Al Davis stokes up.
But new-school interconference regional rivalries? Not in an era when you play once every four years in the regular season... and not in an era where your franchise's value increases when everybody does well. The Giants and Niners didn't just want the Jets and Raiders to lose; they wanted those franchises to go bankrupt. That's hatred... and a pure rivalry.
Will the Redskins and Ravens have anything like that? Not unless they meet with a title on the line ala Steelers-Cowboys in the 70's... the Yankees and Dodgers in the 50's and 70's... or the Celtics and Lakers a dozen times. Until then, this Redskins-Ravens rivalry is an abstract thing... more between hatred of the other's city (no love lost between Washingtonians and Baltimoreans).
Other random thoughts...:
What's a Haynesworth?-- will the 100 million dollar man play after not practicing for the bulk of this past week? And can more be made out of tummy and headaches? It appeared as though the newest nosetackle had turned the corner with the new regime. Is this a bend in the road or the beginning of the end of the road?
What will the 3-4 add up to?-- Haynesworth's potential play aside, will the new defense take another step forward with the first teamers playing 30-35 first half plays? Last week the first string was less than ideal against the run... but in a limited sample. We move from a snapshot to more of a portrait this week.
You can call him Johnson-- Larry Johnson gets the start this evening with his chance to shine as the Skins featured back...although Clinton Portis will be involved in some offensive packages.
Banking on Brandon-- #16 entered the consciousness of Redskins Nation with a 77 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Bills; will he shine or shrink in a spotlight that has been turned up a little bit in the last week? And will he make any plays in the passing game?
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