By Rob Maaddi
The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - The rivalry has lasted decades - from Roger Staubach to Troy Aikman, from Tom Landry to Jimmy Johnson, from Tex Schramm to Jerry Jones.

One thing, however, has remained constant: Eagles fans have hated the Dallas Cowboys more than any other team. And now that Dallas is winning again after three straight 5-11 seasons, Philadelphia's fans have more reason to despise the Cowboys.

The notorious Philly boobirds will be at a fever pitch Sunday when the Cowboys (8-4) play the Eagles (9-3) for first place in the NFC East.

"Philly fans just hate people in general," left guard John Welbourn said. "But they really hate Dallas."

Everywhere players went this week, they've heard about the Cowboys. The significance of this game has renewed an intense rivalry.

"It's a big game for the city," defensive tackle Darwin Walker said. "All the fans want to beat Dallas."

For most Eagles fans, beating the Cowboys is second only to winning a Super Bowl. Of course, one reason for the fans' bitterness is the fact the Eagles have never won a Super Bowl and the Cowboys have won five.

"I hate everything about them, their uniforms, the ugly star on their helmet, their cheerleaders," longtime Eagles fan Mike Giunta said. "They're not America's Team. Their fans are bandwagon jumpers."

Eagles fans have a history of wild and rowdy behavior. No team brings out their venom more than the Cowboys.

In 1989, fans threw snowballs at Johnson, who was in his first season as Cowboys coach, during Philadelphia's 20-10 win. Current Gov. Ed Rendell later admitted he bet a fan $20 that the fan couldn't reach the field with his toss.

Four years ago, fans cheered the ambulance that drove Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin off the field after he went down with a career-ending neck injury.

But there have been some memorable moments during this rivalry, too.

The Eagles' biggest triumph at Veterans Stadium came in January 1981 when they beat the Cowboys 20-7 to advance to the Super Bowl for the only time in franchise history.

Few could forget the "fourth-and-1" game in 1995 when former Cowboys coach Barry Switzer ran Emmitt Smith into the line on consecutive plays late in the fourth quarter, only to get stopped both times as the Eagles went on to win 20-17.

In recent years, however, Eagles fans have been apathetic toward the Cowboys because of their poor record. While the Eagles have established themselves as a top team in the NFL, Dallas was rebuilding.

"It's hard to get hyped over beating the Cowboys when they stink," said Joseph Costa, a season-ticket holder.

The Eagles beat the Cowboys six straight times, before losing in Dallas two months ago. The winning streak started with a 13-10 win in 1999, when the Cowboys were 3-0. That was Andy Reid's first victory as the Eagles coach.

Now the Cowboys stand in the way of a third consecutive NFC East title for the Eagles. In a season where nothing less than a trip to the Super Bowl would be considered a success, beating the Cowboys and winning the division is the first step.

Close to clinching

After losing their first two games this season, the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to be a long shot to make the playoffs. On Sunday, they may become one of the first teams to clinch a postseason berth.

The Eagles, who have won seven straight games, can guarantee a postseason appearance by beating the Dallas Cowboys in Philadelphia. Four other division leaders - the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams - also can clinch playoff spots this weekend.

The Eagles lead the NFC East at 9-3, a game ahead of the Cowboys.

Others who can clinch:

•  The Patriots (10-2) can clinch a playoff spot in the AFC East with a win over Miami (8-4).

•  The Chiefs (11-1) can earn a berth in the AFC West with a victory over Denver (7-5).

•  The Panthers (8-4) can wrap up an NFC spot and their first South division crown with a win over Atlanta (2-10).

•  The Rams (9-3), who have won four straight to take over first in the NFC West, can earn a berth with a win over Cleveland (4-8) on Monday and a New Orleans loss to Tampa Bay.

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