Eagles Notebook: Giants bigger rival than Cowboys?

Fridays are like recess at the NovaCare Complex. Practice is lighter than normal and players are usually more casual and relaxed with reporters.

So we used our time to find out just who is the Eagles’ biggest rival: the Cowboys or the Giants?

For years, the fans have insisted it’s Dallas. From “Dallas Sucks” T-shirts in the tailgate lots to the infamous “Snowball Game,” hating Dallas has been an art form in Philly. But former safety Brian Dawkins always said he thought beating the Giants was a bigger deal.

I talked to 10 different players Friday and took an informal poll. Out of the 10 players questioned, three picked the Giants, one the Cowboys and six went the politically-correct route: both.

“I was always told it was the Cowboys, but after playing the games, it’s been the Giants,” said DT Trevor Laws. “I think it might be the whole New York attitude thing.”

“I’m still trying to figure that out,” said DE Darryl Tapp. “From a player’s standpoint, I think it might be the Giants.”

LeSean McCoy has a long history of back-and-forth trash talk with the Giants (some of the New York players have nicknamed him, “Gaga.”) On Friday, the running back said the Giants definitely talk a lot more on the field, but he still sided with the Cowboys as the most hated.

“It’s different for each player,” McCoy said. “For me, it’s the Giants. Overall, it’s got to be the Cowboys. Especially for the city of Philadelphia.”

The other six said they disliked both teams equally.

“I hate both teams,” said FB Owen Schmitt.

“Both. And, for me personally, I’d throw the Redskins in there,” WR Jeremy Maclin said.

“Depends on which week,” said RT Todd Herremans.

GRAHAM DECISION LOOMS. The Eagles will not make a decision on whether to activate Brandon Graham until 4 p.m Saturday. The second-year defensive end practiced for a third straight day, but can’t be listed on the team’s injury report since he’s not on the roster. Coach Andy Reid said that if Graham does suit up Sunday, he would have a limited role. Of course, the Eagles would have to cut someone to make room for Graham.

IN THE CARDS. Maclin is a St. Louis native and die-hard Cardinals fan. The receiver admitted to being shy about wearing his Cardinals cap when the Phillies were playing them in the NLDS. Now, he’s just enjoying the ride. Maclin said he didn’t tune in to Thursday night’s wild Game 6 until the seventh inning. St. Louis won in extra innings on David Freese‘s walk-off home run.

“This is as exciting as baseball has been for me in a long time,” Maclin said.

Do the Cards win it Friday night, in Game 7?

“That would be the perfect ending,” Maclin said.

VICK: JUST WIN, BABY. Quarterback Mike Vick wouldn’t even let the thought of losing Sunday’s game enter his mind. The Eagles have lost five straight home games dating back to last season.

“I’m not talking about losing right now,” Vick said Friday. “I understand it’s a losing streak, but let’s all think positive. We need to end it with a win.”