"Denver is tough, especially when it's cold," says Chargers
defensive end Marcellus Wiley. "The altitude and the thick grass
make it tough to run. You've got 70,000 fans yelling and cursing at
you. You've gotta love that."
"It's so tight at arrowhead that the fans are right on your back,"
says Raiders receiver Tim Brown. "You'll never forget your first
game at that place."
Even retired legends such as
John Elway still vividly recall their
most hostile environments. "New Orleans easily was my least
favorite place to play. We got slammed by the 49ers in a Super
Bowl, we lost to the Saints, 35-0, and I was beaten 52-7 by Tulane
in my first college game there. I don't care to return to the
Superdome anytime soon."
Still,
Oakland rises above the rest when it comes to hostile
territory.
"Nobody likes playing in Oakland," says Jets center Kevin Mawae.
"The Black Hole, the whole thing is just horrible. But at least
it's always a good game." - K.
THE RIVALRY
MIAMI DOLPHINS versus NEW YORK JETS
All-Time Record:
Jets 37, Dolphins 35, 1 tie
Obvious Reason for Dislike: Division rivals for 30 years
Intangible Reason for Dislike: Numerous retired New Yorkers
make their homes in South Florida, giving the Jets a rowdy, albeit
geriatric, road presence in Miami.
Get Ready to Rumble: September 22 at Miami, November 10 at
New York
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS versus ST. LOUIS RAMS
All-Time Record:
Rams 54, 49ers 49, 2 ties
Obvious Reason for Dislike:
Greatest Show on Turf meets the storied 49ers, perhaps the greatest
franchise in
NFL history.
Intangible Reason for Dislike: