In terms of end-season significance, there probably isn’t a bigger NFL rivalry than the one between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers right now. Both teams are unquestioned juggernauts, sitting at the top of the standings once again, and are seemingly destined for a rematch of last year’s NFC title game.

But first, they have to settle their differences in a pivotal Week 13 battle in Philadelphia.

Because this isn’t exactly a playoff game with do-or-die stakes, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni resorted to some old-school motivational tactics for his players. (Also, they’re weirdly underdogs.) According to Fox NFL Sunday’s Jay Glazer, Sirianni showed his team clips of the 49ers talking trash all week because he wants them to “take it personally.”

Hoo boy, we’re about to get an instant classic, bad-blood game, aren’t we?

Nick Sirianni wants his @Eagles to "take it personally" vs. the 49ers today 😤 @JayGlazer pic.twitter.com/D0UVD78bgW

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 3, 2023

It’s tidbits like this that make me eager to see the Eagles and 49ers trade blows now and reignite their hatred for one another in late January again. Please, football gods. We don’t ask for much.