I thought the division games used to have more intensity to them.....except for the Patriots now.
Could always count on going against Marino, or Ken O'Brien.....Jets players (that seemingly) stayed for a long time.....Freeman McNeil, Al Toon, Mark Gastineau.
Like people mentioned.....and I think the identity of so many of the team revolved around the quarterbacks.....Elway's Broncos, Marino's Dolphins, Montana's then Young's 49ers. There just seemed to be something more "cool" about the players having longevity with one team. These guys became the identity of their teams. Although the league is even more popular now.....I think that 1985-1995 era was a real good one. There were some fantastic players in that era, especially at QB.