Hoagie Central Brainteaser

What do these NFL teams have in common?

Minnesota Vikings
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Tennessee Titans
New England Patriots



Take a minute to figure it out.



- - -



Then scroll down for more clues.



- - -




Minnesota Twins
Texas Rangers
Florida Marlins
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies

Indiana Pacers
New Jersey Nets
Utah Jazz
Golden State Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves

New Jersey Devils
Carolina Hurricanes
Florida Panthers
Minnesota Wild
Colorado Avalanche

- - -

Figured it out? These are teams that don't represent cities. Instead they are named after states, or in one case, a region.

Generally speaking, I think it reeks of city embarrassment. Like we don't want to admit we're from Charlotte. Although I do support the alliteration of Tennessee Titans. Utah Jazz comes to mind.

But poor Minneapolis. They have four teams but you wouldn't know it. Aint nothing wrong with Minneapolis, boys. Don't be ashamed. Denver and Phoenix too. And what's the deal with Florida and Texas? You have multiple teams in the same sport. I mean Florida vs Tampa, or Texas vs Houston doesn't make much sense.

I suppose East Rutherford is quite a mouthful, so I can forgive New Jersey. But the Pats? Claiming an entire region? I don't know if that's kosher.

What amuses me, is cities that are mixed and matched. At least Minnesota is consistent...

Indiana Pacers / Indianapolis Colts
Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks / Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Coyotes
Denver Broncos and Nuggets / Colorado Avalanche and Rockies

...and plenty more.

So anyone have any city teams that should change their name to the state, or vice versa?

I propose at least: Dallas Rangers, Miami Marlins, and Oakland Warriors.