One thing that Sunderland and Newcastle fans can agree upon is the fact that the Tyne-Wear derby is the biggest and most important in English football. As such, the atmosphere surrounding the days building up to each of these games is unlike anything else. For comparison, study the attitude of an Arsenal or Tottenham fan before their derby - they'll almost certainly adopt a stance of cockiness, or at least mask their reservations with an air of sheer hatred for the opposition. The nerves felt by both mackems and geordies before a derby is something usually experienced by fans of English football before a cup final, or similarly crucial game. To the North East region, the Tyne-Wear derby is essentially that; losing such an important game is an unthinkable possibility. Winning one, however, can provide a rush (and bragging rights) that can last for a ridiculously long time. Until the next derby, at least.
