http://nypost.com/2014/08/19/giants-rookie-fires-early-shots-in-cross-town-rivalry/ Not sure why he brought me into the story. Rookie stokes rivalry: ‘Giants are the real New York team’ Rookie running back Andre Williams is eager to find out what the Giants-Jets rivalry is about. But he already is a fast learner in some respects. “I think the Giants are the real New York team,” Williams said after Big Blue went through a spirited practice on Tuesday in preparation for Friday’s annual preseason showdown at MetLife Stadium. A rookie declaring “the Giants are the real New York team,” might sound at little ostentatious, but Williams, a fourth-round pick out of Boston College, is far from that. That wasn’t really trash talk. More than anything, his comment simply is a show of support for his team and not so much a knock against the Jets. “This is my first year and I’m not too sure about what’s going on with the rivalry thing,” Williams admitted. “But there’s definitely a different feeling this week than last week. I’m just trying to buy into it.” The different feeling might be due to a few things. For starters, the Giants still are trying to jump-start their offense, which has done little in three preseason games. There is an obvious sense of urgency as the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit draws closer. Also, training camp officially has ended, and the practice sessions are being structured closer to an actual game-week preparation. “Now it becomes a little bit more specific,” coach Tom Coughlin said. Williams worked with the first-team offense through much of Tuesday’s practice, alternating with Rashad Jennings as the Giants drilled in full pads. With David Wilson having to retire because of neck injury, Williams is earning a more prominent role in the offense. Williams needed to prove he could catch the ball and pass block to be a complete NFL back after rushing for 3,754 yards and 28 touchdowns at Boston College with just 10 career receptions. He is progressing in both areas. “I think I’m picking things up pretty well,” he said. “What I’m focusing on now is getting better at my technique.” Through three preseason games, Williams had rushed for 102 yards on 22 carries and scored one touchdown. He has yet to catch a pass, though he often is targeted in practice sessions where the results have been mixed. It is difficult to chart individual progress when the offense as a whole has struggled as much as the Giants have in learning the new system being installed by offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Williams saw action with the first and second team in Indianapolis, where the Giants trailed 26-0 before rallying for 27 fourth-quarter points. Williams had eight carries for 19 yards after running for 48 yards on seven carries against Buffalo and for 35 yards on seven carries against the Steelers. “We definitely struggled a little in the first half,” Williams said of the game against the Colts. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. But our backups did a great job keeping the energy up. It was great to see the areas we need to improve on in the offense. That’s what we’re looking to do.” The son of Jamaican immigrants, Williams is a fan of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. He was also a fan of Jets running back Curtis Martin. Fact is, Williams followed individuals more than teams while growing up. He only became interested in football after his brother began to play in high school. Williams is one of those naturals who didn’t find football as much as football found him. “My parents are foreign, so I didn’t grow up watching all that much football,” Williams said. “I started playing because my brother played in high school. I started learning the sport through experience and not necessarily through the history of the game.” He will get a history lesson on Giants vs. Jets Friday night at MetLife Stadium. _
I would hope a Jet rookie wouldn't say anything at all. Especially since they haven't been here that long to understand the rivalry. A vet, or a vet saying it in jest like Justin Tuck last year is perfectly fine in my book. _
I tend to not really care what athletes say at all. I really only care about how they play. I always mark it up as a player being confident. I understand why some consider it a big deal, but unless its something extreme it doesnt really bother me.
Yeah, I don't really care all that much, just thought I'd post it given the game Friday night. Not that big of a deal, just something to talk about. _
Agreed. I'm a huge fan of Andre Brown, and a pretty big Giant fan in general. But nothing would please me more than seeing him carry it 10 times for negative 5 yards. This DLine vs that OLine, it could be a possibility.
I would probably agree with him. And I don't care, this is my team. We have to earn the respect of our fanbase, which makes winning all that much sweeter.
I thought all the Giants do is win and not talk? This guy must've found a note in Brandon Jacobs old locker. And if he wants to get technical about things..the Giants are easily the most popular team in NJ. In NY they probably have a 60/40 margin. But on Long Island the Jets are the team. In the end who cares though. Giants have just as many, if not more, problem then we have right now. Atleast they have an "elite" QB though.
Wasn't aware that the Jets were a fake franchise. What have I been watching all these years and how have I been getting conned for so long?
Whether they're losing or winning SBs the Giants have and always will bore the living sh^t out of me...they are just boring ...and I talk to many NFL fans who feel the same way....I don't hate them...just put me to sleep watching some of their games.
I agree. There is nothing about that team that excites me. I still hate them but they are so bland. _
Real stupid comment considering the front 7 he's about to face. Rook is writing checks his o-line can't cash.
Aw man. This totally is going to paint a target on the Giants backs this year! How DARE they give other teams so much bulletin board material! I guess their season is over now. Oh wait, it's not the Jets? Oh it's fine then.
If Calvin Pryor called out the Giants before a preseason game, the rest of the league wouldn't give a shit. You really do pick the dumbest argument every time.
Yawnnn.... I hate the Giants fans, and all their "high and mighty" bullshit shit talk, so naturally, I hate to see the Giants do well..
