Justin Tuck: "I Hate The Cowboys"

Just what Sunday night's do-or-die game between the Giants and Cowboys needs after a week of trash talking between the Giants and Jets— more recycled verbal garbage.  Aren't the Meadowlands swamps filled with enough rubbish already?

Yesterday, after the Giants huge win over same-stadium rivals the New York Jets, Giants defensive end Justin Tuck did his best impression of Rex Ryan and reiterated his deep hatred of the Dallas Cowboys.

When asked, Tuck told reporters he hated the Cowboys more than any other team— even more than the Jets.

Asked why Tuck plainly said," Just because I want to.  For me personally, I've been quoted many times saying I hate the Cowboys and that's still true."

Tuck has never been shy about expressing his dislike about anything Cowboy—including boots and buckles— so his remarks will be familiar bulletin board fodder leading up to the battle for the NFC East title and a spot in the playoffs at MetLife Stadium.

All it takes is the mention of "America's Team" to get Tuck wound up.

"They're what?" he sarcastically asked.

"I don't like the Cowboys and they don't like me, and that's the way it's supposed to be."



Maybe Tuck is still peeved that before the two teams last met on Dec. 11, Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware claimed Tuck had a secret desire to wear the silver star on his helmet.

All Tuck wants on his head next Monday is an NFC East Champions cap after the two 8-7 teams square off this weekend.

Tuck tempered his harsh words for his rivals with a dash of admiration.

"In the Dallas weeks, we probably trash-talk a little bit more," he said.  "But I think it has a lot to do with respect.  Those Dallas teams, they just seem to do it as close to the right way as we do... with their owner, their past championships and past [great] players."

"It's going to be fun— playoff atmosphere on a Sunday night, cold game with a lot of hard hits," Tuck said.  "You couldn't create a better circumstance going into the playoffs.  I know I'm going to be riled up."

Don't let Tuck's mushy sentiments lend you to believe he is getting soft on the Cowboys or is worried about firing up his opponents either.

"I didn't say a word," he smirked right before promising to add more fuel to the fire when he meets the press on Thursday.

And not one to leave anyone out of the fun, Tuck got the Giants' fans involved.

"I know our fans hate the Cowboys as much as I do," he said.  "So it will be fun.  There you go,  I just said it."

Brandon Jacobs To Cowboys: "I Am A Bully"

Brandon Jacobs agrees with Cowboys Mike Jenkins that "he is a bully" and because the Dallas cornerback said it, the Giants running back thinks the Cowboys are scared.

On Wed., Jenkins said this about Jacobs, "That's him.  That's what you get from him.  He is a bully."

Jacobs, the 260-pound pile driver, pulled no punches when he said that he doesn't mind the derogatory label.

On Wed., Jacobs proudly claimed "I am a bully" in response to Jenkins dig.

Not exactly politically-correct, but it makes some awfully good bulletin board material.

"I think people who call out bullies are afraid of bullies," said Jacobs on Thursday.  "If you call me a bully, that's how I see it.  They're just sitting back waiting for us to come there, and we're going in there ready to play football."

Just another one of the controversial tid-bits Jacobs has babbled this season.

Earlier in the season, he criticized the coaches for not using him enough and— after the recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles— Jacobs commented about the fans who booed him during his 12-carries for 21 yards game.

"I don't take nothing back about what I said about the fans," he crowed.

Jacobs hasn't exactly been bowling over too many opponents this season with bully-like running.  His physical running style has been hampered by injuries all season and pulled a hamstring, after gaining 25 yards on two carries, last week against the Green Bay Packers. 

It sounds like Jacobs wants to make a statement on the field in this week's critical game in Dallas.

"That's always our plan," he said.  "If you go in there and bring it to them and keep doing it all game long, some body's going to break.  Either the person who's giving it is going to get tired of bringing it or they're going to get tired of trying to stop the person that's bringing it.  Whoever wants it bad enough."

Giants DE Justin Tuck agrees.

"I always tell him 'First they're going to try and face you up,'" Tuck said.  "'Second quarter they might slide and ask for their teammate to help them.  Third quarter, man, they're going to be jumping out of the way.'  I'm hoping that he understands how dominant of a back he can be when he wants to be."

Tuck laughed off Cowboys DeMarcus Ware's assertion that he wants to swap the "NY" on his helmet for a star.

"Me wanting to be a Cowboy?  Hmmm," Tuck said.  "Well, I don't wear Wranglers.  I don't wear cowboy hats or boots or those buckle belts.  And I don't need a star on my helmet to tell me I'm pretty good at what I do.   I plan on retiring a Giant."