When members of the Giants had their chance to respond to Jets coach Rex Ryan's inflammatory comments ahead of Saturday's matchup between the two Gotham teams, it wasn't a surprise they had some things to say.
More surprising was the target. Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks both downplayed the skills of Darrelle Revis, the Jets' best player and who's widely regarded as the top cover cornerback in football.
"These guys can say whatever they want," Revis said Thursday, according to the New York Daily News. "You just laugh at it. ... We'll see."
Revis then directed a dagger at Cruz, who said Wednesday that "teams aren't really scared (of Revis) anymore."
"Whatever he says, it's in one ear, out the other," Revis said. "The only thing I remember about this guy is preseason."
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Cruz actually is fourth in the NFL with 1,194 receiving yards this season, meaning either Revis isn't a stats guy or he's just trying to get a rise out of the receiver.
Ryan admitted during his Thursday media session that he likes when teams call out Revis, saying there are "a lot more guys" he'd call out before the All-Pro.
Said cornerback Kyle Wilson to The Associated Press: "I guess some people feel they need to get into trash talking. The talking's going to stop come gametime. We all know what Darrelle can do."
Tongue firmly entrenched in cheek, Revis said he didn't understand why he should be feared in the first place.
"I'm not a monster," Revis said. "So why would anyone be scared?"
Expect a response from the Giants in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...
