Every time the New York Giants and New York Jets meet on the field, sparks are certain to fly.
For one team, the game means more than it does to the other team. For one, it’s a Super Bowl. For the other, it’s their most important game simply because it’s the next one.
“Honestly, throughout my career, no matter what coach I played for, they try to let you know that it’s a big game to the people of New York and the fans of both teams,” defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who played for the Jets from 2015-2019, told reporters on Monday.
“I think it’s a big one because it’s two New York teams. We also play in the same stadium. I think for the fans, they love to see it. This area is known for the blue-collar type of people, so it’s a gritty, type of old-school football per se. I think fans love to see it.”
Although Williams spent four-plus seasons with the Jets, it’s no longer a game he circles on the calendar. He has no hard feelings for his former team but really doesn’t reminisce about them, either.
“I think I’ll forever be grateful to the Jets for giving me my first opportunity in the NFL by drafting me there, but I’ve been with the Giants so long now that the Jets almost feel pretty distant to me at this point. Like when I see the Jets on the schedule, it’s not like something I’m like ‘woah, I used to play there’ you know? I kind of just see them as another opponent on the schedule at this point,” he said.
Although the Giants seem to be keeping things low-key, you can bet the Jets won’t follow suit. They aren’t afraid to talk and love to hear themselves, but Big Blue isn’t going to engage.
“My focus is to just get ready to get started on these guys. Got a tremendous amount of respect for (Jets) coach (Robert) Saleh. Understand the history behind it,” head coach Brian Daboll said.
“I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect, like I said, for Coach Saleh. He’s a heck of a football coach. They’re a dynamic defense, obviously. I think they’ve given up one touchdown – it’s early in my preparation right now – one touchdown in the second half. So, they take the ball away, they play fast, they’re a good defense.”
For many players on each team, this will be their first true taste of the rivalry. They did meet in the preseason but this one will count, and the result will be of significance to both.
“In terms of the Giants-Jets rivalry, I know that this is going to be a game that’s near to a lot of people’s heart,” offensive lineman Ben Bredeson said. “I’m looking forward to it, I’m very excited to be a part of it. They have a good defense. They have a good defense, and we need to be prepared and ready for that.”
Things are relatively quiet right now but that’s just the calm before the storm.
