New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward is a loud and boisterous presence in the locker room. When things are going well, that manifests itself positively. When things are going poorly, it carries a different tone.
Following a 48-22 humiliation at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon, Ward launched into an expletive-laced tirade when asked about the Giants’ recent struggles.
“I mean, (expletive),” Ward said, via Art Stapleton of USA TODAY. “It’s December football, man. It’s about who the (expletive) wants it more. You know what I’m saying? There’s more to it than just doing your job. There’s more to it than just knowing the playbook. You have to do more. How bad do you want it?”
The Giants are 0-1-1 in December to date and 1-4-1 over their last six games.
Despite the recent injury-riddle slide, the Giants still have a key game coming up on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders. The winner of that game will see a significant boost to their playoff odds.
As quickly as the wheels came off, the Giants can steady the ship with one key victory.
“Ain’t nobody going to sit here and give it to us. How bad do you really, really want it?” Ward added. “Now is the time where the veterans put (the young players) on that and let them know this (expletive) ain’t no game out here. It’s a bunch of grown (expletive) men. We’re not treating these rookies like young bulls. They’re grown (expletive) men.
“I don’t see no rookie no more in my mother (expletive) eyes. You gotta come with it or you’re going to fold. What are you going to do? You want to sit back and wait until next year? I want it now. That’s the kind of mindset I have and one I expect every single person in this organization to have.”
That means beating the Commanders in Week 15.
“We got to win this (expletive) game,” Ward said. “This is a must-win. We have to do what we got to do.”
Ward’s teammates had better be listening.
