Jets Antonio Cromartie takes a shot at Hines Ward ahead of Steelers game
New York Jets’ defensive back Antonio Cromartie can’t seem to keep it shut. A week ago Cromartie said some rather uncalled for things about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. This week the Jets are up against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cromartie has his sights set on wide receiver Hines Ward.
During an interview today Cromartie implied that Ward was a dirty player without actually saying it. The defensive back said that Wards was not “man enough to hit you when you're looking at him.” Everything about the Pittsburgh Steelers is defined by their physicality and aggressiveness. Their offence is no different. Ward is considered one of the most aggressive receivers in the National Football League (NFL). He has been called a dirty player by his opponents before but never before has his manhood been questioned.
That is until the New York Jets were scheduled to fight it out with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship game. Last week the Jets travelled to the Gillette Stadium and beat the New England Patriots. That game was preceded by trash talk from both teams. So far the war of words between the Steelers and Jets has been limited to a skirmish.
Cromartie said that in his opinion Ward was not a dirty player, but he added that “I know for a fact that he will hit you while you're not looking.” On Sunday night when the two teams clash, Cromartie is very likely to be covering Mike Wallace instead of Hines Wards. Jets’ cornerback Darrelle Revis would most likely be tasked with covering Ward.
While Cromartie had nothing good to say about the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, the Pittsburgh quarterback is a whole different story. “I love Ben (Roethlisberger), man,” said Cromartie. “Ben's a competitor.”
Cromartie caught three interceptions in the 2010-11 regular season, but has caught none in the post-season. Meanwhile, Ward has caught 59 passes for 755 yards and five touchdowns in 2010-11.
The Steelers have said that they would not concern themselves with anything the Jets might have to say about them, and focus their energies on preparing for the game on Sunday. The New York Jets defeated the Steelers last time the two teams went up against each other in the regular season.
The winner of the rematch will face the National Football Conference (NFC) Champion at the Super Bowl in Cowboys Stadium.
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