EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Chicago Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee had some choice words for quarterback Eli Manning and the New York Giants offensive line. It’s safe to say he’s envisioning the Bears defensive line having success on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
“We gonna tear their ass up,” McPhee said. “I don’t care what everybody else did. We gonna sack him. He can throw the ball as many times as he wants — we gonna sack him. I’m gonna make sure of that.”
The veteran linebacker’s words may be intended to fire up his own team. McPhee is known as respected fiery presence in the Chicago locker room.
But even if the words were intended for the struggling Bears, they certainly were heard by the Giants. They didn’t seem to get under the skin of Manning, who has a tendency of being able to block out the noise.
“Like I said, they have a good defensive line,” Manning said in typical Eli fashion after the quote was read to him. “They’re getting a lot of sacks. They have four guys that are getting sacks, especially in the last four or five games. All of them are getting into the action. We have to be prepared for a talented front four.”
Eli Manning has been well protected this season by his offensive line, which has allowed just 13 sacks, third-fewest in the NFL. Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
McPhee has two sacks in three games since returning from injury. The Bears are tied for eighth in the NFL with 24 sacks.
The Giants have allowed just 13 sacks this season, in part because Manning is releasing the ball quicker than ever. Only two teams have allowed fewer sacks.
The Giants’ offensive linemen followed Manning’s lead of brushing off McPhee’s guarantee. They didn’t seem all that affected.
“It’s a huge game for us,” center Weston Richburg said. “I’m very excited to go play and compete.”
The Giants (6-3) are looking for their fifth straight win. Coach Ben McAdoo has been adamant about them not overlooking anyone.
McAdoo pointed to a nearby window during his press conference Wednesday and said as far as he’s concerned, that’s where the win-loss records can be thrown.
“You watch the film. They’re better than their record,” an animated McAdoo said. “You can take their record and you can throw it out that window over there. It doesn’t matter. You have to prepare for what you see on film. They’re a dangerous offense, and their defense is pretty dang good.”
The Giants seem intent on doing their talking on the field.
Rookie wide receiver Sterling Shepard knows talk is cheap. It’s about performing come game day.
“You can say what you want to, but you have to come with it on game day on Sunday,” Shepard said. “I don’t think we look into that too much. Like I said, players are going to talk. It’s not going to get us hyped up any more just because of what he said, any more or any less. It is what it is.”
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