Barrett talking trash.

[Redsz]

Trash talk has Burress out to prove toughness
Steelers’ receiver riled, but Jets’ Barrett refuses to back down


BY BOB GLAUBER
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

January 13, 2005

PITTSBURGH -- Plaxico Burress read the newspaper clipping with a mixture of disbelief and disgust.

The Steelers' fifth-year wide receiver, preparing for Saturday's divisional playoff game against the Jets, read in yesterday's Newsday that Jets cornerback David Barrett questioned his ability to play a physical game.

"It's all right he's coming back," Barrett said of Burress, who missed the Steelers' 17-6 win over the Jets on Dec. 12. "It's probably good for us, because we can get him on the line. He's one of those guys who's not very good at getting off the line, so that's going to help us out a lot. You just have to get your hands on him ... He's not a fast guy. He's not a burner."

Ouch.

Until now, Burress hardly knew who Barrett was. He referred to him yesterday as "Barnett, No. 36."

You mean Barrett?

"Exactly. I don't even know his name," Burress said of the Jets' cornerback, who signed as a free agent from Arizona in the offseason. "Who is he? I expect a former Arizona Cardinal to say something like that. This is the biggest game he's ever played in, so he doesn't know anything. So you expect that from guys like that.

"I'm sitting here, minding my own business in my locker room, not worried about nothing, and then I see that? Those are the guys up there running their mouths. Every time somebody wants to make a name for themselves, they kind of call me out. They're talking about how I can't get out from a bump and run, stuff like that."

Burress plans to prove otherwise when the teams meet at Heinz Field. The winner advances to the AFC Championship Game against the winner of Sunday's Patriots-Colts game.

Burress said he's convinced the Steelers can dominate the Jets with the passing game.

"Oh, no question," he said. "No doubt."

Does he see himself making big plays? "I see myself making big plays every week," he said. "I average 20 yards a catch. That's a big play every time I touch the football. I see myself doing things like that."

Burress missed five games near the end of the regular season because of a hamstring problem, but is back to full strength and plans on being a major factor.

Especially because of Barrett's comments.

"Because of all the things he said this week, it makes you want to prove some things to people," said Burress, who had 35 catches for 698 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season. "It's a nationally televised game, and everybody's going to be watching. You say things like that, you put a spotlight on yourself. You get beat a couple of times, you get frustrated, and you start guessing and your whole game goes down the tubes. We'll see what happens."

Barrett didn't seem to mind that Burress took note of his critical remarks from the day before.

"They're making it sound like I'm going out there to beat him up," Barrett said yesterday. "Hey, if that's what it's turned into, that's what it's got to turn into. I pretty much stand by that. If you get your hands on a tall guy like that on the line, it's going to throw him off balance and not let him get downfield and get that vertical thrust he has."

Barrett did not seem concerned that Burress took umbrage at his remarks.

"You always like the guy who talks trash," he said. "Guys who talk trash make the game exciting. You can talk as much trash as you want to, but you've got to back it up when it's all said and done."

What about Burress' mispronunciation of Barrett's name and the shot he took at his days with the pitiful Cardinals?

"That's all right," Barrett said. "All I've got to say is he'll know who I am when we get on the field. I'll make that apparent."

Bring it on, fellas.

Ken Berger contributed to this report.

Cheeky. Very cheeky.

 

[blindseyed]

well, can't argue with our past and until we start winning consistently, we'll continue to get jabs like that

 

[Scott MS]

Hey Plaxico, leave the Cardinals out of this!!

 

[ANDY440]

I WAS rooting for the Steelers in this game.

 

[JeffGollin]

More and more, I value the volume (and mute) control on my teevee.

Just play the freakin' game!

 

[HerefortheCards]

Burress is all pissy about Barrett talking smack and then he just goes and talks all kinds of smack about Barrett and the Cards.

What a hypocrite.

 

[Big D]

Barrett should have kept his trap shut. The Steelers and Colts are probably the only teams that have 3 WR's that are better than our three. I can see Barrett getting burned by all three all day.

 

[Bobcat]

Burress is all pissy about Barrett talking smack and then he just goes and talks all kinds of smack about Barrett and the Cards.

What a hypocrite.

Hey guy's have you ever seen Barrett play anyone close off the line. He is usually 10 yards off the receiver.

I hope that every team in the NFL think that this Cardinals team sucks, so when we beat them, they will be so humiliated.

Bobcat

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I WAS rooting for the Steelers in this game.

My thoughts exactly.

Peace

 

[Tangodnzr]

In this case, I have to say, I don't think Barrett's remarks are all that far off base.

Doesn't anyone remember the Cards/Steelers game from last year?


Barrett worked Burress over big time. I think it was the best game I ever saw Barrett play as a Card. I thought he might have trouble with all the height differential, but he comepletely took Burress out of the game playing physical on him.

I think Burress is one of the most over-rated WR's in the league.

Let's just say if I were to lay a little money on how this matchup works out, putting it on Barrett might be the better move.

Mark my words, it won't be Burress that buries the Jets, if it happens.
Hines Ward should be the one they are far more concerned about.
That and I would expect the Jets to pressure Roth big time.

 

[Scott MS]

Irony, irony. Perhaps it will be Barrett's interception that wins it for the Jets. Didn't really like Barrett as a Cardinals because all I ever saw was his back after getting burned!!

Good for him today.

 

[CardinalChris]

Anybody heard from Burress today?

 

[cardsunsfan]

he's looked good actually

 

[azdad1978]

Anybody heard from Burress today?

he was missing the first 3 quarters but bounced back at the fourth.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Barrett is right

Plaxico is not a speed burner and has trouble at the line. He is a red zone threat because of his height. Funny, Burress once called Renaldo Hill the best corner he played against in college...Gee, isn't he a Cardinal.

 

[Stout]

Plaxico is not a speed burner and has trouble at the line. He is a red zone threat because of his height. Funny, Burress once called Renaldo Hill the best corner he played against in college...Gee, isn't he a Cardinal.

Funny, since they were teammates in college. Couldn't have been talking up his bro, though Lol

 

[Jetstream Green]

Lol

Always thought that was kinda funny too, but he said it.

 

[speedy]

In this case, I have to say, I don't think Barrett's remarks are all that far off base.

Doesn't anyone remember the Cards/Steelers game from last year?


Barrett worked Burress over big time. I think it was the best game I ever saw Barrett play as a Card. I thought he might have trouble with all the height differential, but he comepletely took Burress out of the game playing physical on him.

I think Burress is one of the most over-rated WR's in the league.

Let's just say if I were to lay a little money on how this matchup works out, putting it on Barrett might be the better move.

Mark my words, it won't be Burress that buries the Jets, if it happens.
Hines Ward should be the one they are far more concerned about.
That and I would expect the Jets to pressure Roth big time.

must give credit where credit is due...