New York Giants defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison says there’s no rivalry with the crosstown New York Jets. How should Giants fans feel about his comments?
The New York Giants will face their crosstown rival the New York Jets this Saturday in the third preseason game of 2016. But new defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison doesn’t necessarily view it as a rivalry.
“I wouldn’t call it a rivalry; I think it’s more for the fans,” Harrison said according to NorthJersey.com.
Sure, the Snoopy Bowl is just a preseason game with no real consequences on the season as a whole. But there’s always been some New York bragging rights at stake and the title of the city’s best team.
Harrison acknowledged that aspect of the Jets – Giants relationship. “And you know, a respect thing around the town, seeing each other out, the Giants and the Jets, but as far as Cowboys-Giants and Jets-Patriots,”
"“It’s not that kind of rivalry.”"
The contentious relationship extends beyond the just the fans, however. Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan stoked the rivalry a bit prior to a regular season meeting in 2011.
“We were the better team my first two years and we get a chance to prove on Saturday who is the best team this year…Whoever wins this game is clearly the best team in New York.” For the record, the Giants won that contest 29-14.
But that wasn’t the case last year, which should be fresh on the players’ minds this year. The Giants lost to the Jets in overtime 23-20. Big Blue was in the hunt for a playoff berth and were ostensibly knocked out by Gang Green.
So, it’s not a rivalry per se for Harrison, but he also played up his relationship with his former team. “It’s just a game, it’ll be fun to get out there and play with my former teammates and some guys I consider family.”
If Saturday’s contest were a regular season game, certainly Harrison would be singing a different tune. How should Giants fans feel about Snacks’ comments just days before facing their crosstown rival?