The Other Giants/Redskins Rivalry: Janoris Jenkins vs. DeSean Jackson

The one-on-one matchup everyone will be focused on when the New York Giants take on the Washington Redskins should be Odell Beckham Jr. versus Josh Norman. But DeSean Jackson and Janoris Jenkins have done some trash talking of their own this week before they face off on Sunday.

Sunday’s game between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins features a showdown that has dominated headlines since the offseason. The long-awaited rematch between Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman, who participated in a glorified wrestling match in Week 15 when the Panthers came to MetLife Stadium.

But thanks to a some mid-week trash talking, now there’s another wide receiver/cornerback matchup to watch during Week 3. DeSean Jackson and Janoris Jenkins have lobbed insults towards each other through the media and will face each other Sunday.

Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive back Janoris Jenkins (20) on the sideline during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

“You just have to make sure you stay on top of all his routes, because he likes to go deep,” Jenkins said. “He’s a vertical guy. Just stay on top.”

O.K. That doesn’t sounds like too much of a slag on Jackson. But how does the Redskins receiver compare to other top wide receivers in the league?

New Rivalry Budding?

“It’s different when you can go up against a guy that’s got speed, and quickness, and that can run a route. But with DeSean, I just think he’s kind of fast. Deep guy. I don’t see no digs, or dig returns, nothing like that. Just stay on top of the route.”

That’s a pretty honest assessment from Jenkins that might rub Jackson the wrong way. So, of course, DeSean was asked about that critique from the Giants cornerback on Thursday. His reply was unique, according to the Washington Post.

“Who? Who is that? I won’t entertain that stuff. Hopefully he’s still talking that when game time comes. Next question.”

Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Does DeSean Jackson not know who Janoris Jenkins is? Did he not hear his name mentioned when his NFC East rival made that big-name acquisition? And somehow he missed the name “Jenkins” during his rigorous prep for their game on Sunday?

Of course not. Jackson mentioned Janoris’s name during a conference call with the Giants press corps just one day earlier, as reported by NJ.com.

Feigning ignorance about your rival is a jab back in his direction. A tad childish, but no matter. The two will settle it on the football field where the Giants are 2-0 and the Redskins are 0-2.

During the Redskins two-game skid, there’s been some tumult in the locker room questioning the play of their quarterback Kirk Cousins. Jackson preached team unity on Thursday about their infighting.

“Hopefully this game we can gel as a team, cut out the mistakes and cut out all the bull crap we’re doing and come together as a team,” said Jackson according to the Washington Post.

Pretending you don’t know the name of an opposing quarterback sure sounds like aforementioned “bull crap.”

Home/NY Giants News