FOXBORO, Mass. — You can set your watch to Patriots-Jets week by the sound of Antonio Cromartie's voice. The Jets cornerback referred to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in January as a body part often used for digestion, and Cromartie isn't backing away from his comments this week.
"What I said last year, I meant it," Cromartie told Newsday. "I'm not going to take back anything. I'm definitely looking forward to this rivalry game. I still have the same feelings. Feelings don't change. Whatever I said last year is not going to change."
The Patriots, meanwhile, have maintained their status quo of keeping the trash talk away from the media. Rookie running back Stevan Ridley was asked what he's heard about these weeks, which have turned into a circus in a hurry in the past.
"I know it's big, but coach has made it clear that we don't want to get caught up in that. So, as a rookie, I know that I'm not getting caught up in that," Ridley said with a laugh. "I'm just going out there to play ball Sunday."
The Patriots got a quick jump on the Jets on Sunday's flight home from Oakland. They were able to watch the primetime showdown with the Ravens on the televisions on the plane before catching up on some sleep. A number of players said they'd get started on their Jets film Monday night so they would be ready to roll in time for Wednesday's meetings and practice.
"It's definitely another game, and it's a big game for sure," tight end Rob Gronkowski said. "It's the Jets coming into town, so we've got to just be prepared, practice like we've been practicing, and prepare like we've been preparing and make sure we're ready for game time Sunday."
