Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Patriots safety Rodney Harrison implied that Giants receiver Plaxico Burress has put extra pressure on himself to perform by suggesting New York would claim a 23-17 victory Sunday. Burress was making a prediction, not a guarantee, but the distinction might not be significant in Harrison's eyes. Was Harrison surprised to hear such a prediction?
"Not really. Nowadays, with the guys in the league and just their outlook and view and the disrespect that a lot of the young players have to young players in the league, it really doesn't surprise me that guys are talking smack.
"But like I said, it's just talk. You still have to go out there and prove yourself. I think it puts a lot of pressure on you to go out there and back it up. We have such an appreciation and respect for our opponent that we're not going to ever talk. We're never going to give you bulletin-board material."
That respect for opponents is not always returned. Players around the league have voted Harrison the NFL's dirtiest player. And of course the league suspended him this season for violating its policy on banned substances.
