INDIANAPOLIS -- On Tuesday Mario Manningham almost took the edge off his Julian Edelman comments. Almost. Remember those words? Last Friday the Giants receiver told the Boston Herald he can't wait to "expose" Edelman -- a receiver-turned-defensive back -- as a weak link in the Patriots secondary.
Manningham was asked on media day if he'd like to reconstruct the gauntlet he'd laid down.
Its not like that. I respect him as a player, I understand that hes a good player. He plays wide receiver and defensive back. I dont take anything from him but he plays offense.
So I know hes a competitive player, but Im going to try to win. No matter who lines up in front of me, Im going to try to win.
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It sounded like Manningham was backing up. But it turns out he moved in reverse so he could gear up and run Edelman over another time.
"Its not just me, but us as a receiving corps," he stated. "We know hes a great player, but we want to go out and do what we have to do to win. No matter what it takes.
He plays wide receiver. Hes not a real defensive back. Did he get drafted as a defensive back? We have a little bond going on knowing that we can beat somebody. Were confident. I hope hes out there.
Noted. By the media, anyway. Edelman has turned a cheek.
Manningham's elaboration came during the second half of media day, about an hour after the Patriots met the press. But Edelman did touch on the initial challenge when prompted in the morning session.
"I am not really worried about what Mario Manningham is saying right now," he said. "I am more focused on doing my job, and that is preparing right now. We will see if that opportunity comes ahead of us in the game."
It's unlikely Edelman's reaction will change much; the Patriots aren't a bunch to be baited. The real battle will unfold on the field anyway.