After seeing the Philadelphia Eagles carve up the New York Giants on the ground in Week 4, Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson expressed confidence that he could have similar success against the Giants in Week 5.
In a conference call with New York reporters on Thursday, Richardson said that while he knew the Giants would present a touch challenge, he also felt plenty of yards could be gained, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer:
"Oh yeah. If we put a hat on a number, just cover them up, I think we can get yards on 'em. But at the same time, I know they're going to throw everything they can at us. I'm pretty sure they're going to game plan on our running game, and so we've got to make sure we open up the passing game so we can get some good runs in."
Several Giants defenders took some issue with the bravado of the young running back and fired back with words of their own. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka advised Richardson that he should let his game do the talking rather than his mouth:
"The thing that he's got to learn is that in this game, talking doesn't mean anything. You got to go out there and prove it to every team every single week. So if he proves it, I'll shake his hand and tap him on the butt. If he doesn't, I expect never to hear from him again."
The Giants are currently ranked 21st in the NFL in run defense. Richardson has rushed 64 times for 222 yards and three touchdowns on the season.