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The Giants were effusive of their praise of Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in the days leading up to their game, a little too much so for Antrel Rolle’s tastes.

During his weekly appearance on WFAN, Rolle said he had to tell some teammates it was fine to show respect, but show it after the game.

“I think we need to start giving more credit after the game as opposed to before the game,” Rolle said, via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. “Personally, that’s not anything I’ve been too fond of. Do I respect my opponents? I respect them. You know, I’ll give credit when credit’s due. But I’m not going to kiss anyone’s butt before the game. That’s something that I’m never, ever going to do as long as I’m playing the game of football.

“I think we just need to get back to being a little nasty, having a nasty attitude, get a little bit more dog in us, and go out there and play the game.”

If they were dogs Monday, it was a well-manicured poodle, as they looked the part but were pushed around by the Redskins, allowing 207 rushing yards and failing to get a single sack.

Now, they’re just a game clear of the Redskins and Cowboys with four games left, with a schedule that includes trips to Atlanta and Baltimore.

Rolle said “at certain times we did get pushed over” by the Redskins. That’s why he wanted his team to “play the game physical, play the game tough, play the game hard, and we’ll give hugs and kisses after the game.”

They’ve shown they can beat the best, having already handled the 49ers and Packers, but they need to bring that kind of “dog” against lesser teams, or they’re not going to have a chance for a late run.