EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw said his heated exchange with coach Tom Coughlin during Sunday's victory over the Washington Redskins was a plea to run the ball more.

Bradshaw was even more emotional than usual during the game, at one point also strongly slapping teammate Victor Cruz on the back of the helmet. All of this took place in the third quarter of New York's 27-23 win.

Bradshaw and Coughlin shouted at each other as the Giants' offense was going back on the field at the end of the third quarter.

"I was just saying, 'Run the ball,' going onto the field," Bradshaw said of his exchange with Coughlin. "A lot of my emotions kicking in. I just want to help my team win as much as possible."

Coughlin said he has addressed the issue with his running back.

"There's never been any question about Ahmad Bradshaw's toughness, his intensity level," Coughlin said. "He plays the game hard. You know, you like to have everybody play as hard as he does. He gives it everything he's got.

"And so, you want people to recognize that fact, but sometimes you do have to control yourself and control your emotions. And he's working on it."