New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Leonard Williams wants Giants teammates to hold each other accountable

New York Giants veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams is a team captain in his ninth NFL season and challenged teammates to demand more from each other following the club's disappointing 1-4 start to the season. 

"Just point out the s---," Williams recently told Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "Some guys don’t want to step on each other’s toes. But I think good teams that I’ve been a part of, that’s what they do. I want to see more of it. There shouldn’t be any beating around the bush, being scared of hurting someone’s feelings." 

Ahead of New York's game at the Miami Dolphins last Sunday, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins noted that the Giants needed to "go out there p----- off and play for each other." Big Blue trailed Miami 31-13 at one point during the contest and ultimately fell 31-16, and injury was added to the insult of that defeat when quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a neck issue that will keep him from playing in at least the upcoming "Sunday Night Football" matchup at the 3-2 Buffalo Bills. 

Some may view right tackle Evan Neal blasting booing Giants fans and star running back Saquon Barkley yelling at a paying customer as signs that the New York locker room is coming apart. Wide receiver Darius Slayton insisted that Giants players still deeply "care about winning and losing" ahead of Week 6, but Williams knows that desire isn't enough to have a roster seemingly lacking talent ready to go on Sundays. 

"We could hold each other accountable even more," Williams added during his comments. "Not pointing fingers, but just pushing each other. I think your feelings shouldn’t get hurt if it’s coming from a brother." 

Williams also gave head coach Brian Daboll a vote of confidence, but Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post noted earlier this week that the 29-year-old in the final season of his contract could become available for other teams before the Oct. 31 trade deadline if the Giants lose to Buffalo and/or to the Washington Commanders on Oct. 22. 

As of Friday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Bills as 14.5-point favorites to beat the Giants at Highmark Stadium this weekend. 

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