Jets call Hines Ward ‘Dirty’

The trash-talking had to come eventually.

Appearing on SNY’s Loudmouths with Adam Schein and Chris Carlin, Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie was asked whether he thought Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward was a dirty player.

“I know for a fact that he will hit you while you’re not looking,” Cromartie said. “I don’t think he’s man enough to hit you while you’re looking at him.”

And here we go…

Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine chimed in as well: “Our guys I think called him the toughest guy in the league when nobody’s looking,” Pettine said, per Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com.

“I think our guys have played against them enough to know what he’s all about,” Pettine said.

Should be a fun one, Sunday.