EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants guard Justin Pugh stood at his locker Tuesday and seemed to know what to expect when his team faces the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Rams' film and reputation speaks for itself.
"You can look at the penalties that they have on defense," Pugh said. "They have nine personal fouls, they have gotten two guys ejected -- we got a guy ejected too so I guess we have to make sure that we go out there and play football. We are not trying to go out there and do anything after the whistle, that is not something that we are looking to get involved in."
The last time these two teams met late in the 2014 season it turned out that way. When the Rams late hit Odell Beckham Jr. when he was out bounds after one catch, it sparked a brawl that led to former Giants defensive end Damontre Moore being ejected.
The Giants are well aware of this all. It's something they've already addressed internally.
They're bracing to be on their best behavior.
"You can't get into the extra chippy stuff and I have to make sure that I do a good job of that too because sometimes I go after some guys," Pugh said.
Pugh had a minor pushing match with Baltimore defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan after a play early in Sunday's victory over the Ravens. But nothing further materialized.
The Rams, meanwhile, had problems when players rushed late in their game last week as the Detroit Lions tried to kneel the ball in victory formation.
Beckham remained above the fray for most of the 2014 meeting in St. Louis. He did plenty of damage with eight catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the contest.
The Giants can only hope Beckham can repeat that performance, aside from throwing the ball at the defender after he was hit out of bounds.
"I think he did a good job last time," Giants quarterback Eli Manning. "They were a little chippy hitting him late and we had another player ejected that game, it wasn't him.
"So we have to understand that they have had a few players ejected this season, understand that we have to control ourselves, play smart, be the more disciplined team, hold our composure and just play football."
It's a message that is going to be stressed throughout the week.