NFL: Keep trash off the field

NFL trash-talkers, take note: Say what you will off the field, but the league is watching closely to see if your actions on the field cross the line.

In the wake of several pointed comments in advance of this weekend's divisional-round playoffs, particularly the Jets-Patriots game, the NFL contacted multiple teams to make sure the trash talk isn't followed by on-field behavior that might include excessive physical play.

Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, contacted some teams to remind them that their actions in the games must not cross the line.

"Ray Anderson reminded players that comments of a physically threatening nature are always taken into account in evaluating discipline for any illegal physical contact on the field," league spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Since October, the NFL has ratcheted up its enforcement of hits to defenseless players with a series of fines and the threat of suspension. No suspensions have been handed out, but the recent rash of trash talk before playoff games prompted Anderson to further emphasize the need to respect the game and opponents.

Earlier this week, Antonio Cromartie described Tom Brady with a derogatory term. And on Friday, a day after Wes Welker made nearly a dozen references to feet in what appeared to be digs at Rex Ryan's alleged foot fetish, Bart Scott told Newsday that Welker had better watch out.

"I'll tell you what," Scott said. "Be very careful what you say about our coach. His [Welker's] days in a uniform will be numbered."

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Anderson made it clear that if "any illegal physical acts take place, the comments will be taken into account in evaluating disciplinary action."