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Rex Ryan has a lot of pressure on him this year.
There is no question about it.
And it makes you wonder if this led to this moment during an interview with Newsday.
“I’m a hell of a lot better football coach than I’m given credit for,” Ryan said in a sit-down interview with Newsday. “I can tell you one thing, when it’s said and done, they’ll look back and say, ‘Oh man, this dude can coach his butt off.’ And you know what? It’s true. And I’ll let the people that know best talk on my behalf about the kind of coach I am.
“I don’t have to brag, even though statistically, I can brag about anything I’ve ever done defensively.”
This was just bizarre, a coach heaping praise on himself.
But that last sentence is the key to Rex’s survival, it really is.
Rex’s defense might have to carry the Jets this year.
And it’s Rex’s defense that could save his job.
While I’m not into the “lame-duck coach” stuff. After all, Rex has two years left on a contract that pays him $3 million a year.
So I wouldn’t call that a “lame-duck coach,” and if it is, I think a lot of use would sign up for that deal. Remember, if he gets fired, he collects all the money (this is why coaches never resign).
However, I don’t think any of us can argue the fact that if the Jets have a terrible season this year, John Idzik is likely going to push for another coach.
And Woody would probably go along with his GM. Because if the Jets have a bad season this year, the owner isn’t going to be able to sell Rex to the fans anymore, and in a bad economy, that will put the Jets’ owner in a terrible spot, and he will have no choice but to make a change.
In his heart of hearts, Rex must realize that his defense is going to have to carry the 2013 Jets.
Whether it’s Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith, it’s hard to see that position being a strength of the Jets.
I’m not saying it’s going to be a weakness, but it’s a position that will need to be heavily managed, and not a position that will carry the team (like it does in New England, Green Bay, New Orleans and Denver).
Rex needs a dominating defense this year.
There is no doubt about.
And he has the eye of the tiger right now when it comes to his defense.
He’s very hands-on, and wants to make this unit into a force, and it all starts up front.
Rex is pumped to have three stud defensive linemen in Mo Wilkerson, Quinton Coples and Sheldon Richardson. Rex is a defensive line coach at heart, and he knows he can make opponents miserable with this trio.
He’s also very excited to have Antwan Barnes on board, an OLB with 4.4 speed who had 11 sacks in 2011 for the San Diego Chargers. If he can repeat that production, that will be huge for Rex’s defense.
People talk about a concern at cornerback with Darrelle Revis gone. I don’t think cornerback is going to be a problem for the Jets. Antonio Cromartie is a Top-Five corner in the NFL, and Dee Milliner was the best corner in the draft. Isaiah Trufant is a very good nickel or dime back, and the Jets also have the underrated Aaron Berry, Kyle Wilson, Ellis Lankster and Darrin Walls.
I think the Jets defense is going to be very good this year.
And it better.
They could end up saving Rex’s job, keeping the games low-scoring affairs, something the Jets need with their current quarterback situation, one not set-up to win shootouts.
July 2, 2013
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