Ryan Mouthing Off Again

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via Flickr

Earth to Rex Ryan...we have an important message for you. A very important message. Listen carefully, if you're able.

First, not everyone has it in for you, although there may be a growing group that could be building. Second, shut up! Seriously, Rex. Shut the hell up.

In case you're not sure what I'm referring to, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan continues to run his mouth, and, unfortunately, the only thing that may stop it is a Jets loss. Wait. That probably won't do it either.

What planet is this dude from? Well, Planet Ryan is once again claiming that when it comes to his next opponent, this time New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, "it's personal". Ryan:

"This is about Bill Belichick vs. Rex Ryan," the Jets' brash coach declared Monday. "There's no question. It's personal. It's about him against myself, and that's what it's going to come down to."

Well, for those that feel Ryan can say anything he wants, you're right. It's called free speech, a basic fundamental this great nation was founded upon. But to say he's earned the right to say anything he wants, Constitutionally, yes. Realistically, no.

Call me "old school" if you wish, but I am of the school of thought that you have to accomplish something before you start popping off at the mouth. What has Ryan earned? Where has he earned it? Makes good TV, but where are you're freakin' rings, Rex? Do you own one as a head coach? Nope...and Belichick has more than one ring. If he were to say anything like this, he was surprise us all, but he's earned that "right".

Image by steveglass via Flickr

To say this is a Belichick vs. Ryan game is off base. Coaching? It is. But as I've heard many a former coach say, "Players play. Coaches coach". The tickets say Jets vs. Patriots. Time to get your head out of your hole and open your eyes.

And your "it's personal" line, already tired and worn out. And why taking all the verbal jousts at your opponent. Especially the Patriots. If there's a team that will not fall for his sideshow antics, it's Belichick and the Pats. They know what he's all about. Give the guy a mic and a camera...

But Belichick took an un-Belichick-like jab of his own toward Ryan. From CBSSports.com:

"I might have a little quickness on him," an uncharacteristically playful Belichick said. "He's probably got a little more strength and power on me. So, I don't think you'll see either one of us out there making any blocks or tackles or runs or throws or catches. At least you won't see me doing it. It's probably a good thing for our team."

And just like that, Belichick brings it all back under control. I wouldn't expect another word about this from Belichick. He knows the task at hand, beat the Jets for a second time this season.

And like Belichick said, the coaches aren't wearing uniforms. Don't even get me going with the possible sight of Ryan in one.

That's the difference between the two coaches. Belichick doesn't involve all the bells and whistles like Ryan employs. That doesn't fit Belichick's make up while Ryan will never shy away from a chance to talk.

Is it me or could Belichick be the more popular of the two coaches (toward the good) in this game?

Jets deserve our admiration

So another weekend of playoff football has passed.

I sat down Saturday and Sunday thinking to myself that the games this weekend had to be better than last weekend. I was so wrong. Again, we has to wait until the last game between the Jets and the Chargers to watch any game that had any type of intensity. Speaking of the Jets...

If you didn't have any type of admiration of the team, you should now. Head coach Rex Ryan proclaimed his team the favorite, and I'm starting to buy into it, too. How can you not? Ryan's team has consistantly backed up his words.

A lot was made about the Jets "backing in". They have proven that they belong. We'll have to see if they can carry on their trek to Miami as they visit Lucas Oil Field to clash with the Indianapolis Colts. Ironic that New York is getting another game with the Colts. The last time these teams met, the roar of fanbases wanting their team (Pittsburgh and Houston just to name a couple) to make the postseason began to scream "foul". We all know what transpired that game, so I'm not going to revisit it.

Ryan and his staff have built a team around a potent running game and relentless defense. Run the ball to keep your oppoennt's offense off the field. When the other team got the ball, stuff 'em, blitz 'em, disrupt their flow. And the Jets have worked it to perfection thus far. The defense gets all the praise, but there are a few on offense that have performed well.

Many experts state the Jets have the best offensive line in the NFL. I can't disagree. Two Pro-Bowl starters (C Nick Mangold and G Alan Faneca) provide the best anchors any O line could have. First round picks Ts Damien Woody and D'Brickashaw Ferguson keep the edges safe. And we don't hear a whole lot about undrafted G Brandon Moore. Make no mistake, Moore has more than earned his position.

Doesn't it seem that the rookie QB has been lost in the shuffle? Mark Sanchez is supposed to be an afterthought in the Jets grand scheme of things. We've seen this plan work by teams in the past. Baltimore (Trent Dilfer), Tampa Bay (Brad Johnson) and Pittsburgh (Ben Roethlisberger) have used the same template for winning the Super Bowl over the last decade. We've also heard of the wristband that's color coded to remind Sanchez of how aggresive he can be with his play.

That running game? Thomas Jones had yet another 1,000 yard season, but he's been nicked up in the playoffs. Enter, yet another rookie, Shonn Greene. Greene has picked up in the postseason where Jones left off during the regular season. Two games, two 100+ yard efforts, 2 TD. Greene's contribution has been more incredible that Sanchez'.

Leon Washington, a multiple threat out of the backfield and in the return game, went on IR after the week 7 game against the Oakland Raiders. Greene was thrust to #2 on the depth chart. And he has yet to disappoint the Jets faithful especially in the playoffs. Greene's 2 TD matches his season output, and New York has needed both of those scampers. Both of Greene's long TD runs have pretty much sealed the Jets' opponents fate.

Remember last season when this rookie TE from Purdue came to be Brett Favre's favorite receiver? That would be Dustin Keller. With Ryan determining that the Jets would be a running team, it appeared that Keller would get lost in the shuffle. During the regular season, Keller only scored twice. He's matched that in the postseason. His 2 TD in the playoffs are the only TD receptions on the Jets roster. Keller's 118 receiving yards also leads the Jets. Just yet another stat that shows how much confidence that Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has in the running game.

And Schottenheimer deserves some pats on the back here, too. His whole staff does. They are rarely in a situation where they have to put Sanchez "at risk" due to the inexperience. They also trust in the running game and it's obvious that eveyone in a Jets uniform has bought into this.

It's worked so far and there's no reason to change. Just one more step to reach Miami.

After all, didn't Rex say that was the goal?

More Stocking Suffers!

As Santa starts to make his rounds later tonight, I have a few more gift ideas for Santa to leave this holiday season.

Rex Ryan - a real sense of humor

Just watching your playing off of the Colts "list of injuries" was absolutely painful. You've also got into a verbal assault through the press with the Dolphins Channng Crowder. You even stated something to the effect that if you were younger, you'd take him yourself. All for a laugh. Your wish list should really include your Jets to make the playoffs, Rex.

Jerry Jones - a playoff win

I know Jerry has everything. He owns the Cowboys. He has a palace as a stadium for his Cowboys. He has that huge HD screen that hangs from the rafters of said palace. He has Super Bowl rings. But the fact that everyone brings up that Dallas hasn't won a playoff game in over a decade must be extremely painful. Jerry may also wish he could have Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith wearing the star again. He has Tony Romo, Miles Austin and Marion Barber. A ways to go, but it's a start.

Al Davis and Dan Snyder - a return to prominence for your franchises

Snyder may be already on track with this one b hiring Bruce Allen as his new "football guy" in the nation's capital. Maybe Snyder's money will be spent a bit wiser with Allen there. Davis, not so much. He's had to fight off talk about his head coach, Tom Cable. There's a handful of bad first round draft picks in the Raiders fold. It really hasn't been too long ago that the Raiders and Redskins were fixtures in he NFL playoffs. Now, they are perceived as laughingstocks. It just doesn't seem right.

Urban Meyer - a Tim Tebow clone

Hard to believe that the Sugar Bowl will be Tebow's last game at Florida. Then again, it seems like Tebow's been in Gainesville forever. Meyer has had quite a run, most of it because of Tebow. The first National Championship came with Chris Leak at the helm, but Tebow played a key part in that one and Tebow has put Meyer on his shoulders and brought him more than any coach could ask for. Is it possible that Meyer gets nothing more than a lump of coal this year? If so, then the Gators may see a BCS game slide through their grasp. Speaking of the Sugar Bowl...

Brian Kelly - forgiveness from the city of Cincinnati

Some Cincinnati players were extremely hacked that Kelly left for the Golden Dome. A couple of players publicly stated that their comments were made out of frustration and anger. I still think the whole process is jacked up and their comments are justified. I mean, Kelly leaves when UC is prepping for its biggest football game ever "drawing" the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl. A funny thing to add to this. If UC had reached the BCS Championship, I've read that Kelly wanted to coach the Bearcats despite the Notre Dame situation. How do you think that would've played out?

Mike Greenberg - a Super Bowl win for the New York Jets

And I'm not even a Jets fan. In fact, I can't ever remember wanting the Jets to win a game, but listening (and watching) Greeny spew his love for the guys in green almost makes one a bit on the ill side. If Santa grants this, would you please stop the gushing, and the whining, Greeny?

Mike Golic - ear plugs

I ask for these for Golic becuse if the Jets do ever get that Super Bowl win, he'll never hear the end of it.

David Stern - a Cavs/Lakers final

We were all ripped off by the Orlando Magic last season. We don't want the Boston Celtics to interfere this season. Seeing LeBron and Kobe would be the dream matchup. I know we'll see it tomorrow, but we want more! In fact, we want 7 games more! Add the Shaq factor and the drama is built-in. What more could the NBA want? This series would bring better ratings than a Celtics/Lakers series. Honest!

As we countdown Santa's arrival, I wish to extend holidays wishes to everyone. Be safe during this holiday season.

sports

NFL Monday Night Recap/Jets & Dolphins

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I'll say this. ESPN has pretty much received a ton of luck on its Monday Night games so far. There hasn't been a real stinker. The closest would be the week 3 game between the Panthers and Cowboys. Even if the game wasn't quite that good, at least we caught a glimpse inside of the Cowboys palace.

When I first saw this game on the schedule, I thought it might be a yawner. It would most likely be the Jets defense dominating the Dolphins offene and final being something like 14-3. Was I ever wrong! Here's a few observations from the tilt.

1. Despite having rather pedestrian numbers, Jets QB Mark Sanchez performed well (12-24, 172 yards, 1 TD). His new "toy", WR Braylon Edwards, also had an impact of the game (5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD). That could be a lethal combination down the road.

2. I referred to the Jets defense above. It didn't show up in the 4th quarter. Who could have imagined that the Dolphins would have accumulated 262 passing yards and 151 rushng yards? No one. The famous Wildcat of the Dolphns had the Jets D off balance the majority of the evening. Head coach Rex Ryan even said it was embarrassing. But that was all set up on the Dolphins first drive. RB Ronine Brown took a direct snap, faked a handoff to RB Ricky Williams, rolled to his left, and hit TE Anthony Fasano with a pass. It was on from there. In the eventual winning TD drive in the 4th, Dolphis offensiver coordinator Dan Henning send QB Pat White in to run the Wildcat. White was thrust into the game with a little over four minutes remaining...his first action of the game. Now, Ryan's D had to be concerned about White. Gutsy move.

3. I know it was only his second start, but have the Dolphins already discover their future QB in Chad Henne? His stats don't lie: 20-26, 241, 2 TD. Rayn himslef stated the Jets D made Henne look like Dan Marino. Don't go overboard there, Rex. He's not Marino, but Henne did show some extreme poise for a guy who was starting oly his second NFL game.

4. What's with the 5 TDs in the 4th quarter? It was almost like observing 7-on-7 drills. No pass rush from either team.

5. In his postgame press conference, Ryan referred to not calling any timeouts when the Dolphins were driving to their game winning TD. He didn't think the Fins would score on his vaunted defense. So he left his timeouts in his pocket and on the scoreboard. After Miami scored, there was not anywhere near enough time left to mount a potential game winning TD drive. Only a Hail Mary.

6. One last thing about last night. Once again, Jon Gruden couldn't resist a Brett Favre reference (or should I actually say reverence). Enough already, Coach! Do you think you might be able to get him when you're possibly in Washington or something?

Bonehead of the Week!
Could it be anyone else but San Francisco 49ers CB Dre' Bly? Click the link and watch the video.

Dre' Bly's "pick"

I know you agree with me on this. Shades of Deion? Not quite, but Bly has since apologized for his actions and remarks following the 49ers drubbing at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, 45-10. If you were wondering if Mike Singletary had control of this team, don't even doubt it for a second.