Jets Make Rex Ryan’s Hiring Official
Here’s the press release from the team about the announcement of Rex Ryan as the head coach of the Jets.
January 19, 2009 — The New York Jets announced that Rex Ryan has been hired as the Jets head coach. The announcement was made by Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson and Executive Vice President/General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. Ryan will be introduced during a 10AM press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.
“Rex is revered by his players and respected by his peers around the NFL for his innovative schemes,” Johnson said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Rex has the expertise and instincts to build on the foundation that we have in place and take this franchise to the ranks of the NFL’s elite. He will bring an aggressive, physical brand of football that will captivate our fans and ignite their passion. I appreciate Mike Tannenbaum and all those involved for the time and energy they invested during this search. Thanks to their efforts, we got the right man for the job.”
“I’d like to thank Woody Johnson and Mike Tannenbaum for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ryan. “It’s been a dream of mine to become a head coach in the NFL. Coming here to the New York Jets, where my father once coached and was part of the Super Bowl III staff, is fantastic. I look around at the facilities and the people they have in place and see a first-class organization. I’m just proud to be part of it.”
Ryan’s coaching roots and history with the Jets franchise began with his father, Buddy Ryan. The elder Ryan, former head coach of the Eagles and Cardinals, was on the defensive staff of the New York Jets from 1968-75, serving as the defensive line coach on the 1968 team that won Super Bowl III. Buddy was the architect of the “46″ defense as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, winning Super Bowl XX.
“During our search, we were looking for a great football mind and a passionate leader,” Tannenbaum said. “Rex is a coach with an established track record who is universally respected by players and coaches for his skills as a communicator and his creativity.”
Ryan spent the last 10 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including 2008 as assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. During Ryan’s tenure, the Ravens defense never ranked lower than sixth in the NFL. Since 1999, the Ravens rank first for fewest points allowed (17.1 per game), fewest rushing yards allowed per game (87.3), most shutouts (9), most takeaways (337), most interceptions (212), most interceptions for touchdowns (29) and third down conversion defense (33.9 percent). They rank second in the NFL since 1999 in total defense (280.7) and fourth in sacks (416). In those 10 seasons, the Ravens allowed an NFL-low 18 100-yard rushers, including none over the last 35 games.
Ryan began his Ravens career as the defensive line coach for Brian Billick in 1999, when the Ravens defense finished second in the NFL in total defense and second against the run. In 2000, the Ravens defense allowed the fewest points in a 16-game season in NFL history (165) en route to winning Super Bowl XXXV.
Ryan was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005. In four seasons as defensive coordinator, the Ravens defense finished fifth (2005), first (2006), sixth (2007) and second (2008) in the NFL. In 2006, the defense allowed only 201 points and 264 yards per game as Ryan was named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year by Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association.
In 2008, new Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh named Ryan assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. The Ravens 2008 defense allowed 261.1 yards per game, marking the fourth time since 1999 the Ravens finished second overall in the NFL. The 2008 Ravens allowed 244 points, third-fewest in the NFL, and led the NFL with 34 takeaways, 26 interceptions and a league-low 60.6 opponents’ passer rating. Baltimore also yielded a league-low four rushing touchdowns.
Before joining the Ravens, Ryan was a defensive coordinator in college at Oklahoma (1998) and Cincinnati (1996-97). His first NFL coaching stint was with the Arizona Cardinals under his father, Buddy Ryan, when he oversaw the defensive line in 1994 and linebackers in 1995. Ryan has also coached at Morehead State, New Mexico Highlands and Eastern Kentucky.
Ryan, 46, graduated from Stevenson High School in Prairie View, IL, and played football at SW Oklahoma State. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Physical Education at Eastern Kentucky in 1988.
Ryan, who was born in Ardmore, OK, and his wife, Michelle, have two sons, Payton and Seth.
REX RYAN’S COACHING CAREER
(NFL – 12 seasons; College – 10 seasons)
1987-88: Eastern Kentucky (Head Coach Roy Kidd)
Defensive Ends
1989: New Mexico Highlands (Head Coach George Martinez)
Assistant head coach/Defensive Coordinator
1990-93: Morehead State (Head Coach Cole Proctor)
Defensive Coordinator
1994-95: Arizona Cardinals (Head Coach Buddy Ryan)
1994, Defensive Line
1995, Linebackers
1996-97: Cincinnati (Head Coach Rick Minter)
Defensive Coordinator
1998: Oklahoma (Head Coach John Blake)
Defensive Coordinator
1999-2008: Baltimore Ravens (Head Coach Brian Billick 1999-07; John Harbaugh 2008)
1999-2004, Defensive Line
2005-07, Defensive Coordinator
2008, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
77 Responses to Jets Make Rex Ryan’s Hiring Official
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Jeff says:
YAY!!!
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Mel31602 says:
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2009/01/ryan-wants-to-keep-offensive-s.html
Cimini reports the Jets will try to keep Schotty, so who knows what’s up with that at this point. Also of note is we lost Henderson and Cox to Cleveland with Mangini. He also says the Ravens OLB coach will be our D coordinator
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Jimbo says:
I didn’t agree with the Mangini firing, but I’m glad we picked up Rex. We still don’t have a QB, but Ryan can make this defense a lot better than Bob Sutton ever could, and maybe Vernon Gholston won’t be a complete waste of money.
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Agreed Jimbo- I thought Mangini should have gotten another year but if we had to hire someone who had no experience I’m happy with this choice. He certainly can’t hurt Gholston’s development, and maybe he can turn Rhodes into an Ed Reed-lite
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Dean Barbella says:
Awesome! Now I can breathe again!
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Nostra says:
Favre needs to go or we will take another step back.
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Kyle says:
Listen JET FANS;
First, you thought you had the next Tony Dungy in Herman Edwards.
Then, you go and sign the next Bill Belicheck in Eric Mangini.
If you think you have found the next Bill Parcells in Rey Ryan, think again.
When they are holding that AFC Championship, then I’ll believe it. You set yourselves up for heartbreak.
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Doug from Long Valley says:
Like Jimbo and Mel I wanted Eric to get one more year and my post several weeks ago was “it is a sad day for Jet fans…”. Today we turn the page to the Rex Ryan era. I’m wishing him the best and look optimistically to 2009 and what it can be for our team. I agree that we need to clean house with defensive coaching staff, I think some stability on the other side of the ball can be a good thing. Yes there were questionable calls throughout the year but this squad put up a lot of points and moved the ball consistently.
Here’s to the new Jet staff and the glass half full.
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Jimbo,
I disagree. We have a QB, Kellen Clemens.
Clemens only playing time came behind a crapy offensive line with a turnstyle at guard, as we refused to pay Pete Kendall, and an even worse running game in which Thomas Jones ran for only one rushing TD.
Since that time Jets have added Tony Richardson , Faneca, Woody and Bill Callahan has coached up D-Brick and Mangold, helping Jones rush for a franchise 13 TDs.
He was a steal in the ’06 draft who put up top-5 passing yards with Oregon, but dropped in the draft due to injury. He knows our system and is young, capable and can deliver any throw downfield. He’s carried a clipboard long enough. He’s gonna start next season and make all doubters look like fools!
So, jump on his bandwaggon while there’s still room.
We don’t need to waste a draft pick on team built for “right now” selecting a QB, like Sanchez. We need a ILB, CB and Fast David Clowney-like receiver.
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Frank says:
Kyle,
The only thing the Jets can do is pick the best man for the job and let the chips fall as they may.
With all the candidates available, Rex was our best fit at HC. Did anyone ever say Rex Ryan is gonna be the next Bill Parcells? No, the fans are just happy with the organizations decision to bring in a fiery, in your face coach who has a similar STYLE to Parcells. He might not be as successful as Big Bill but his style with him and Bill are similar.
Dungy, Lovie Smith and Edwards – similar style of coaching
Belicheck and Mangini – similar style of coaching
I’m hoping we picked the right guy to lead us to the Super Bowl because I still have faith this team is a solid team. We beat the team in the Super Bowl and beat the Titans – the best team in the AFC. Go Jets
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Draft pick on Sanchez???????? Are u nuts. This team needs a lot more skill players than QB. Plus, we have 3 younger QBs in Ainge, Clemens and Ratliff who have been in the system and need an opportunity to play.
ILB, WR, another RB, backup NT, CB, safety – The needs on this team are very glaring and hopeful we have a solid draft. QB is not a top priority in my opinion
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dade county jets fan says:
kyle
what does bill parcells have anything to do with rex ryan…..they never even worked together…..in case you havent noticed the jets arent the only team who thought edwards and mangini would work out….last i checked they both still had head coaching jobs in the nfl…..
is there a reason your on a jets blog if you’re not a jets fan?….is your team too boring to follow that you gotta tap into our blogs?
let me guess….your a chad pennington worshiping dolphin fan
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hank/naples says:
DRex is a great fit for our D. He was the only one that could’ ve replaced Mangini and the team not take a step backwards.
Now it looks like Shotty’s silence speaks volumes. Wednesday will know if he is staying as ou OC. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t. -
We should trade down to get M. Crabtree. The Larry Fitzgerald this team needs to really open up the offense.
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Thats trade up!
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Tonyrebel says:
Kyle well said.
Dean, it sounds like your driving that bandwagon.
I do belive Clemens can do something for the jets behind a good line.
Why is it that we as jets fans always see the glass as full with every new signings, and draft. Can’t we just hang the leadership that keeps our expectation blown from year to year.
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The problem is the Jets are a copy cat franchise. What ever is hot at the moment, they try to be that. Unfortunately, they need to establish their own style of football and their own attitude. Maybe Rex can get them to accomplish that much, maybe not.
But let’s not start worshiping the guy until he starts winning games.
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Why don’t you guys just sign Pike Momlin and change the name of the teams to the Sh1ttsburg Peelers?
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mrjetgreen says:
I LIKE IT……..T-REX monster defense……..no more playing the prevent defense and preventing us from winning.
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Dan C says:
I’m glad.
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KYLE……….There is only one MRJETGREEN.
Next year we will be the elite! -
TimNC says:
Kyle, not sure where you’re getting “worship” from. Seems the fans overall feel that under the circumstances, the organization made a smart choice. What exactly should everyone be saying? There’s nothing wrong with being hopeful about the future and the hiring of someone that appears to be a quality coach. That’s a far cry from worship. It’s called being a fan.
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ja says:
think josh freeman is good enough to take at 17?
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Tonyrebel,
Unless Matt Stafford drops to Jets at 17, there’s no reason to draft a QB. The ’06 Clemens out of Oregon then was better than any of today’s QB in the ’09 draft and he’s experienced.
This is not glass is half full thinking. Clemens has never had the protection, running game, weapons or field position (defense) that Favre was aforded last year. Rather, he started in ’07 when our QB’s were taking snaps on their backs.
Unless Stafford drops to us, there are no Matt Ryan’s out there. Rather, our positions of need are ILB, CB, FWR, SS, NG, RB.
Otherwise, do you really want to ignore these pressing needs and waste veteran players like Jenkins, Richardson , Faneca and Woody by drafting a QB?
Bottom line is Clemens was better draft pick than Mark Sanchez and is already under contract with three years experience and ready to roll!
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Hangar says:
Nostra
Crabtree would be interesting. Watched him a bunch this year and he can play!!Jimbo..are you the same Jimbo from COE
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You guys dont know what your talking about. Crabtree will go #4 or #7 there is no way the Jets will get him. They have a 0 to none chance of getting Stafford because he is going #1 and if not that he will go in the top 10. Sanchez would probably be a better QB than Clemens, but they already have Clemens and there is no need to get Sanchez even though he is probably better. They have enough talent around the QB that if the QB doesn’t hurt them he will basically help them. I say let it be a preseason contest between Ratliff and Clemens. Winner gets a starting job. Also take a look at Ainge becuase I believe that he could develop.
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Fire Sutton! says:
I am very excited by this hiring. Three things I can take away from this.
1) Our defense will be exceptionally better within 1-2 years
2) We finally have a leader with a fire in his belly who actually knows how to win games (Defense + Running Game = Competitive every year)
3) We might start drafting players to fit our “system” not the best player available. (Ex: see V. Gholston)Also, no more Sutton and hopefuly he is taking B. Schott with him out the door.
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I would love to have Bart Scott, but I wouldn’t be sure that Ryan is going to come in and just improve the defense. Anyone could’ve run a great defense with the talent in Baltimore. The only reason I believe that he is good is that the Jets said that he had a great interview. They hopefully will take Scott and a stud WR Chad Johnson, T.O or Boldin.
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Chrebookie says:
Crabtree would be real nice… but i dont see him lasting till the 17th pick
But what bout someone already in the NFL, on a team he is disgruntled with. He might have a colored past but it has worked before for other teams. And we might be able to get him a bit cheaper than say Fitz, like many people are throwing around.
Chad Johnson in green and white?
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and I do agree that Sutton and Shotty need to go. Get a young smart with fire in his belly to get the D pumped up. And a smart guy like Marty Shot. with experience on the offensive side of the ball.
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wait you want to dump B.Schott but get someone like M.Schott?
interesting…. thought the apple doesnt fall from the tree -
Chris
You should read before you type……I wrote he would be interesting, never said we would be in a position to get him!!!Bookie CJ in white & Green…I’d take…Liven up things..Put him in with Cotch & LC..it could be fun!!!
Fitz is not coming here so why not CJ…
Let the fun begin…Rex needs to get his staff together. I hope they let him bring in who he wants and not strap him..
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M for B ????? please explain
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bozzie says:
Wouldn’t it be funny if Rex took a swing at his offensive coordinator (Schotty) if things don’t go well just like his pops did? That was awesome!! lol
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jas says:
Everybody needs to pray we don’t have Shotty back. Stop worrying about the draft until we have a real live NFL caliber OC.
We’ll see, but I have no faith in Woody,Tanny.
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Bozzle-
Let’s hope he just gets rid of him (Shotty)-he’s an incompetent. -
Was it all him or the QB???? Playing tired, out of shape and with no care after the sky started to fall???
If I recall, BS was in high demand after his first season and most of us were hoping he would not go!!!
If he stays one way or another he is on a 1 year plan so better we move him now…
I want Rex to build this team & staff to last a few years. -
apparently Tanny really sees sumptin in schotty, if he is successful this year, does anyone NOT see him taking a HC position elsewhere in 2010?
i agree hangar, he is one and out, whether he is good or bad
tough call, but i say send him packing now before he sticks it to us next year.
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Bookie…my point. one and out no matter what happens so lets move on now. He was good year one and I feel he has potential but why waste a year here.
Let Rex bring in his own team. 2010 is our year!!!!
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GANGGREEN says:
To get a good idea of why the Jets’ brass hired Ryan, you need to look no further than “Inside the Numbers”:
3 Teaching is in the blood of the Ryan family as a trio have made names for themselves in the NFL. Rex’s father, Buddy, began his pro coaching career as a Jets defensive assistant and was a member of the Green & White when they captured the 1968 world title. Rex and twin brother Rob actually were defensive assistants under Buddy with the Arizona Cardinals back in 1994-95. Rob will serve as Eric Mangini’s defensive coordinator next season in Cleveland.
3.36 That’s the paltry average — an NFL best — that the Ravens have limited opposing offenses per rush attempt since Rex Ryan arrived in Baltimore in 1999.
6 Ryan had a short but successful stay in Norman, Okla. In his one year as Sooners defensive coordinator, OU’s defense finished ranked No. 6 in the nation.
13 A two-year coordinator at the University of Cincinnati, Ryan’s 1996 Bearcats ranked 13th in the nation (and fifth against the run) in 1997.
14 While the Jets finished 16th in defense this season, you can add up Ryan’s rankings as Baltimore DC and reach only 14. The Ravens were No. 5 in the NFL in yardage allowed in 2005, No. 1 in ’06, No. 6 in ’07 and No. 2 in ’08.
18 Number of running backs who’ve picked up 100 yards on the ground against the Ravens since ’99. Rex, originally hired as Baltimore’s defensive line coach, was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005.
22 Ryan, who began his coaching career at Eastern Kentucky in 1987, has been in the business that many seasons — 12 in the NFL and 10 in college.
29 During his tenure, Ryan helped the Ravens send 10 different defensive players to the Pro Bowl 29 times.
34 The league-leading number of takeaways the Ravens produced in the 2008 regular season.
39 After not allowing a 100-yard rusher in 2008, the Ravens pushed their streak in all regular- and postseason games to this amazing number.
44 Known to take an offensive approach on D, Ryan’s crew scored 44 points themselves during the ’08 regular season.
46 Born Dec. 13, 1962 in Ardmore, Okla., Rex Ryan is 46. Coincidentally, his father, Buddy Ryan, is also known as the father of the “46” defense.
201 That’s the total number of points the Ravens allowed in ’06 — the eighth-lowest total since the NFL went to a 16-game season in 1978.
277.8 With Ryan calling the plays, his defenses have limited opponents to just that many yards per contest since 2005.
1988 After playing college football at SW Oklahoma State, Ryan earned a bachelor of science and master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky that year.
2000 With Ryan at DL coach, the Ravens roared to victory in Super Bowl XXXV following a record-setting ’00 regular season. Over the course of 16 games, the Ravens allowed only 165 points and 970 yards rushing.
2006 Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association tabbed Ryan as their ’06 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year.
HERE’S SOME INFO FOR ALL THE REX RYAN DOUBTERS OUT THERE..EDUCATE YOURSELVE AND KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE RIGHT COACH FOR THE JOB….
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holy post ganggreen! jeez
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good one ganggreen..how much time to get it all together?
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Why do some of you want to see Clemmens?He’s not a winner!! He’s a very poor mans Brett Farve.Josh Freemon is a second rounder and should be taken by the jets if he’s there.It’s time for this team to get a young Franchise QB.I don’t care if they waste the next few picks on one,just get one!! i just hope we get the best ILB in the 1st.
Chris C.,that draft seems flawed to me.Mostly because the jets are not going to draft another 1st round CB. -
LOL sorry for building a wall out there but felt the need with all the questioning going on about REX sorry if i annoyed anyone but it was some good info i though i needed to share…
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i give you an “A+” and a smiley face sticker for your book report!
actually some good info there- thanks
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OK-
Keep Shotty because Tanny sees something in him.This is a Twilight Zone Episode.
We only thought we rooted for an NFL team, but we were in the Twilight Zone and this is Nassau Community College.
Remember Tanny put this pile of crap together in the first place. Great, he likes Shotty. I am going throw up again.
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Zartan
Chris C may not be far off…also this is not the year of QB’s…so why not see what can be done with our 3 young ones who have yet been given a shot … -
not quite sure what your getting at jas
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how do we know clemens is not a winner, what chance has he have to become a winner, anyone behind out 2007 line would have been a loser too.
i say give him a chance (still need the money worth out of the jersey!)
we have 3 young qb’s why the heck would we draft another? inconceivable. -
jas???
one too many or a long suffering Islander Fan who is confused??? -
Bookie….my point 3 young QB’s who have yet to be given a chance….wait was Flacco not # 3 on the QB charts in Balt????
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marvin says:
i just hope he revamps our defense. i think dat schotty will be fine as long as he incoporates keller and washington in the offense i just hope dat ryan makes vg da next demarcus ware i also hope he brings his right hand man from baltimore the olb coach
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Shotty has only shown he can create weak schemes, poor game plans, and, at its best weird play calling. He gets out coached by DC’s every week. Now we finally get an aggressive well schooled HC and we force him to keep a guy who has done nothing but lose and have an under achieving offense for 3 years. How about that reverse from HOFer Smith to Cotch in the rain? One of a thousand bizarre calls.
We need to let Rex pick his staff and build a new image for the team, not keep the “son” of the owner. That doesn’t work anywhere and it can’t work here. Only the Jets could screw this opportunity up. -
jas..time to sign off!!!
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Not until Shotty is gone.
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jas
lol….enjoy the eveining -
Only 95 days till the draft…lets get some idea’s about who we draft in the first round…I say CB or SS VONTAE DAVIS( CB Illinois) or William Moore(SS/FS Missouri) What do the rest of ya think??
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LukeV says:
GANGGREEN–Nice plagiarism!
See nyjets.com -
junior says:
Extremely happy we sign Rex Ryan he will do a fine job.
I was reading somewhere that a key point in his interview was the fact he told woody that he will make Gholston a ball player hope he does..
As for the draft in Round 1 you take mauluga or vontae Davis
in Round 2 you take Hakeem nicks or Kenny Britt -
jefflageman says:
what a joke ….another jet mistake !!!
should have gotten one of the fairly recent SUPER BOWL WINNERS in GRUDEN and BILLICK. They have taken teams to the promised land, where the JETS want to go, I presume.
Yeah, let’s take another UNPROVEN coordinator.
Tannenbaum just protected his job by NOT hiring someone who might GET HIM FIRED.
WHAT A JOKE.
2009 JETS will go 8-8
Jeff Lageman
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Jet_the_dog says:
we need to wait to the sienor bowl or the combine or something to get a look at the players cause everyones just gonna be talkin out of their as*es…
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CRIMSON-SE7EN says:
GANGGREEN,
I would not mind Vontae Davis DB Illinois,but if Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri is still sitting there at 17,the Jets have to take him.
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josh freeman reminds me of flacco….6 foot 6, rocket arm, not form one of the major schools….right now hes looking like a 2nd rounder but after the combine i have a feeling hes going to sky rocket…..still think we should give clemens/ratliff a chance (ainge cant play). We need a Nose Tackle i dont care how good jenkins is our whole defense revolves around that one position and Jenkins breaks down over the course of the season.
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dfb5447 says:
if we dont win the super bowl this year, it’ll be 40 straight without a title. Something between that and the fact that buddy ryan’s own father worked on that ’69 staff makes me believe in a type of jet-loving spirit that will bring us to the promised land.
still, my rational mind leads me to believe it will take a miracle to develop one of these three young QBs we have into championship-caliber by next january, or even a few years down the road. clemens is good, but hasn’t thrown a pass since he and chad split time. Maybe if his injuries in college don’t catch up to him he’ll be elite later in his career, but let’s also remember that offense is not ryan’s forte
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TheFinn says:
“What do you think about bringing in Leftwich in to compete with Clemens for the job next year? Hand off a lot and throw long with Byron’s big arm.”
Can’t believe some of you guys are talking about Kellen Clemens as next year’s Jet QB. You obviously did not watch the four preseason games. While Clemens was just slightly better than terrible, Brett Ratliff was fantastic, earning the highest QB rating of any NFL QB in the preseason.
Ratliff’s first pass was a 71 yard TD and his second pass was a 70 yard TD. In all four games Ratliff was spectacular. Next season Ratliff will beat out Clemens in a walk. It’s not even close.
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Luke V. Never said i wrote the article you fool I said I had information I’d like to share on why rex ryan is the right guy…get a life LUKE and bring information to this blog Dont be another bytch that is judgemental…
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HEy Luke now the Jets Vine,ESPN nfl live, and several other sources are running the same artilcle I posted…SEND the plagairism POLICE after them too….MORON…..
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Bent says: Easy Ganggreen, it was just a light-hearted jab. No name calling!
No-one is really suggesting you claimed to have written it. Thanks for posting – it was interesting!
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Greg says:
Ryan is an upgrade but still not the calibar of the coaching staff they now have in miami
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Skip says:
Forget drafting a QB anywhere higher then the 5th round. If we are to win, we will do it with an aggressive defense, increase Washington’s play time, run the hell out of Jones, and a smart passing game that does NOT make mistakes. First 4 rounds should be 3 for defense and 1 stretch the field WR. Take a shot at finding a “sleeper” at QB in the later rounds. Isn’t it the reason we hire all them scouts?
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Doctor K says:
Greg, the 2009 Dolphins = NYJets 2007. Chad won’t last 16 games.
That is not to say we will be better in 2009, but remember Parcells is not a coach in Miami. -
I had the Jets taking Sanchez in the first round and so many peopl talked me out of that that I had to do a CB.
The Rex Ryan Era has begun.