Transcript: Rex Wants Guys That Fit
Pardon me, but I’m still not totally used to Rex Ryan’s brutal honesty when speaking to the media. Mangini, Parcells, Groh and Belichick have brainwashed me not to expect anything substantial out of press conferences, interviews and saturday afternoon talk shows. So, when Rex speaks, it’s still new to me for him to be honest and upfront about what he wants and likes for the team. This specific quote stood out to me when he was asked Saturday what they looked for in undrafted free agents:
There are going to be some guys we release who may be able to play in the National Football League. We just don’t think they can play for us. We want guys that are just so passionate about it that they give everything they have. That kind of investment is what we are looking for. We’ve had some guys that might have been short on talent but they made up for it in everything else and they have a chance to make it.
What’s refreshing to me is you so often see teams just sign talent for the sake of talent. It’s become clear that Ryan is determined to sign players to fit what he wants, whether they’re the most talented or not. So often we see teams like the Cowboys or Redskins just throw money and talent at the wall and hope it sticks into something substantial. Pittsburgh, Indy and New England have found guys in late rounds, guys as free agents who just fit the team philosophy and who’s abilities are maxmized by the system. What that tells me is that perhaps he sees the young receivers on the roster as guys who may not be the “big name” or most talented, but guys who can fit into what they want to do on offense and develop into legitimate weapons — just maybe not in the traditional sense.
More Ryan quotes after the jump…
On whether to sit or play a rookie QB…
I certainly understand why people do it (sit a rookie quarterback). It’s hard to buy experience. If the guy has that kind of ability where you think that he could help your football team, then I think you have to give a guy that opportunity.
As we’ve seen and said before, Rex is going to start who he thinks is going to help him win NOW. He’s going to start the best QB regardless of whether it’s Sanchez or Clemens. What I think fans should be on the lookout for during minicamps and training camp is which player can manage the offense best this year, not necessarily who shows the best potential for years to come.
On Baltimore starting Kyle Boller his rookie season …
(The Ravens) thought it was the best choice, it gave our team the best chance to put him out there. He had some ups and downs. He got hurt almost in the first game of the season. Everybody’s different and there’s always a different circumstance.
Being an NFL head coach is never an easy or guaranteed business so be clear that Ryan is not just going to start Sanchez because he’ll be the better QB in 2 years. Sitting on the bench and learning isn’t going to hurt, but that said, if Sanchez is arm and arm with Clemens at the end of this competition, it’s likely Sanchez will get the benefit of the doubt. Something also to consider: Regardless of what he says, a holdout is possible. As Jets fans know, Tannenbaum plays hardball when it comes to rookie contracts and Stafford’s deal is not exactly cheap. That’s going to be something to keep an eye on.
On if anyone jumped out at Coach Ryan today…
It was good to watch them (Offensive line) really work. That offensive line is so much of your character as a football team. I love the way (Bill) Callahan coaches. He is a tough guy and he really makes those guys work. They are not just eating the grass, they are really working out there.
We all saw Callahan’s coaching work wonders last year as the offensive line jelled into one of the best in the NFL. I know that of all the coaches I hoped Ryan would hold onto as he took office, Callahan was hands down No. 1. Callahan’s aggressive coaching style fits right into Ryan’s wheelhouse and it’s good to see that nothing has changed. Look for the offensive line to continue to be a major strength of this team. Sixth-roud pick Matt Slauson should be an interesting developmental prospect to watch considering his history with Callahan at Nebraska.
On his impressions of Shonn Greene…
I love the way guys bounce off him. He comes rolling in there, guys are going flying. Guys are trying to tag him, his teammate went flying today, bounced off him.
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But it’s true, he hits that hole and you say ‘man, that’s a big man coming through there.’ He runs low, he’s a big ol’ rascal. They bounce off him. Unfortunately, some of the passes bounce off him.
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Those are things we can work on. We literally can get that better in his game. (Running backs coach) Anthony Lynn is an outstanding coach. He couldn’t take it today. He had to put those guys through more ball drills. He said ‘I let them slide for one day, but not two days.’ I think he’ll get better that way and I think his pass protection will improve also.
On whether Greene’s burst is better than he thought …
Not more than I thought. Maybe more than a lot of people thought. I think if you are just looking at him, you just see this big guy. I think he surprises a lot of people how quick he is and the kind of speed he really does have.
I wanted to get both of the Green responses out before I commented. Greene is an individual who has been through a fair amount in order to get to the NFL and I think he’s is going to be a HUGE addition for this team. I think he’s very much like Brandon Jacobs and we’ve seen what kind of impact he has had with the Giants. Despite all of the rushing touchdowns last season, it’s been a long time since the Jets had someone they could give the ball to on 4th and 1 or on the goal line and just ask them to push through the line. He’s a huge body and is likely to be used in a very situational role in his rookie year. He could be very similar to what Tim Hightower was for Arizona this past year and snake a good number of short-yardage touches from Thomas Jones. With the team likely to run the ball a heavy amount, having 3 NFL-quality backs is a major boost. However, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of impact this has on Jehuu Caulcrick’s roster status and potential playing time this season.
12 Responses to Transcript: Rex Wants Guys That Fit
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Just watch any game of Greene last year at Iowa and hell see how he runs thru people….It is amazing how hard he is to tackle….
Huge pickup this year…… Let TJ watch some of his runs and maybe hell get his ass back in camp
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I dont know how rex is going to coah but he is just a great guy to have in this organization……Guys will want to play for him….
We wont have to pay the most money to get guy to come here…..
UDFA’s have already proven that to some degree
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JetOrange says:
I know there is a need at WR. But I can’t imagine diva’s like Braylon Edwards or Plaxico playing for Rex
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ramble914 says:
First off, Green reminds me of Jamal Anderson, a fast, big and hard running back. Secondly, I think great things are gonna happen for the Jets, starting with Rex Ryan as HC, Mark Sanchez, as our QB, and Shonn Green as our RB, not to mention the totally dominating defense we will field each season under coach Ryan. I predict a SB is just around the corner.
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Harvlis says:
You can tell that Rex knows how to win. His first statement sums it up. You have to have players who will run through brick walls for you. Wayne Chrebet comes to mind. Cotchery may not be considered a number one receiver by many of you but, he is that type of a player. Rex is going to sort through these players and if Jamaal Westerman (an undrafted FA) is that type of player — he will start instead of Gholston. Let the wars begin.
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Frank says:
I would love Greene to be as good as Jacobs but to be honest, they’re not even in the same universe physically — Jacobs is 6’4″ and 264 lbs according to NFL.com, and Greene is 5’11″ 227 lbs. That’s a BIG linebacker size guy as opposed to a decent sized safety. Hopefully Greene is faster and more agile but people are literally afraid to tackle Jacobs – don’t think they’ll be afraid to tackled Greene.
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JesusRevis says:
Frank,
Adrian Peterson isnt the same size as Jacobs, but he’s a much better running back.
I’m not saying anything to hype Greene or knock Jacobs, all i’m saying is the comparison is based simply on their ability to knock people over. No one is saying Greene will be able to do what Jacobs does, just saying they’re similar.
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Broadway12 says:
I like the idea of finding diamonds in the ruff. But I want to see how the season unfolds before I declare RR coach of the year. I fell victim to last year’s KOOL AID b4 we crashed and burned ( ala my NY METS) so hopefully everything will unfold like its sounding.
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JetObsessed28 says:
I don’t like comparing Greene to Jacobs.. People forget that Jacobs is extremely tall for a RB.. I think Jacobs is 6’4″, 260ish.. a complete beast..
Shonn is more like 5’10″ 230.. in Jones-Drew or, even better, Michael Turner territory..
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I guess i should read previous posts before putting my own 2 cents in.. i see that point was already made lol
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Corey Griffin says:
Hey guys,
You’re right for calling out the height difference, I should have been more specific. I meant more in the style sense is that he’ll be their straight-ahead power runner in their 3-man backfield as opposed to Leon’s speed and TJ’s every-day skills.
My mistake, I should have been clearer. Thanks for clearing it up for everyone.
Brandon Jacobs runs down-hill, Greene seems to do a little bit of that but doesnt get enough recognition for his actual quickness and speed.