Is Bill Parcells responsible for Rex Ryan in New York?

 

It seems like ages ago that Bill Parcells, the Big Tuna himself, roamed the sidelines of the meadowlands. No, not the first time when he won Super Bowls with the Giants, the second time when he resurrected the New York Jets. You know, before that experiment in Dallas with Jerry Jones and before he took off to South Beach to turn the Dolphins around.

Parcells quickly turned the Jets around from laughing stock to nearly making the Super Bowl turning around a 1-15 team to a 12-4 Super Bowl contender. And according to a report by Ian O’Connor of ESPN New York, Parcells may have had a hand in the Jets resurgence over the past 2 years under the leadership of Rex Ryan.

Parcells said in an interview last night, “I was very impressed with Rex when I met him. I could just sense that, hey this guy’s going to have a chance.”

According to Parcells, he interviewed Rex Ryan for the Dolphins head coaching position and was incredibly impressed with the boisterous and successful defensive coordinator from Baltimore. If not for the close relationship and years of experience with Tony Sparano, Parcells indicated that he would’ve hired Rex Ryan on the spot to lead the Dolphins.

Parcells worked closely with Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum during his years with the Jets. So much so that Tannenbaum considers the Tuna to be a mentor. After Eric Mangini was fired in New York, Tannenbaum reportedly called Parcells to discuss the possibility of hiring Ryan as the Head Coach of the Jets. Parcells is said to have relayed his positive view of Ryan stating his pedigree (father Buddy Ryan) and ability.

Parcells added, “I had a fierce rivalry with Rex’s father when I was coaching the Giants, but I held Buddy in high regard. What made Buddy a dangerous adversary was that he knew what he was looking for personnel-wise, and Rex is the same way. That’s a pretty good head start for Rex because there are a quite a few coaches in this league who don’t know what they’re looking for.”

Personally, I’m sure Parcells’ endorsement helped, but I certainly doubt it was the deciding factor. Rex had already established himself as a premier defensive mind in the NFL and the pedigree was obvious to everyone. The only question was whether a guy with so much passion and such a big mouth could effectively lead an NFL franchise. Perhaps Parcells did help to cast away those doubts, but Rex’s ability as a coach was already proven in my opinion.

I’m not sure how much Parcells was involved on the front end of the Rex Ryan hire, but I do know this. Parcells is an incredible judge of talent and the Jets are definitely better off for taking a chance on Ryan. You can say what you want about his antics and trash talking, but the guy delivers. He enters the game this weekend going into his 2nd straight AFC Championship as a head coach and his 3rd straight including his time in Baltimore.

Wes Welker is Benched vs. Jets due to Foot Comments

 

I think we’ve all heard enough about the Jets/Patriots trash talk this week leading up to the game. The Jets, as always, started it and Bill Belichick finished it. Or at least he thought he did when he issued a “no trash talk” order to his team. After all, that is the Patriot way. Belichik, Brady and company are honestly more worried about doing their talking on the field and not through the media.

But Brady’s favorite WR, and a player who totally epitomizes what it means to be a Patriot, Wes Welker tested those boundaries with a tongue in cheek interview taking shots at Rex Ryan’s foot fetish. I, for one, thought it was hilarious. Bill Belichik, however, apparently did not.

News just came down as Jim Nantz reported prior to kickoff that Wes Welker will be benched to start the game because he ignored Belichik’s orders. We don’t know at this point how long that benching will last. It could be a play, a series, or a quarter, but it is yet another example of just how strict of a program that Belichik runs.

 

Is there now a bounty on Wes Welker’s head?

In response to the week long trash talk event, Wes Welker came up with the most original, clever, hilarious, and obviously light-hearted response earlier in the week. He took subtle shots at Rex Ryan’s foot fetish by referencing toes, feet, foot, foot soldiers, etc. multiple times during his media session the other day. Pretty hilarious if you ask me.

But not if you ask Bart Scott. Scott, the Jets linebacker and extension of Rex Ryan as they both have nearly the same personality, was none too pleased. In fact, when asked about it by Newsday reporters he offered this:

“I’ll tell you what, Be very careful what you say about our coach. His days in a uniform will be numbered. Put it like that.”

Now Bart loves to talk and he is a bit of a hot head, but would he really take Welker’s joking comments to the next level by actually trying to hurt the man? There have long been stories of bounties placed on the heads of certain players and Rex’s father, Buddy is actually said to have originated this practice. So is it impossible? No. But my guess, as is usually the case, is that the guy who does the most talking does the least when it comes down to it.

I’m sure Bart is just trying to send a message to Welker and the rest of the NFL that his coach’s sexual fetishes are off limits as far as trash talk goes. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the back and forth through the media… I can’t wait for kickoff.

 

Return of the Jet-I

 

The New York Post often has interesting and controversial front pages… but this one takes it to a whole new level. As we approach the Divisional playoff game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, there has been no shortage in drama and entertainment.

It all started when Rex Ryan got the week going with a Rex vs. Belichick press conference and then Jets CB Antonio Cromartie kicked it up a notch calling Tom Brady an A-Hole. Brady and Belichick refused to partake in the pre-game trash talk, deflecting back to the game at hand as is their nature. I think we all know by now that they tend to do their trash talk, and damage, on the field.

Wes Welker followed up with the most interesting, humorous and original form of trash talk yesterday where he repeatedly mentioned the words foot, feet, toes, etc. in his interview with the press. A very clever and fun loving shot at Rex Ryan and his wife’s foot fetish videos.

The New York Post front page follows up wonderfully with a Star Wars based cover featuring the usual cast of characters. You just gotta love the picture of Michelle Ryan, Joe Namath as Yoda, and Bill Belichick as the dark lord himself. How fitting….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Brady Responds to Cromartie: “I’ve been called worse”

 

The Jets, as always, have been popping off at the mouth all week trying to bait the Patriots into a war of words. It started with Rex Ryan’s attempt to make the game about him vs. Belichick. Belichick shrugged it off, and as always, focused on the task at hand. Antonio Cromartie then went off on a profanity laced tirade about the Patriots Tom Brady calling him an “asshole” and saying “F*CK HIM”.

New England reporters asked Brady if he had heard about the comments and repeated them back to the surefire MVP. Brady, in perfect Patriots form, shrugged them off by saying “I’ve been called worse”. He went on to add that “I’m sure a lot of people feel that way.”

Brady then immediately went on to praise Cromartie and Revis and the Jets secondary, quickly focusing back in on the game. People wonder why and how the Patriots are so good year in and year out. Maybe it has something to do with their ability and willingness to worry about the game at hand, rather than the pre-game trash talk and antics…

I, personally, hope Brady hangs half a hundred on Cromartie and the Jets.

Cromartie Hates Tom Brady, calls him an ASS****

 

Another day and yet another Jet popping off at the mouth leading up to the Divisional playoff game. Jets CB Antonio Cromartie told the New York Daily News that he hates Tom Brady and then went on to call the league’s MVP and one of the best QB’s in the history of the NFL an asshole.

Cromartie apparently took offense to the 45-3 beatdown they suffered at the hands of Tom Brady and the Patriots the last time they met. Specifically, Cromartie is upset at Brady’s “post-touchdown antics” where Brady reportedly pointed at the Jets sideline following a TD pass that put the Patriots up 38-3.

Rex Ryan, as always, started the talking earlier in the week when he tried the “It’s Personal” angle for the second straight week telling the press that the game was all about him and mastermind Bill Belichick. Cromartie was asked Tuesday by the Daily News if he’d ever seen Brady pointing after the Patriots score. He offered the following:

“We see that a lot. He does it a lot. That’s the kind of guy he is. We really don’t give a damn, to tell you the truth.”

When asked what kind of guy Brady is… Cromartie responded “An asshole.” “F*CK him.”

Well those are awfully strong words by a guy who’s job it is to stop Brady and the Patriots from scoring in the first place. Maybe if Cromartie is so upset by what Brady does following a TD pass he should focus on stopping Brady FROM THROWING TD PASSES!

 

Rex Ryan tries the “Its Personal” strategy again

 

Going into this weekend’s Wild Card matchup between the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts, Rex Ryan, as always, lead the charge with his mouth. It’s no secret that Peyton Manning had owned Ryan both with the Ravens and the Jets going into the game and Rex Ryan made it clear to everyone that he took it very personally. He also took the opportunity to get a subtle jab in at Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, who they are obviously set to take on in the Divisional round of the playoffs after beating the Colts.

Well, I guess you stick with what works as Rex Ryan is yet again opening up the Monday morning press conference with an “It’s personal” quote. When asked about the week 13 beat down at the hands of the division rival Patriots, Rex added this:

“The plan might have looked good on paper, but it wasn’t realistic. When we had to make the adjustments, we couldn’t execute.”

“I was outcoached in that game. Belichick will go down in history as maybe the greatest football coach in the history of this game–or gonna be close to it. He was at that level that week, and I was not. For whatever reason, I never had my team prepared the way it should have been prepared, and that falls right down on me. “

“I recognize that this week, this is about Bill Belichick vs. Rex Ryan. There’s no question. It’s personal, it’s about him against myself, and that’s what it’s going to come down to.”

“When you look at it, both teams are very even. So this is going to be about me raising my level against Bill Belichick. I recognize that he’s the best, and all that, but I’m just trying to be the best on Sunday, and I plan on being the best coach on Sunday.

“He’s going to get my best shot and if he slips at all, we’re going to beat them.”

I can’t say that I agree with his thoughts, but Rex popping off at the mouth and making everything about him should be no surprise by now. Most say that all his talking is done as an attempt to take the pressure off his team and these comments would be consistent with that theory.

He’s trying to make it about him and Belichick as opposed to his defense vs. Tom Brady or his young QB vs. Belichick’s defense. That’s all fine and good, but there is at least a part (and a large part) that derives from Rex loving him some Rex. There is no question that Rex loves to hear himself talk and he loves to take shots at the opponent and have the spotlight on himself. I don’t mind it at all, but I wonder how Jets fans are taking it. Each and every week. Each and every time he steps up to the podium.

Hey, it’s great entertainment and he gives incredible quotes nearly every time he opens his mouth. Which is very, very often. I guess he thinks that the “it’s personal” angle worked for him last week for one of the only times he’s had success against Peyton Manning so it’s worth a shot against the league’s best team this week.

 

 

Charles Barkley on Rex Ryan foot fetish videos

 

Charles Barkley is honestly one of the most clever, entertaining, and forthright people in sports today. Given the shallow pool, that’s not saying all that much, but Chuck is truly the best. He is good for a great soundbite or quote nearly every time he does an interview. The latest was this morning on the Dan Patrick radio show in which Chuck weighed in on the Rex Ryan foot fetish story.

For anyone in a coma for the last week, Deadspin.com released several videos of a woman resembling Michelle Ryan, Rex’s wife partaking in foot fetish videos. The person shooting the video also sounded exactly like Rex. He has since confirmed what we all knew by saying that it was his wife and he was the voice in the videos. Hey, more power to him. At least he’s making videos with his own wife and isn’t running around with porn stars or anything.

When Barkley was asked about whether or not he would joke around with his coach if he were a player it he added this:

“Well if I was on that team, the next meeting I would have every player and every coach come in without shoes on, something like that. Dan that is the best thing about playing sports is the time you make fun of each other. Everybody comes in without their shoes on, something like that.”

As always… you gotta love Chuck!

Rex Ryan’s Foot Fetish?

 

I’m not even sure I want to post this because quite honestly, it’s just weird as hell! But good old flamboyant Rex Ryan may have taken it to a whole new level with this one. An article at www.deadspin.com has this video that really creeps me out. The woman in the video looks almost identical to Michelle Ryan, Rex’s wife. Now, I have no idea what she sounds like, but I’ve heard Rex talk and talk and talk and I have a pretty good idea what his voice sounds like.

I’m no voice analyst, but take a listen for yourself and tell me if this doesn’t sound EXACTLY like Rex Ryan.

I’m not into feet like some guys are, but more power to the big fella if this is what he likes. At least it’s his wife that he’s making videos with unlike some athletes and celebrities!

Incredible finish in Pittsburgh

 

The New York Jets came into Pittsburgh floundering. Well, as much as a 9-4 team could possibly be floundering. After a blowout loss to rival New England and an ugly loss to division foe, Miami, the Jets put themselves in a tough position entering the game against the Steelers. The offense hadn’t scored a TD in two games and nearly the entire team was under fire, especially Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan.

The only saving grace for the Jets was the absence of All-World safety, Troy Polamalu which is the true catalyst to the amazing Steeler defense. His absence truly makes them a different, and weaker team. The Jets got off to a hot start as Brad Smith returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and they were actually able to run the ball fairly well against the vaunted Steeler defense. The Jets were able to run for over 100 yards and LT and Shonn Greene combined for 89 yards. Not great, but effective enough to keep the Steelers honest and control the clock a little bit.

Braylon Edwards added 8 catches for 100 yards and had an incredible catch over the middle of the field where left his feet for a ball and got popped by hard hitting safety Ryan Clark. Clark was flagged on the play for launching at Edwards’ head.

Sanchez wasn’t lighting it up by any means, but he did have a solid game passing for 170 yards on 19/29 attempts. He added a running TD on a great naked bootleg where he was literally untouched going into the endzone.

The game was tight throughout and the Steelers had some good performances as well. Rashard Mendenhall added 100 yards on 17 carries with 1 TD and Ben Roethlisberger threw for 264 yards with 1 TD.

Late in the game the Steelers had the ball deep in their own territory, trailing the Jets 17-20. The Steelers ran a play from shotgun and as Roethlisberger handed the ball off, the great Jason Taylor made an incredible play shooting the gap for a safety. This would prove to be the critical play in the game in my opinion as it extended the lead to 5 points which obviously forced the Steelers to score a TD as opposed to a FG.

The Steelers got the ball back with under 2 minutes left and Big Ben had them driving. With only 1 timeout, the Steelers were right around midfield and seemed to be dead to rights after Big Ben was stripped by a blitzing Jets defender. Roethlisberger recovered but lost a lot of yardage which set up a 3rd and nearly 20. On the next play, Roethlisberger hit the speedy Mike Wallace for a great catch and handful of yards after the catch to pick up a first down.

The Steelers got down inside the redzone with a 1st & 10 at the 10 yard line. They were forced to clock the ball setting up a 2nd down with 9 seconds left. Big Ben held the ball for far too long in my opinion, waiting for a WR to get open and threw an incomplete pass in the back of the endzone in the vicinity of two Steelers receivers and several Jets defenders. On 3rd down, the Steelers only had 2 seconds left and obviously one more play. It was an incomplete pass ending the game and the Jets escaped with a much needed victory.

Like I said, the safety by Jason Taylor proved to be critical as the Steelers would have been otherwise able to tie up the game and force overtime. It was an incredible game from start to finish and the Jets went from reeling to beating one of the best teams in the NFL and improving to 10-4. For now, the crisis in New York is averted.