I can’t wait to hear Rex Ryan at the podium this week.

Before the Jets took on the Bengals in the wild card round, I wrote a post that basically asked for a free ticket on the Ryan Train. I was sold, loved the way he spoke with confidence to a point where it became almost downright cocky and brash.

His players buy it, the Jets’ fans buy it, and now Norv Turner and the Chargers are buying it after New York went into San Diego and pulled off a 17-14 upset.

But, was it an upset?

I didn’t pick this one. Sure, the Jets have what looks like the unquestioned best defense in the entire league, but to go on the road—across country—and slow down Rivers, Vincent Jackson, Gates, etc?

No chance, right? That was my thought pattern as I sat down to watch the game this afternoon, but something happens when you play the Jets right now. The opposing offense looks soft, they look flustered, and about half way through the second quarter that game plan—the one that took an entire week to install—is worthless.

This defenses squeezes the soul out of quarterbacks, takes wide receivers out of the game and makes even the league’s best players look average. Ryan’s scheme has a lot to do with it. The Jets defensive game plan centers on pressure, man-to-man coverage in the backend and a front seven that can stop the run. But, what is more impressive is the way that these players act out that exact scheme.

They are hardly out of position. They tackle well and they play with very good technique—something that is taken for granted across the league.

What I am getting at here is that the Jets play with an attitude—the same attitude of Ryan. And it doesn’t stop with the just the defense. Look at the way they attack teams on offense with the power downhill running game, and look what they get from rookies Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene. These are just young guys in the NFL, yet they are making plays on the biggest stage. And, when we talk about Greene, can we finally say he was the biggest steal of the NFL Draft?

Another 100-yard day, another long TD run and numbers that reflect those of a veteran running back.
And, when they needed a play to ice the game on 4th down, they ran off-tackle, your basic Lead Strong. Nothing special, yet everyone did their job.

First down. Game over. Bring on the Colts.

Rex is going to be something to listen to this week—and this time we can’t question him. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say next.

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