Rex Ryan Likes the Underdog Role for his Jets

Aug 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan along the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Rex Ryan has, in the past, made it habit of guaranteeing success for the New York Jets. Specifically, guaranteeing Super Bowls. He has gotten away from specific guarantees, but we know he will always remain a confident coach. After all he did say that this year’s team could be “the best team I have had”.

However, when it comes to outside perceptions of his team, coach prefers to be the underdog. A lot of experts are taking the Jets to finish 3rd in the AFC East this season, take a look at Rex’s thoughts:

I think we’re right where we need to be. It does remind me a little bit for whatever reason of our first year here. But you’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to go back in and you’ve got to earn it. To prove people wrong or whoever, does that drive you a little bit? I’d be lying if I told you it never did. Of course it does. Human nature’s like, “I’m going to show you.” And that’s exactly how I am. I’ve grown up that way all my life. There are smarter guys than me, all that kind of stuff, better looking, all those types of things, but I’m going to show you. There’s a reason I’m here today. I’m going to compete, and our whole football team’s going to compete, and this organization’s going to compete. Soon enough, they’ll make those decisions. I’d much rather be picked third right now, and then later be somewhere else at the end of the road. But we’ve got a ton of work to do and it’s just all about this game and this week.

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Jets 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Another guy that has faced a lot of criticism lately is their quarterback, Mark Sanchez. But that hasn’t stopped coach Rex Ryan for having confidence in his starting QB:

Absolutely I am. He shows it every day, in the classroom, with his teammates and in the weight room. He’s working as hard as anybody, anybody I’ve ever been around. He’s been really impressive that way. Physically, just being around the other guys, I see him stepping up and challenging his teammates, all those types of things, not that you (wouldn’t) expect it, but it’s like this is him. You saw it coming. It’s his fourth year. I mentioned this before, as a rookie he was looked at as a weakness on our football team, and I said there’s going to be a day where he’s looked at as the strength of our team and not a weakness. I think that day is right now.

Rex Ryan is ready to go. The Jets have had success in the underdog role in the past, see 2009. Hopefully, the Jets can have similar success again.