Rex Ryan Likens Cromartie to Deion Sanders

Oct. 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

We can never say that Rex doesn’t bring the praise.

A major bright spot in the game Monday night against the Texans was the performance of Antonio Cromartie. For one night, he made everyone forget about Darrelle Revis, taking out Andre Johnson by himself, holding him to one catch for 15 yards. He also added an INT, showing the world how good “Good Cro” can be. Coach Ryan talked about Cromartie elevating his play, and talked about Cromartie’s talent level being up there with a guy known as “Prime Time”:

No question. I think when he made the statement he did, it’s because he believes it. And quite honestly, he has that kind of athletic ability where he could be the best corner in the league. I think he definitely has stepped up. I see it in the meeting rooms. He’s even taken some of that leadership deal over with that backend. He understands Darrelle’s a great football player, but I think he took it as, “I have to step up now.” We’ve always said he has more ability than probably anybody I’ve ever seen at that position, him and Deion (Sanders). He’s starting to play that way. When we play against Miami, (Brian) Hartline’s targeted nine times with one catch. He goes out and has 250 yards receiving the next week. He’s matching up against guys. He’s doing a great job. Andre Johnson with one catch for 15 yards, that’s impressive to say the least. Now this one, Reggie’s going to catch his share, there’s no doubt, it’s not necessarily going to be a true isolation though because of where they put him. I’m happy we got Cro to say the least.

As long as Cromartie keeps it up, I will take it. When Cromartie is on he is great. Here’s Rex on the matchup with Reggie Wayne this week:

It’s going to be tough. I think if (Wayne) just sat out there where he used to be, I think it’d be a little easier. We’d be able to identify where he is but they’re moving him around a little bit. It’s kind of hard to get your hands on him. They put him in the slot, they put him in a lot of bunches, they put him in what we call snugs, which is a two-man bunch. They don’t want you to get your hands on him, and that’s something that obviously, we’re going to try to do. They’re not just going to let (Cromartie) go out there and ‘D him up’ from the line of scrimmage. They’re going to move him. But, that should be a really good matchup.

I give Cromartie every chance to win that matchup. Especially if he plays like he did Monday night.