New York Jets’ Coach Rex Ryan Doesn’t Watch Jets’ Offense Friday Night

Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan on the sidelines in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There are many times when coach Rex Ryan speaks, he makes us laugh. Whether he is taking shots at our friends from New England, or just being his usual joking self, he is always a great listen. Let’s be honest, who gives a better sound bite? In an era of secrecy, nobody does the sound bite better than coach Ryan.

However, there are other times where Rex opens his mouth and we wish that he would, as Kevin James would say during “The King of Queens”, “….take a bus trip to Shuttytown!” Last night, after the game against Detroit, was one of those times.

After the game, coach Ryan, as expected, was asked to evaluate the play of the quarterbacks. Makes sense. He is the head coach, he decides who plays, with others, so he should have an opinion, should he not? Well, he was asked about the pick six thrown by Sanchez, he responded by telling the media that he didn’t see it. He was then asked about the play of his new quarterback, Geno Smith. He responded by telling the room that he was too engrossed in his defense to evaluate Geno.

A couple of things here…

First of all, why would you admit to this? Doesn’t coach realize by now that any kind of comment like that is going to be focused on by the mainstream media? Maybe say something about he needs to watch the film for a more accurate evaluation. Make something up about how they both had their ups and downs, but need to look at the film to really see who outperformed who. That would have been a way to save face. But to say that you didn’t see anything? That’s a very questionable comment to make in front of the Jets’ beat.

Secondly, if that actually is the case that he didn’t see the quarterbacks play, shouldn’t we be concerned? I mean, we know that Rex finally has an offensive coordinator that he can trust with that side of the football. That is a great thing. We have seen when Rex puts serious hands on the offense. He has made it worse before making it better. So, it’s not a bad thing that Rex has been hands off.

However, Rex is still the head coach. As such, shouldn’t he have a pulse on everything that is going on? Isn’t it is job to evaluate as the game is going on? He is not a defensive coordinator anymore, and hasn’t been one since 2008 in Baltimore. He should be watching every play on the field, shouldn’t he? It’s OK to need to go back to the tape for more details, but he should have an opinion on every play that happens from opening whistle until the final gun. Isn’t that true?

What do you guys think? Is this something to be concerned about, or am I barking up the wrong tree? Sound off, as always.