Rex Ryan Talks about Clyde Gates’ After Drops in New England

Sep 12, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (37) intercepts a ball intended for New York Jets wide receiver Clyde Gates (19) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Clyde Gates was among the many wide receivers that had a tough night for the Jets in New England. Interceptions that he could have done more to stop, and dropped passes were the order of the night. However, despite the calls of many fans to see him cut, Gates will be on the field tomorrow afternoon. Is coach Ryan concerned with Gates’ confidence?

I get it. I definitely understand the question. But no, this guy, just go out and have fun. That’s the main thing – have fun and attack the football. Go get it. Is it going to be the last time he drops the football? No. The last time somebody else drops one? No. We believe in him, we know he can do it. I see him. he catches everything. The main thing is here’s a young man who knows how to run routes and catch the football. Go do it. Play relaxed, have some fun, go get it.

Rex has certainly learned those media phrases that were handed out, hasn’t he? “I definitely understand the question”? Sheesh, how rehearsed is that? But seriously, it’s great when the coach has confidence in his players. As long as Clyde Gates is on his football team, he has to put him in the best position to win, and talking up his positives does just that.

Here is a very “Rex” answer as to whether the drops are mental or technical:

No, I think he had a couple of those, where he let the ball get back to his body. And you (have to) go up with your hands and get it done. Some of them, the ball could’ve been thrown in a litter better spot, but again guys, every receiver has drops. I know he’s going to have a big day. That’s kind of how I feel about it and I’m comfortable with it. And you know what, if he drops the first one, go catch the second one. I think that has to be his mentality. It has to be our mentality, ok that, ‘Now hey, I’m going to (catch it).’ But that’s the confidence that we have as a football team in each other.

See? He gives a little insight, but never directly answers. That is how Rex handles questions about the offense, I was just surprised he didn’t give his usual, “and all that kind of stuff”, to let us know he was done. He was asked if Ryan Spadola could see increased reps, his answer?

I don’t think so. That’s about as honest as I could be I think.

Well, OK then.