Could Player’s Comments Cost Rex Ryan his Job?

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan signs an autograph for a fan following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

One of the hallmarks of the Rex Ryan era has been confidence. He had it in the beginning, it was under wraps a bit last year, and it has started to come back as 2014 has begun. You guys don’t all agree, but you know how I feel about it by now. I love Rex, and can’t envision anyone else in the job right now.

In 2014, the confidence has spilled over to the players. You could easily say that the player statements are brimming with more confidence than Rex’s statements. Again, as a fan, I love the confidence. What do we want, guys that don’t think they are any good? I would think not.

But, calling it honestly, we have to look at what the repercussions are, or what they could be. This time, the repercussions could be quite serious for head coach Rex Ryan. It could cost Rex his job, more than in the past. Let me explain.

In the past, when Rex would make his comments, he did so under the impression that he was taking the focus off of his team and onto him. However, veterans like LaDainian Tomlinson explained to him that his comments were putting a bullseye on the team. Rex relented, and the team had some off years. Rex could have lost his job, but didn’t, thanks to Woody Johnson and the end of 2013.

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Fast forward to 2014, and Rex has begun to embrace the idea of “confident, not cocky”. He hasn’t made any guarantees, only stating that he “believes” his team is a playoff team. What’s wrong with that? I say nothing. His confidence is what makes him a great coach.

Now, however, we have boasting from players. When you have players saying they are the best in the NFL, or their unit is the best in the NFL, it’s a totally different ball game. On the surface, you would think the players are putting a target on themselves. You would be right. Statements such as these make opponents want to take you out.

But there is more……..

We already know that Woody Johnson wants to see progress. We also know that Rex, with the short extension, will have his contract up for debate again, as he would be coming towards the end. Allowing his team to be this confident is risky. If they don’t improve, Woody might take into account Rex’s allowing the public statements, and fire him over that, combined with the record.

I love the confidence, I just hope Rex knows what he is doing.