Ryan’s players recently voiced their displeasure with the coach’s defensive scheme.
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OK WITH IK: Ryan stirred things up a bit early in the week when he selected linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali as one of the Bills’ game day captains.
CBS Sports analyst Bart Scott is no stranger to the NY Jets or to Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan.
“At the same time, he has his reasons”, Pryor said after practice Tuesday.
A Buffalo win puts both teams at 5-4, but NY can distance itself from both the Bills and Dolphins while remaining the second-best team in the division.
The Jets enter the game 5-3 straight up and 4-3-1 against the spread, coming off a straight up win but against the spread loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Enemkpali was cut by the Jets in August for breaking quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw with a punch.
When Ryan was hired by the Jets as coach in 2009, he burst into the Big Apple with guarantees and declarations that fired up a fanbase thirsting for an identity. You can’t get to him, but he creates with his legs. You don’t have to announce it on Monday for the whole world to know. Ryan said, before noting Pryor played at Louisville.
Ryan’s new team plays 355 miles northeast of his old one, in a frozen square of wind and slush.
“That’s just Rex being Rex”, said Thurman, who has worked with Ryan for 13 years.
Smith shrugged at the whole situation, saying he doesn’t think anything much of the decision, adding he doesn’t take it personally.
“I don’t get everything, ” he said.
The guy does anything for attention?
That will be the big story as Rex Ryan leads his Buffalo Bills into New Jersey to battle the Jets, one year after his termination as head coach. In his time with the Jets, Ryan has been known for his antics in the media, and this week has been full of that with an important game looming on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Jets are dealing with several other injuries, including to kicker Nick Folk.
“We’re excited for Thursday, especially going in with a win, we’re just super excited to move forward”, says Bills defensive tackle MARCELL DAREUS.
So, while everybody’s talking about Ryan’s return to MetLife Stadium, and his desire to avenge his firing last December after coaching the Jets the previous six seasons, know that Gailey and Fitzpatrick probably want to avenge their firings from the Bills just as badly. “We’re checking on that right now”, he said with a grin.
Pryor wasn’t finished, though.
Ultimately, the good feeling from that locker room in Miami didn’t carry over into 2014, when the Jets went 4-12. “Definitely got a sense of humor and a amusing guy. He’s a good person”. How about as a head coach?
“Uhh, he said. “No comment on that”.
“Any time you play against a team that told you you’re not good enough, that carries a few extra weight”, Fitzpatrick said. Corner Antonio Cromartie (quad) has not practiced and is doubtful to play, and slot corner Buster Skrine (shoulder, hand) is questionable, but will have to move to the outside to take Cro’s spot.
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“It’s a moving month in football, because everybody has gotten the kinks out of the way in September and October”, Jets coach Todd Bowles said. If he’s not activated, he’ll go on season-ending IR.
