Rex Ryan is undoubtedly the most colorful head coach in New York Jets history. Jets fans remember his personality as much as his brief period of success. Not only is he the only coach in team history to lead the Jets to more than two playoff victories, but he’s also the last to bring them to the postseason — 13 seasons ago.
Longtime NFL journalist Gary Myers asked Ryan if he thinks the drought will finally end in 2024. The bombastic head coach did not hold back.
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“I think this is the year for the Jets. I really do. I’m picking them to go all the way. Who do you fear?” Ryan boomed.
He scoffed at the Bills, calling them “not even close to what they’ve been.” Pointing to the Dolphins’ losses on defense, he said he doesn’t think they’ll be that good. As for the Patriots, “Certainly, New England sucks.”
On the other hand, Ryan said, the Jets “got Aaron Rodgers, albeit at 100 years old. But I mean, that team is loaded.”
Myers could only shake his head and laugh. He concluded his X post about the conversation with Ryan, “They just don’t make them like him anymore. The best part is he would have said the same stuff whether he was coaching or in TV as he is now.”
Expectations for the Jets in 2024 are mixed. The betting lines recently switched over to favor them in the AFC East (+165) over Buffalo (+195). Those with high hopes for the Jets highlight their impressive roster. The naysayers poke the holes, including Rodgers’ age and health and Mike Williams’ and Tyron Smith’s injury histories. Count Ryan among the former group.
The first test for the Jets will be quite weighty, as they head to San Francisco for a showdown with the reigning NFC champions. It is one of only two games all season in which the Jets are underdogs. If they can pull off the upset (with Rodgers & Co. remaining healthy), perhaps even the doubters will start to believe.
