nypost
Rex Ryan held nothing back when addressing the bulletin-board material that Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty provided for the Jets. During ESPN's NFL Countdown on Sunday, Ryan, who previously coached the Jets, ripped into Jeanty for suggesting that some New York defenders lack the desire to tackle.
Ryan outlined a hypothetical pregame confrontation with Jeanty, saying he would tell the running back: 'I heard what you said, and I want you to know something. We are not gonna try to take you out of the game.' He then explained the reasoning: 'Why? Because you are horrible. You're about the worst draft pick in the last 20 years, I think, as a running back. You stink. You're averaging 3.1 yards per carry. Guess what? Today, you get your ass kicked, and you know who else does? Your teammates. It's on you, my friend.'
As the segment concluded, another analyst noted that a fight might break out before the Jets and Raiders faced off at MetLife Stadium. Ryan doubled down, stating, 'If we had a fight, there'd be a non-hitter, and that'd be him.'
Ryan's response stood in stark contrast to the current Jets, who largely avoided firing back at Jeanty. Several players acknowledged hearing his comments but declined to engage. Head coach Aaron Glenn offered a terse reaction: 'We have to play on Sunday, so that's the reaction.'
Linebacker Demario Davis characterized the remarks as typical motivation. 'It's bulletin board material, nothing other than that,' Davis told reporters. 'I'm big on the game is played inside the white lines. Simple as that.'
The Jets entered the weekend ranked 24th in rushing defense, surrendering an average of 128.1 yards per game. In Week 7, Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II torched them for 156 yards and forced 10 missed tackles in Miami's victory.
Both teams were desperate for a win to halt their downward spirals. The Raiders had lost four straight after a 3-0 start, while the Jets sat at 2-5.
Key Analysis
Ryan's verbal assault on Jeanty adds another layer of intrigue to an already tense matchup. While the Jets players chose to downplay the comments, Ryan's willingness to engage suggests the remarks struck a nerve. Jeanty, in his second NFL season, has rushed for 328 yards and a touchdown, but his 3.1 yards per carry average has drawn criticism. The Jets' struggling run defense could be tested further, and Jeanty's comments may serve as extra motivation for a unit looking to prove itself. As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Jets' actions speak louder than Ryan's words.
Originally reported by nypost.