Rex Ryan from a Jets fan POV

[Momentoftrth]

I'm new here, and I'm a Jets fan. I wanted to join this board because I interact with a lot of fans from other AFC East teams on Jetsnation.com and now that Rex is in Buffalo I thought it would be interesting to see how his 2nd shot at running the show goes.

 

So here's my take on Rex, after 6 years of watching just about everything he did from his 1st "take a swipe at one of ours we will take a swipe at 2 of yours" press conference until his last day... a few short weeks ago. Jets fans were very split over Rex. Some diehard types signed on with Rex and never gave up on him. Others supported him when they were winning and started jumping ship somewhere around midway through the 2012 season. These days just about the whole fan base is focused on moving forward.

 

I am not a Rex Ryan fan, I should be very transparent about that. I'm not a Rex basher, but from the day he was signed I asked the question "why did one of the best run organizations in pro sports pass him over for the HC position and go with some unknown special teams coach?" I'm referring to The Ravens choosing Harbaugh over Rex in 2008. This could have caused a mutiny because Rex was so beloved by those players. But Ozzy Newsome felt that a guy, who was with that team for almost a decade at that point, was missing something important. I wondered what that was back in January of 2009.

 

I attended my first Rex Ryan practice in August of 09'. I was truly stunned at the pace and overall atmosphere. It was so casual. Rex walked around socializing with players and coaches, the drills that were being run were sloppy with zero intensity.... I was not panicked, but it seemed like something was missing.

 

I liked that Rex decided to trust his gut and start Sanchez as a rookie. He was asked about the rocky road that may lie ahead by having a rookie starter and Rex gave the best answer I ever heard. He said "with Mark we aren't waiting on a mistake, we are waiting on a play". That quote is Rex Ryan. I was impressed with that approach and it really shows the good Rex brings to the table. He got a lot out of Mark those first two years because he has an optimistic outlook that really motivates everyone around him. I would say he's special in that way.

 

So that's the positive about Rex. He believes, he motivates, and it's not an act. Trust me, this guy is the real deal, what you see is what you get.

 

Now on to the bad Rex. The reason I feel he failed with my Jets is because of one main thing... he is a good department manager.... or in the NFL a coordinator. He does not have the qualities one would want to see in a CEO. A CEO, a high level executive who leads a billion dollar business, has no room in their life for loyalty. A CEO has to be cold, calculated, and always focused on the bottom line.

 

For example, when John Harbaugh was told what happened in the elevator with Ray Rice he was the only one in the room with all of the top Ravens brass who said.... without hesitation, he needs to be cut. It's well known that Harbaugh and Rice had a very close relationship as player and coach. But the CEO mindset made it clear to Harbaugh that behavior like that couldn't be tolerated and I'm sure he was also worried about the backlash from the media. The owner of the Ravens and their legendary GM are pretty high level executives and even they admitted that Harbaugh was the only one who made that call from day 1.

 

Rex does not favor competition, because of his loyalty. Over and over I would see him crown a guy a starter (at any position) and then just let the guy struggle... not just for weeks or months but for multiple seasons. My top 3 examples are Sanchez ( I won't say much about him, he was a disaster from early 2011 to the end of 2012, it's well documented) Eric Smith (safety) and the one and only Bart Scott.

 

If you don't really follow the Jets you may not even know who Smith is. He was out starter for 3 years under Rex, and he was horrendous. He was a big hitter....and that was it. He missed tackles all over the field (week in and week out) and he couldnt cover the slowest tight end in the NFL. But he was a Rex guy, and he started like 40 plus games under Rex.

 

Scott was the #1 guy Rex targeted when he left the Ravens. Rex and our GM were actually parked in front of Bart's house in Maryland on the night free agency started in 2009. The clock struck midnight and they rang his bell. That's how much Rex needed him. He was pure, hot garbage. He was given a ridiculous contract and never came near beating out David Harris for the starting ILB spot. Not only did he miss tackles in the most glorious fashion each week but he also drew the most idiotic penalties that cost us games.

 

But, he was a big talker and Rex truly loved this guy. So he drained our salary cap and was a waste of space on our team for 4 years. This is how loyalty can hinder you as a CEO.

 

What I saw with Rex as our coach (even in 2009 & 2010 when we had success) was a few definitive characteristics.

 

Inexplicable presnap penalties and general confusion. The 12 men on the field thing happened at least 80% of the games Rex coached over his 6 years.

 

We saw the defense give up huge plays at key moments routinely, even when they would dominate 80% of the snaps. Giving up long drives before half time was common.

 

Offensively, turn overs... That's it, turn overs and horrible red zone effeciency. Remember we had 3 different OC's, 2 different highly drafted QB's and 2 different GM's. And the offense always seemed to have the same issues.

 

Stubborn play calling and overall defensive system. Rex doesn't contour anything to the talent on the team. I also never saw any halftime adjustments. If we started out struggling running the ball. In the 2nd half, we ran the ball more. If we were getting beat with long passes because of aggressive blitzing, in the second half we kept bring 6 and 7 guys on the pass rush.

 

Delusional praising of players. Just look at some of the post game pressers in 2014 alone. We'd lose by 20+ points and he would talk about how Richardson played just as hard in the 1st quarter as he did in the 4th. He may have registerd 2 tackles, zero sacks, zero passes batted down, and we gave up 100+ yards on the ground... But Rex wants to praise our defenses effort.

 

Finally was the lack of accountability. You may have followed Geno Smiths nightmare season in 2014. You all had an underachiever of your own in Buffalo. But your situation was handled properly. When the season was still up for grabs you benched your #1 draft pick from the previous year. He wasn't getting it done so you went with the vet. Rex's approach with a young QB is what I call the "ride it to the wheels come off" method. He drove Geno into the ground, while letting a savvy seasoned vet sit on the bench and watch. He waited until 1-7 to pull the guy with the 2nd worst QBR in the league. He also did nothing when Geno flipped off the fans in our stadium after being heckled for a horrendous loss, and did nothing when he skipped a team meeting the night before a game.

 

When the Seahwaks signed Mat Flynn as a free agent years back they gave him pretty decent money. I think he was getting 8 to 10 million that first year. They also drafted a 3rd rounder who was undersized and getting paid about $450,000. The underdog won the completion fair and square, and they are about to win their 2nd championship in 2 years ...and Flynn is a distance memory.

 

Rex would have NEVER started Wilson. Even if Flynn went out and threw 20 INt's. That's a fact.

 

Obviously as a a Jets fan I don't want to see the Bills or any other AFC team have success. But I honestly don't wish your team negativity with Rex. I hope he does hit the reset button and learn from the past. But keep in mind some of my observations after 6 years with him. If you see this same stuff happening it may be a red flag. So far I like the energy he's brought to Buffalo but I am pretty shocked with some of the offensive coaches he has brought with him from my Jets. Guys who have terrible track records. It feels like vintage Rex, but let's see the results before judging his decisions.

Edited January 25, 2015 by Momentoftrth

[WrecksRyan]

Amen brother. I signed up a couple of weeks ago for essentially the same reason you did, and I haven't been around much to send the message. But you've hit the nail on the head.

[Momentoftrth]

Amen brother. I signed up a couple of weeks ago for essentially the same reason you did, and I haven't been around much to send the message. But you've hit the nail on the head.

Thanks. I know it may come across like a fan of a rival team trying to be negative about the Bills new coach. I am not a Rex fan but I like him, because he is genuine. I'd like to see him progress even though I also want the Jets to beat the bills... Obviously.

[mannc]

Great post. A lot of clowns have come here and simply said "Rex sucks", without backing up their opinions. You obviously have the goods. I am a big supporter of the Rex hire, but your post gives me pause. Let's hope he learns from his experience in NY.

[Momentoftrth]

Great post. A lot of clowns have come here and simply said "Rex sucks", without backing up their opinions. You obviously have the goods. I am a big supporter of the Rex hire, but your post gives me pause. Let's hope he learns from his experience in NY.

Thanks. I think the absolute best spot for Rex was Atlanta. But, I give your owner credit. He brought Rex in and never let him leave. I am interested in seeing Rex's defense with elite LB's. If you resign Hughes it could be crazy.

[NextYearGuys]

I was really excited about Rex till I read this...haha. Still excited, but I really hope he learns from his mistakes. As a Bills fan, I respect you (and saying that to a Jets fan means A LOT). Thanks for the input and good luck this season...just not against us lol.

[WrecksRyan]

 

Thanks. I know it may come across like a fan of a rival team trying to be negative about the Bills new coach. I am not a Rex fan but I like him, because he is genuine. I'd like to see him progress even though I also want the Jets to beat the bills... Obviously.

Agreed. I like him as a person, his loyalty and his absolute passion are certainly plusses. But he never seemed to learn from any of his mistakes, just continued to make the same ones over and over. The team was seemingly never prepared, and always lacking in discipline. Rex runs a country club where he treats his players like men, but never holds them accountable. The result is a bunch of guys who absolutely love playing for him, but do what they want because they have no fear of repercussions - both on and off the field.

[Bleed Bills Blue]

Hey, thanks for letting the air out of our football guys.

 

He's better than what we had...by a lot. And, just maybe, he's got the ability to self-scout and improve. As he himself has said, this may be his last go round as head coach. So I think he's aware of his opportunity. Only time will tell.

 

I do believe we now have an owner who won't be afraid to pull the plug if things head south, whatever the cost. But I am strongly optimistic, it's in my DNA as a Bills fan.

[Coach Tuesday]

Thanks for the insight. All I can really say in reaction to what you've described is that one would hope (i) Rex has learned from his mistakes (as many coaches often do - Carroll is a great example); and (ii) having the support but also the accountability of a better GM and ownership structure will help rectify Rex's shortcomings as a CEO. There is no question in my mind that Rex was saddled with two inept GMs (Tannenbaum and then Idzik), along with an owner who is overly responsive to the media and whims of the fanbase. You attribute the Geno Smith situation this year to Rex - but I've heard, and I do believe, that Rex wasn't given full control of his personnel by the front office - I believe he was forced to start Geno for as long as he did. So while your comments ought to give everyone something to think about, I do hope that the situation here s different enough that Rex will be more successful.

[finn]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed, well-supported post. It's hard to be optimistic about the Bills' chances after reading it, in part because the weaknesses you describe---cronyism, no adjustments at halftime, stubbornly sticking with players despite poor play--are all too familiar to Bills fans, as are the boasts of a new HC inheriting a top-five defense vowing to make it still better. I have higher hopes for Roman (the new OC), but from what you say the offensive position coaches may undermine him. Let's just hope Whaley and the Pelugas did their due diligence and didn't hire Rex because of his personality. I remember the Bills GM at the time (forgot who) saying he hired Gregg Williams because he was blown away by his multi-colored notebook. So many pretty, pretty tabs!

[Observer]

Agreed great post.

 

I am hoping Rex brings all of the good, and has learned from some of the bad. Every coach will have weakness but the one about player loyalty is a killer in 2015 NFL. It's the huge plus that Belichek carries. He's the ideal salary cap coach. If he saw Brady slipping in deliver, he'd be cut the next day.

[nucci]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed, well-supported post. It's hard to be optimistic about the Bills' chances after reading it, in part because the weaknesses you describe---cronyism, no adjustments at halftime, stubbornly sticking with players despite poor play--are all too familiar to Bills fans, as are the boasts of a new HC inheriting a top-five defense vowing to make it still better. I have higher hopes for Roman (the new OC), but from what you say the offensive position coaches may undermine him. Let's just hope Whaley and the Pelugas did their due diligence and didn't hire Rex because of his personality. I remember the Bills GM at the time (forgot who) saying he hired Gregg Williams because he was blown away by his multi-colored notebook. So many pretty, pretty tabs!

A Jets fan gives you his opinion on Ryan so now you're pessimistic about the Bills next year?

[finn]

A Jets fan gives you his opinion on Ryan so now you're pessimistic about the Bills next year?

Like one of the other posters said, optimism is in my DNA as a Bills fan, but so is a sort of masochistic skepticism. They balance each other. At some point we should have a thread to discuss what keeps Bills fans loyal despite so many years of disappointments. For me, it's like the Bills are MY team, for better or worse, and I'll continue following them no matter what. I'm from Buffalo (Williamsville, actually), and I'm proud that we have a major league team. I like thinking about their strong suits--the linebackers, D-line, etc.--and speculating what can be done with the weak parts. But reading about yet another--another!!--coach who reportedly wants to change an already excellent defense, who sticks stubbornly to mediocrities, doesn't adjust and so on... Yes, my optimism dwindles. Doesn't yours?

[YoloinOhio]

So in other words, doomed?

 

Like one of the other posters said, optimism is in my DNA as a Bills fan, but so is a sort of masochistic skepticism. They balance each other. At some point we should have a thread to discuss what keeps Bills fans loyal despite so many years of disappointments. For me, it's like the Bills are MY team, for better or worse, and I'll continue following them no matter what. I'm from Buffalo (Williamsville, actually), and I'm proud that we have a major league team. I like thinking about their strong suits--the linebackers, D-line, etc.--and speculating what can be done with the weak parts. But reading about yet another--another!!--coach who reportedly wants to change an already excellent defense, who sticks stubbornly to mediocrities, doesn't adjust and so on... Yes, my optimism dwindles. Doesn't yours?

he doesn't have mediocre defensive players like Bart Scott or Eric Smith (who I actually know;good guy) here.

[Beef Jerky]

Not about to read all that from a Jets fan... I have so many of you living around me I get enough puke talk as it is.

 

Jets fans are the least informed and the least likely to spark a interesting football conversation with.

Edited January 25, 2015 by Beef Jerky

[North Buffalo]

I'm new here, and I'm a Jets fan. I wanted to join this board because I interact with a lot of fans from other AFC East teams on Jetsnation.com and now that Rex is in Buffalo I thought it would be interesting to see how his 2nd shot at running the show goes.

 

So here's my take on Rex, after 6 years of watching just about everything he did from his 1st "take a swipe at one of ours we will take a swipe at 2 of yours" press conference until his last day... a few short weeks ago. Jets fans were very split over Rex. Some diehard types signed on with Rex and never gave up on him. Others supported him when they were winning and started jumping ship somewhere around midway through the 2012 season. These days just about the whole fan base is focused on moving forward.

 

I am not a Rex Ryan fan, I should be very transparent about that. I'm not a Rex basher, but from the day he was signed I asked the question "why did one of the best run organizations in pro sports pass him over for the HC position and go with some unknown special teams coach?" I'm referring to The Ravens choosing Harbaugh over Rex in 2008. This could have caused a mutiny because Rex was so beloved by those players. But Ozzy Newsome felt that a guy, who was with that team for almost a decade at that point, was missing something important. I wondered what that was back in January of 2009.

 

I attended my first Rex Ryan practice in August of 09'. I was truly stunned at the pace and overall atmosphere. It was so casual. Rex walked around socializing with players and coaches, the drills that were being run were sloppy with zero intensity.... I was not panicked, but it seemed like something was missing.

 

I liked that Rex decided to trust his gut and start Sanchez as a rookie. He was asked about the rocky road that may lie ahead by having a rookie starter and Rex gave the best answer I ever heard. He said "with Mark we aren't waiting on a mistake, we are waiting on a play". That quote is Rex Ryan. I was impressed with that approach and it really shows the good Rex brings to the table. He got a lot out of Mark those first two years because he has an optimistic outlook that really motivates everyone around him. I would say he's special in that way.

 

So that's the positive about Rex. He believes, he motivates, and it's not an act. Trust me, this guy is the real deal, what you see is what you get.

 

Now on to the bad Rex. The reason I feel he failed with my Jets is because of one main thing... he is a good department manager.... or in the NFL a coordinator. He does not have the qualities one would want to see in a CEO. A CEO, a high level executive who leads a billion dollar business, has no room in their life for loyalty. A CEO has to be cold, calculated, and always focused on the bottom line.

 

For example, when John Harbaugh was told what happened in the elevator with Ray Rice he was the only one in the room with all of the top Ravens brass who said.... without hesitation, he needs to be cut. It's well known that Harbaugh and Rice had a very close relationship as player and coach. But the CEO mindset made it clear to Harbaugh that behavior like that couldn't be tolerated and I'm sure he was also worried about the backlash from the media. The owner of the Ravens and their legendary GM are pretty high level executives and even they admitted that Harbaugh was the only one who made that call from day 1.

 

Rex does not favor competition, because of his loyalty. Over and over I would see him crown a guy a starter (at any position) and then just let the guy struggle... not just for weeks or months but for multiple seasons. My top 3 examples are Sanchez ( I won't say much about him, he was a disaster from early 2011 to the end of 2012, it's well documented) Eric Smith (safety) and the one and only Bart Scott.

 

If you don't really follow the Jets you may not even know who Smith is. He was out starter for 3 years under Rex, and he was horrendous. He was a big hitter....and that was it. He missed tackles all over the field (week in and week out) and he couldnt cover the slowest tight end in the NFL. But he was a Rex guy, and he started like 40 plus games under Rex.

 

Scott was the #1 guy Rex targeted when he left the Ravens. Rex and our GM were actually parked in front of Bart's house in Maryland on the night free agency started in 2009. The clock struck midnight and they rang his bell. That's how much Rex needed him. He was pure, hot garbage. He was given a ridiculous contract and never came near beating out David Harris for the starting ILB spot. Not only did he miss tackles in the most glorious fashion each week but he also drew the most idiotic penalties that cost us games.

 

But, he was a big talker and Rex truly loved this guy. So he drained our salary cap and was a waste of space on our team for 4 years. This is how loyalty can hinder you as a CEO.

 

What I saw with Rex as our coach (even in 2009 & 2010 when we had success) was a few definitive characteristics.

 

Inexplicable presnap penalties and general confusion. The 12 men on the field thing happened at least 80% of the games Rex coached over his 6 years.

 

We saw the defense give up huge plays at key moments routinely, even when they would dominate 80% of the snaps. Giving up long drives before half time was common.

 

Offensively, turn overs... That's it, turn overs and horrible red zone effeciency. Remember we had 3 different OC's, 2 different highly drafted QB's and 2 different GM's. And the offense always seemed to have the same issues.

 

Stubborn play calling and overall defensive system. Rex doesn't contour anything to the talent on the team. I also never saw any halftime adjustments. If we started out struggling running the ball. In the 2nd half, we ran the ball more. If we were getting beat with long passes because of aggressive blitzing, in the second half we kept bring 6 and 7 guys on the pass rush.

 

Delusional praising of players. Just look at some of the post game pressers in 2014 alone. We'd lose by 20+ points and he would talk about how Richardson played just as hard in the 1st quarter as he did in the 4th. He may have registerd 2 tackles, zero sacks, zero passes batted down, and we gave up 100+ yards on the ground... But Rex wants to praise our defenses effort.

 

Finally was the lack of accountability. You may have followed Geno Smiths nightmare season in 2014. You all had an underachiever of your own in Buffalo. But your situation was handled properly. When the season was still up for grabs you benched your #1 draft pick from the previous year. He wasn't getting it done so you went with the vet. Rex's approach with a young QB is what I call the "ride it to the wheels come off" method. He drove Geno into the ground, while letting a savvy seasoned vet sit on the bench and watch. He waited until 1-7 to pull the guy with the 2nd worst QBR in the league. He also did nothing when Geno flipped off the fans in our stadium after being heckled for a horrendous loss, and did nothing when he skipped a team meeting the night before a game.

 

When the Seahwaks signed Mat Flynn as a free agent years back they gave him pretty decent money. I think he was getting 8 to 10 million that first year. They also drafted a 3rd rounder who was undersized and getting paid about $450,000. The underdog won the completion fair and square, and they are about to win their 2nd championship in 2 years ...and Flynn is a distance memory.

 

Rex would have NEVER started Wilson. Even if Flynn went out and threw 20 INt's. That's a fact.

 

Obviously as a a Jets fan I don't want to see the Bills or any other AFC team have success. But I honestly don't wish your team negativity with Rex. I hope he does hit the reset button and learn from the past. But keep in mind some of my observations after 6 years with him. If you see this same stuff happening it may be a red flag. So far I like the energy he's brought to Buffalo but I am pretty shocked with some of the offensive coaches he has brought with him from my Jets. Guys who have terrible track records. It feels like vintage Rex, but let's see the results before judging his decisions.

 

Interesting read, living in the NYC area and being lifelong Bills fan, but not as close to Jets as you, the Jets D as you, imo Rex has been defensive coach. So part of what you write about his style has worked for the D despite your criticism of the Bart Scott deal.

 

On offense, management screwed the Jets offensive line and skill positions and left running the offense to an over the hill veteran and a ill supported wet behind the ears rookie who may not be NFL material.

 

The Bills have plenty of skill on offense and an improving line that may be better for the ground and pound that Rex espouses. That being said, we shall see what space Rex gives the new OC Roman to run it and with GM who is a much better, though unclear if elite growing personnel guy, how much talent especially at QB he is able to bring in to support Rex.

 

Roman has a rep as a discipline kinda guy, so maybe those concerns that you expressed are unfounded. But yes on the offensive side the jury is out. Interesting.

[Beef Jerky]

Jets had horrible GMs and have horrible ownership. If Whaley can keep producing then Rex will be here for a long time.

[Niagara Bill]

Every coach has warts, and Rex has loyalty to a fault for sure. Competition is the corner stone of building a team and a great ex has learned the balance required in his 6 years with the Jets. I like the hire, I hate the Jests.

The biggest difference between the teams is GM. The Jests did not have a GM. They had 2 huge failures in the position. Whaley will not be a failure and has control over the 53 man squad. Rex will be successful here.

Go Bills

[RealityCheck]

Sorry, but I don't really find the OP too insightful on football in general, much less evaluating exactly what goes on behind the scenes between the HC, GM, and ownership. Rex has his flaws, but the cold-blooded, bottom-line CEO guy this poster speaks of ran off with 4 million dollars and said C-ya after going 9-7.

[YoloinOhio]

 

Interesting read, living in the NYC area and being lifelong Bills fan, but not as close to Jets as you, the Jets D as you, imo Rex has been defensive coach. So part of what you write about his style has worked for the D despite your criticism of the Bart Scott deal.

 

On offense, management screwed the Jets offensive line and skill positions and left running the offense to an over the hill veteran and a ill supported wet behind the ears rookie who may not be NFL material.

 

The Bills have plenty of skill on offense and an improving line that may be better for the ground and pound that Rex espouses. That being said, we shall see what space Rex gives the new OC Roman to run it and with GM who is a much better, though unclear if elite growing personnel guy, how much talent especially at QB he is able to bring in to support Rex.

 

Roman has a rep as a discipline kinda guy, so maybe those concerns that you expressed are unfounded. But yes on the offensive side the jury is out. Interesting.

regarding the jets QB situation, it was widely reported that Rex wanted to bench Geno much sooner and Idzik/woody said no. He also had a terrible backup in Vick so the alternative wasn't much better. But was that not true? Was it his decision to stick with Geno until whenever it was he got benched - like 4 weeks after EJ?

 

In the end it made sense to probably play Geno as much as possible considering they were going nowhere last season. The acquisition of Harvin mid season instead of getting at least one starting caliber corner made no sense to me either.

Edited January 25, 2015 by YoloinOhio