THE REX BOX: Emotional? Fun!

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THE REX BOX: Emotional? Fun!

Published: Mon, August 17, 2009 - 12:42pm ET
Randy Lange

By Randy Lange

Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.


File Under: Baltimore Ravens, Rex Ryan, Cam Cameron, Kris Jenkins, John Harbaugh

08/17 — The NFL’s first full preseason week has yet to conclude (there are two games tonight), but already reporters shifted into Week 2 mode at head coach Rex Ryan’s news conference today. And Rex, even knowing his reunion with the Ravens at Baltimore won’t come until a week from tonight, was up to the task.

The subject was broached initially by talk about the Jets’ injured players such as DT Kris Jenkins, who returned to limited practice today for the first time since injuring his calf on the second day of camp.

“Yeah, he looked good, but we’re not going to rush him into a team drill or anything like that,” Ryan said. “But sometimes it’s tempting. We’re playing the Ravens, of course, and I feel extra about this game, I’m not going to deny that. And I guarantee you they do, too — I was there for 10 years. But I’m not going to do something stupid selfishly to jeopardize our football team ... but it’s tempting.”

He was soon asked about the emotions of this return to Crabtown, and the way he responded showed where his priorities lie.

“Let’s play in the playoffs. That would be the best. That would be a great scenario. It would mean we’re both there,” he said. “I cared dearly for that organization but not half as much as I care for this one. This is my team right now.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Ryan continued. “I’ve got a lot of respect for a lot of guys over there. Just like anything else, you want to compete against your friends, compete against those players you’ve been with for 10 years. I want to compete against John Harbaugh, who I’ve known forever, and Cam Cameron, who I respect a ton.

“But I respect my brother and I still want to kick his butt. Same thing.”

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Mike Jet Vet Said:

Mon, August 17, 2009 - 3:30pm ET

"Ryan I guess you really aren't a football fan let me tell you why if i might .. 1st off Rex has taken the ravens Defence last year they ranked second in the league in all catergories took them & won a super bowl & kept them in top 10 in all his years there .. As far as his taking trash good for him hes instilling confindence in his guys .. Maybe he should stand on the sidelines & chew gum "

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Steve Said:

Mon, August 17, 2009 - 7:58pm ET

"Randy, I love the multimedia coverage on NYJ.com, and want to give kudos to all involved in its presentation. I especially like the press conferences with coach Ryan, they are informative and entertaining as well... My only problem is that I can't hear the questions being asked by the sports writers, no matter how loud the volume is turned up on my computer. Anyone else have this problem?"

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Jets Fan Tom Since '64 Said:

Tue, August 18, 2009 - 12:57am ET

"I'm not as high as Row on Williams, but I agree with him on VG. It's getting near make-or-break time for him, at least as a starter anytime soon. If he can shine or even hold his own in those first four games, we'll all feel a lot better. But if he's invisible or a liability, it's going to be hard to justify putting him in a lot in the last twelve games given how some other guys have been playing."

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