Transcript of Jets head coach Rex Ryan's news conference following Friday's midday practice:
Let's knock out these injuries. It's exactly as it was yesterday with the exception of Erik Ainge. He is fine now. I guess he was listed as out before because he missed practice, he was ill. But he is back to being healthy, no problems there. Everyone else is the same. [Kris] Jenkins, Sione [Pouha], Wallace Wright, they were limited in practice. They are listed as questionable. Then [Kellen] Clemens, Shonn Greene, Mike DeVito, Bryan Thomas and Jamaal Westerman are all listed as probable. Specifics on it: Clemens, elbow, Greene, rib, DeVito, hamstring, Bryan Thomas, ankle, and Westerman, quad.
We're ready to roll. Everybody should be ready to play. It's our decision if we want them up or not. Not a whole lot to say. I think that practice is going well. I think our guys are excited to get an opportunity to play in front of our fans this week. We'll be ready to go.
On if he has to monitor Kris Jenkins more to be certain he does not wear down…
I guess a little bit. I like to keep fresh pass rushers in there anyway, so you like to roll defensive linemen. He's such an unusual guy. He's a guy that if he is not in there, the other team will no-huddle you to prevent him getting back on the field. He's that kind of difference maker. I feel good with the guys we have behind him. There are probably only one or two Kris Jenkins in this league. You have to be smart with him. Generally, if we are backed up you can usually give him a break. That is what we try to do.
On if the chatter leading up to the game gets the players fired up or serves as a distraction…
I don't think it really matters. When it is kicked off, there are 11 on their side and 11 on our side. It's on and all that stuff is out the window. Both teams will try to focus on the job at hand and try to win the game.
On Dustin Keller…
He is an exceptional guy. I've been around some good tight ends, Todd Heap, Shannon Sharpe. He is an exceptional talent. He is an outstanding receiver. I think you are probably right there. Whether it is a rookie quarterback or anybody else, he is probably going to be the best friend to that quarterback anyway. He's got that kind of talent.
On Minnesota and New Orleans players not serving suspensions for cases similar to that of Calvin Pace…
That's the league. The league makes those kind of determinations. Clearly, I wish Calvin Pace was playing right now. He's not and he's accepted responsibility. Come week five against Miami, we'll certainly be happy he's back.
On what Shaun Ellis brings to the team…
He's a tremendous football player. He's one of the elite 3-4 ends in this game. He's got that rare combination, guy that can play inside, he can play outside. His nickname is the "Big Katt" and rightfully so. He's quite an athlete for a guy his size. We had to overcome him not being in there last week but he is clearly one of our better players on this football team.
On if he instructed Ellis to do anything while suspended for a week…
No. The guy has been around the game so long. The guy is a pro. I asked him when he came back, how bad was it watching on TV? He said it was horrible. He is so used to playing. He is an ironman. I don't know how many games he's missed in his career but it is not many, that's for sure.
On if the extra week was good for Ellis physically…
I don't know. Sometimes I think it is good from the standpoint that when something is taken away from you, you realize what you missed. When he came back, he was the first guy on the practice field. He is bouncing around. I think he realized how much he misses it. You're sitting back there and watching your teammates. Obviously he has been a part of the New York Jets for a long time. I guess you would have to ask him. I know he missed it.
On if he saw a difference this week in Ellis…
I could see that there was something. I know that when I asked him I knew the answer. I knew that it would be like that before I even asked the question. I clearly saw that he was missing the game. He looked forward to coming back.
On how important it is to see players excited about the game…
That's huge. Everybody in this league has talent. Some of the special players, there is something about them. When you get those guys, and we're not the only team in the league that has those kind of players, guys that just love to play, they are so passionate about it. They can't wait to compete against the best. Shaun is like that. We have a number of our players that are like that. I know there are a number of players like that through the league. That is what you love as a coach. Guys that love to play the game and would do it for a lot less, but they don't have to. I think the same thing about coaches. I know I would do it for a lot less but if you're going to have to pay somebody, it might as well be me.
On his awareness of New England running the screen…
You've got to be aware of their screen game. Depends on what you have, but you might put a spy on a screen. Especially early in the game, they want to slow that pass rush down, and that's a way to do it. I think our screen game is decent too, Leon [Washington] back there. Both teams are very capable of running.
On if he's reached out to "Fireman Ed"…
No. I saw him last week though. I met him last week, so that's good. He's a pro out there. He knows how to do it. I'm just a rookie.
