We can learn a little more about new Jets head coach Rex Ryan by listening to the words of two of his now former players. One of them, linebacker Adalius Thomas, left the Baltimore Ravens before Ryan did, to join the New England Patriots before the 2007 season. And when the Ravens were about to try to derail the Patriots' undefeated regular season early that December, Thomas attempted to assist in preparing QB Tom Brady for what Ryan's defense was going to unleash on him. "I tried to help Tom during the week," Thomas recalled. "But ultimately I told him to expect everything." Brady no doubt did expect everything, but it was almost too much. The Pats pulled out the 27-24 victory for Win No. 12, but Brady had very human numbers: a 47.4 percent completion rate (18-for-38) that was the fifth-lowest of his career, and a 76.8 passer rating. The other player we'd like to cite up here is DT Trevor Pryce, who was left behind when Ryan agreed to move up I-95 to take over the Jets fortunes. Before the talks with the Jets heated up, Pryce was asked about his DC's future. "If he becomes a head coach," Pryce said, "I'm going to find out and I'm going with him." Here are some more quotes from Baltimore players and coaches who came in contact with Ryan during his phenomenally successful reign over the Ravens' defense. LB RAY LEWIS "Rex is the guru. He's not afraid to be different and move guys around to take advantage of our athletic ability. He trusts us that much." HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH This is a great football coach and even a better person. Rex is going to be a great head coach in the NFL, without a doubt. He's got all the talent, all the ability to do it. He's built something here that is one of the best in the National Football League, and that's the foundation for us to stand on." S ED REED "Defense is a tradition here at the Ravens, and I'm just proud to be a part of it. Yes, we try to go out and dominate, but we do it in a structure that is well-coached and proven." CB SAMARI ROLLE "Rex is a better person than coach. He cares about you, and he keeps us under control. We're his guys. I mean, look at this locker room. There are some strong personalities on this defense to deal with, real strong personalities. But Rex handles it. He's got a strong personality, too. Nobody disrespects Rex ? nobody. We all play for him." DT TREVOR PRYCE "It has a lot to do with Rex putting us all in positions to make plays. He takes advantage of our skills and keeps everyone happy by calling plays to give us all a chance to be a hero. It's fun." FORMER CB GARY BAXTER "Every time he gets up to speak in a defensive meeting room, all eyes and ears belong to him." GENERAL MANAGER OZZIE NEWSOME "Rex has always been a gym rat for football. It's not work for him. It's pure enjoyment." LB TERRELL SUGGS "You want to give your heart out for Rex. I don't know what it is about him, but I hope he never changes. That's exactly why in a heartbeat, no matter what he'll ask me to do, I'll do it. I love Rex Ryan." From Randy Lange
Trevor Pryce would actually be a fantastic acquisition. Perfect starting DE alongside Jenkins and Ellis (though that DL will be quite old and it will be important to draft young depth).
Those quotes are awesome. Hopefully by this time next year Jets will be saying something similar. This team really needs the place the bounty on the other teams head attitude.
The other player we'd like to cite up here is DT Trevor Pryce, who was left behind when Ryan agreed to move up I-95 to take over the Jets fortunes. Before the talks with the Jets heated up, Pryce was asked about his DC's future. "If he becomes a head coach," Pryce said, "I'm going to find out and I'm going with him." I find myself smiling from ear to ear and Slowly giggling like a little girl
I've never been so happy with a coaching decision. great post. this guy instills passion as much as schemes.
That article just makes me THRILLED and pumped! I really hope and believe we will get atleast one raven (two if we're lucky) to join our defense. If not I won't be pissed but it would be a huge help not only on the physical side but on the mental side as well.
Best quote of the bunch. NO more playing it safe keeping everyone way back. Droping 8 into coverage. Giving up the short pass that goes for 15 because your LB's are playing soft coverage. I hope to hell this all is true.
for some reason this reminds me of a highlight film of a kid coming out of high school. its almost too good to be true great quotes and they will hopefully be very telling. if this is how the ship is run, which it appears it is then things will be looking very good in 2 years!
What I like about this is the family mentality of those guys and their coach. They obviously would walk through a wall for him. It's a very different situation than the reaction New England had when Mangini came here. Behind closed doors the Ravens might be saying... oh piss off for going to the Jets but I doubt it. I think those guys are genuinely proud that one of their guys is now a head coach in the league... btw could anybody imagine 3 or 4 years from now and Ray Lewis is the LB coach?
