Coach Rex Ryan said yesterday that he loves the way his players are preparing for Sunday’s AFC title game because he feels they’re unafraid, that the stage isn’t too big for them.
“We’re on the big stage every day in New York,” he said. “This will be as loose a team as you’ll ever see going into an AFC Championship game. We’re not afraid to compete against the Colts, we’re excited to.”
Jets linebacker Bart Scott backed up his coach’s words, saying, “In games like this you can’t be afraid to fail. You have to trust your preparation, trust your scheme and trust the man next to you.
“We’re not afraid to fail. When you’re not afraid to fail it gives you a better chance of succeeding.”
*Braylon Edwards hopes to finish his career with the Jets amid a published report that the team will tender an offer to him after the season.
The Jets plan to place a contract tender on Edwards, a restricted free agent in March, that would require a team to give them first- and third-round picks if it signs him.
“I hadn’t heard anything about it, but if that’s something they’re definitely doing, I’m excited,” Edwards said. “I love playing here and I love the atmosphere around here. It’s a family atmosphere that’s centered around winning. If that’s what’s going on, I would be extremely happy and proud to be a Jet for years to come.”
*There’s a superstitious streak running through the Jets and it was started by Ryan, who has been wearing the same stained New York Titans’ sweatshirt for several weeks since the Jets started the four-game winning streak against the Colts on Dec. 27.
“Do you see this grease-stained shirt here?” Ryan said jokingly, referring to his superstition. “Without question, I have a whole bunch of them. We’re not superstitious, but we’re not dumb, either. We’re not taking any chances. I haven’t had a haircut in several weeks, and I’ve got three more [weeks] to go.”
Mark Sanchez, who said he has been influenced by Ryan’s superstitions, hasn’t shaved since before the Colts game and has been going to the same restaurants eating the same things for weeks.
*DE Shaun Ellis (broken left hand) didn’t practice yesterday but is expected to play Sunday. RB Thomas Jones (knee) and FB Tony Richardson (ribs) were also held out of practice but will play Sunday. Scott and LB David Harris, both with ankle injuries, were limited in practice but will also play.
For the Colts, starting DB Larry Bethea (back) and TE Dallas Clark (illness) were limited in practice yesterday.
*The Jets invite fans to celebrate the team’s trip to the AFC Championship at events in New York and New Jersey this week.
The events include a pep rally in Times Square today at 5:30 p.m. that includes Mayor Michael Bloomberg, GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Jets RB Curtis Martin. To gain access to the event, all attendees must enter at 42nd and Broadway.
One Saturday, there will be a send-off rally at the Jets’ Florham Park, N.J., facility at 10:30 a.m.