NFL

Jets head coach takes blame for pass-heavy play calling

Rex Ryan usually does not like to give away his game plan. But he provided a glimpse yesterday of what the Jets are planning for this Sunday against the Dolphins — or more accurately, what they’re not planning.

“There’s no way we’re throwing it 60 times,” Ryan said “I don’t see us throwing the ball 60 times ever again. I don’t think any of us could believe that we threw it that many times. I know I couldn’t.”

Ryan was referring to the Jets’ ill-fated air attack against the Giants on Christmas Eve when Mark Sanchez dropped back to pass 67 times. Amazingly, the Jets enter the final week of the regular season still searching for answers on offense.

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Yesterday, Ryan tried to deflect the criticism that Sanchez and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have received onto himself.

“I don’t think you blame things on one guy and if you are going to blame it one guy it should be the head coach,” Ryan said. “That’s what you get paid to do. I’m not ducking my responsibility. That was my responsibility to win that game. It didn’t get done. So, the criticism should be placed on me. I’ve got broad enough shoulders. I can take it.”

Ryan said he does not blame Schottenheimer for the play-calling Saturday. He said the Jets had to throw because they were trailing in the second half.

Now, the Jets are trying to regroup and get things right offensively, something that has been a struggle all season. The Jets rank 27th in the NFL in total offense and 22nd in rushing offense. They don’t have much more time to fix things. If they lose Sunday, their season is over. If they win, they still need losses from three other teams to make the playoffs.

“We have all the talent in the world, every single position,” tight end Dustin Keller said. “We feel confident in any guy we put out there in a 1-on-1 matchup that they’re going to win and to just come out and not perform to the expectations we set for ourselves is very disappointing. Hopefully, it’s something we get corrected as soon as possible and some things go our way and we can get into the playoffs.”

Much of the criticism has fallen on Sanchez, who had two interceptions in the fourth quarter Saturday. The third-year quarterback said he knows what comes with the position.

“When things don’t go right, people are going to immediately question me, Rex [and Schottenheimer],” Sanchez said.“That’s the way it goes, and that’s the position we’re in. It’s important in times like these to just trust what you know, trust the guys around you and just keep working. You have to work through these times. You have to work through the good times and bad times, and that’s OK. I’m ready for these challenges and I know we can overcome a lot with the guys in this locker room.”

Sanchez has heard people question his future as the team’s quarterback this week and call for the Jets to go in another direction this offseason. But Sanchez said he feels like he has made progress in his third season.

“Whether it’s defensive recognition or clock management and stuff like that, understanding the offense and the system, I’m light years ahead, so it’s been a great run so far and we’re not done yet,” Sanchez said.“Hopefully, we’ll get a win and see what happens.”

Sanchez said when he was drafted he wanted to embrace playing in the New York market. He said yesterday the last few weeks of criticism have done nothing to change his feeling about playing here.

“Win, lose or draw, I’m the luckiest guy in the world, I promise,” Sanchez said.“I’m lucky to be here. I’m lucky, fortunate, blessed, whatever you want to call it. I’m thrilled about this job and about this opportunity his week. Have we played our best? No, but it’s still the best time I could possibly scheme up in my head. We just have to keep pressing, be smart, win the game and see what happens.”