NFL

Media snubs were Jet fuel for opening win

The Jets are tired of hearing how bad they are.

Linebacker Calvin Pace said the team was motivated Sunday by all of the negative talk surrounding the team.  He was particularly irked by ESPN ranking the Jets dead last in their power rankings.

“For whatever reason, I guess there are some personal vendettas against the Jets – to pick us 32nd in the league,” Pace said. “Don’t get me wrong: I know the last two years haven’t been up to our standards. But 32nd? We might not be the best, but we damn sure ain’t the worst. It’s motivation.”

Pace also said he’s tired of former Jets slamming the team in their new careers as TV analysts.

“Rex (Ryan) is a brash coach, but it’s good for us,” Pace said. “It’s what we need here with the type of team and players we have. Personally, I love playing for him. Even to hear guys when they leave to talk trash about him, man, I’ve seen you in here going along with it. Now you get on TV and want to boost your career up and say, ‘Oh, it was the worst organization,’ when your previous organization kicked you to the curb. He welcomed you in. That’s tough.”

It sounded as if Pace could be referring to former running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who has bashed the Jets in his new role with NFL Network.

Pace said the Jets needed Sunday’s 18-17 win over the Bucs to reinforce their belief that they are better than people are saying.

“Losing would have been really bad,” Pace said. “It was much needed. If nothing else, it shows these young guys, despite what is out there about us, we can do some things together. It’s going to take everybody together.”