Jets coach Rex Ryan criticized first-round pick Quinton Coples after Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, but praised the rookie Tuesday.
Ryan said Sunday Coples had a “woe is me” attitude when he remained in the game after the veteran starters exited. But Ryan said he has no concerns about Coples’ attitude or readiness.
“No, absolutely not,” Ryan said. “I just gave a very honest deal on him. I just saw him get that puppy-dog look or whatever. I also saw the puppy-dog barks a lot. He’s got some bite to him. He’s had three sacks. Every game he’s had a sack.
“The guy’s a tremendous player, a tremendous athlete. It’s just that he’s got to understand he’s a rookie. He’s going to play. He’s going to play against Philly. That’s just the way it is.”
Coples said he was unaware of Ryan’s postgame remarks, but said the coaches did speak to him during the game about his demeanor.
“It was just a situation where I didn’t come off as good as I should have,” Coples said. “My coach has a lot of expectations for me, so at the end of the day he’s going to coach me to the best of his ability.”
Coples’ pass-rushing ability has been apparent, but Ryan said Coples has also done well against the run.
“I think he’s doing tremendous against the run,” Ryan said. “When you look at it he’s made a lot of plays. He missed a tackle the other day in the backfield. He’s an athlete and can get off blocks.
“He’s a hard guy to block because is so athletic. He’s strong as an ox. He’s going to be kind of like [Muhammad Wilkerson], where Mo can do both — rush the passer and play the run. I think Quinton’s the same way.”
Knowing he made a mistake Sunday, Coples said he’s prepared to play every snap tomorrow in Philadelphia.
**
Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano said he saw some encouraging signs from his offense Sunday. He knows what you’re thinking, though, about his touchdown-challenged crew.
“We want touchdowns, not field goals,” he said. “Make sure you put that in a headline.”
**
Ryan said he is concerned that safety Eric Smith may not be ready for the season opener Sept. 9 against the Bills. Ryan said Smith’s hip is the problem, not the sprained MCL in his knee. Ryan is encouraged the other injured players on the Jets roster will be able to play. … The Jets claimed punter Spencer Lanning off of waivers from the Browns to compete with T.J. Conley.
**
RG Brandon Moore did not practice after undergoing a “minor procedure,” a team spokesman said. The team does not have to divulge the specifics of the procedure since it is not the regular season. Moore is expected to be ready for the regular season. … RB Joe McKnight was excused from practice for a personal reason.
brian.costello@nypost.com