INDIANAPOLIS — Jets owner Woody Johnson arrived here Thursday for an NFL meeting. He is also in town to do some Super Bowl scouting in preparation for 2014 when the Jets and Giants will be hosts for the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium.
Johnson took some time to talk about the Jets with two reporters. He said he plans on having dinner with quarterback Mark Sanchez next week. He also will dine with head coach Rex Ryan as the Jets prepare for 2012.
One person he can’t reach? Running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Two weeks ago, Johnson said he would reach out to Tomlinson after the veteran had some harsh things to say about the Jets.
“I called him but I didn’t get him,” Johnson said. “But LaDainian’s amazing. I hold him in the highest [regard]. Everybody was frustrated at the end of the season. We won’t hold him accountable for that.”
Johnson said he, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Ryan have been plotting how to improve in 2012 after finishing 8-8 this season.
“That’s all we talk about,” Johnson said. “We’re preparing for everything. That’s our job. We’re trying to make our team better. We’re using every ounce, every nerve cell we have, 24/7 trying to improve this team.”
Johnson said he expects Ryan to learn from his mistakes in 2011.
“I think anytime you had a down year like we had it’s a chance to reflect on what you’ve done correctly and maybe things you can improve,” he said. “Rex is so good as a manager. He’ll take these experiences and be a much better coach. He’s an exceptional coach as it is, but I think he’ll be even better.”
Johnson would not say who he is rooting for Sunday in a Super Bowl that features the Jets’ in-state rival and division rival. He did speak with admiration for the Giants.
“That’s what we’re all shooting for,” he said of getting to the big game. “The Giants, hats off to them. They’ve done a great job in the last decade really. This is their third time in the last 12 years.”