Fox analyst Tony Siragusa talks about the surging Jets, who play the Packers this week, and Giants with The Post’s Justin Terranova. And the former Ravens DT explains why Rex Ryan has enjoyed success as a head coach.
Q: What are the reasons you’ve seen for the Jets’ early-season success?
A:
I live about five minutes from the Jets facility, so I am there all the time with Rex. I really think they are one of the teams that is just getting better every week, especially on offense. The plays they are running, a lot of screens, are keeping defenses off balance.
Q: Does Rex Ryan’s defense with the Jets remind you of the one he helped coach when you were in Baltimore with him?
A:
It’s completely different. The defense we had in Baltimore, we really didn’t do anything crazy or exotic. We lined up blitzes occasionally, but we really just lined up and didn’t make any mistakes. We were strong in all three levels, we had depth. If you look at the Jets, they do a lot of moving around, they take a lot of chances. The game has evolved where defenses have to play this way because there’s enough talent out there.
Q: And what has made the Giants defense so successful?
A:
They actually remind me more of the Ravens’ old defenses. They are very sound, take some chances, but not as many as the Jets. When they first opened up, they really didn’t have an identity, but Perry Fewell has completely changed the thought process of that defense. They have a strong front four that stops the run, rushes the passer and they have those ends who can really get after it.
Q: And the buzz has started about a potential Subway Super Bowl. What are your thoughts on that?
A:
Well it’s too early for that kind of talk, but the Giants and Packers really stick out in the NFC. So the Jets could really help the Giants out this week by knocking the Packers down a bit. But [Aaron] Rodgers is a guy who reminds me of Brett [Favre], where he will take chances. It’s going to be a good matchup.
Q: When Ryan was coaching you in Baltimore, did you ever have an idea he would one day be this successful as a head coach?
A:
We had a reunion of the Ravens back in Baltimore last week and Ryan came because it was during the Jets’ off week. And all the players got together and were reminiscing and stuff like that. And even the players that are on the Ravens now still love this guy. He finds out who you are and gives you a chance to prosper. And players love playing for this guy.