ESPN analyst and former Jets lineman Damien Woody talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about why the Jets have a chance against the Falcons, the toned-down Rex Ryan and the mistakes the Giants made that have led to an 0-4 start.
Q: Do you like that the Jets are more aggressive with Geno Smith as a rookie than they were with Mark Sanchez?
A: If you look at their passing game they take a lot of shots down the field, and that’s because of Marty Mornhinweg, who is a very aggressive offensive coordinator. Hopefully they’ll have a young quarterback who’ll get better as the season progresses and cut down on some of the mistakes because they have a great defense.
Q: What has to happen for them to have a chance against the Falcons on Monday night?
A: Bilal Powell has become their best weapon. One thing we saw in the Falcons-Patriots game is that they are vulnerable to the running game. So, if the Jets can run inside and take the ball away from the Falcons, then they have a shot. The Falcons are having some real issues on the offensive line, so I think that the defensive front can really get after them. The question is can they hold up on the back end against Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez.
Q: Is it odd to watch a severely toned down Rex Ryan?
A: It is kind of weird because I am used to brash Rex with a big personality. It’s different now, but maybe that’s part of his evolution as a coach or it’s the organization. Ultimately, Rex doesn’t want to put too much pressure on the players.
Q: Was that a problem for you when you played there?
A: I didn’t find it that way. I found it refreshing, honest. I would be there, ‘OK, he said it, now let’s go back it up.’ And if you did lose, it’s not like the world is coming to an end. I loved it.
Q: Do you see any hope for the 0-4 Giants or have they regressed?
A: It’s better to get rid of a player a year early than a year late and that’s what I see with the Giants. They’ve got some players that they hung on to a little too long, and it’s coming back to bite them right now. It’s not a scheme thing, too many guys beating them one-on-one. As a coach, what can you do. That’s a personnel thing right there.