If the Rex Ryan Jets are perceived as the Bad Boys of the NFL on their way to their stated goal as the league’s No. 1 defense, so be it.
“I ain’t never seen a lot of people outside of our own organization see us in a positive light,” Demario Davis told The Post. “People may call us cocky, people may call us arrogant or whatever, we know we’re humble as we can be. I have yet to see anybody be successful that wasn’t confident in themselves.
“You have to be violent on the field, it’s a violent game, the most physical team always wins. And, can we be more physical? Yeah. And will we be? We have to be. But that’s the mentality of Jet defense.
“When Rex’s defense was No. 1 in the league, those were some of the most violent men I’ve ever seen. Us younger guys got to be able to go and play like some of the older guys that played for Rex. You go back and watch 2009 film before, Rex has always had the most violent defense in the league. I think that’s kind of what’s got him the reputation of being a bully in the league. That’s what we look to do, is dominate every opponent that we play. You got to be able to do it when the lights come on.”
Sheldon Richardson, asked how many enforcers are on Gang Green, shot back: “11.”
His definition of an enforcer?
“Someone who doesn’t take crap from anyone — even his own teammates,” Richardson said. “He backs up what he says.”
Were there 11 enforcers last year on this defense?
“Not 11. We had about 8,” Richardson said.
“It may be more than 11, but I know the 11 on the field will be serious enforcers,” Davis said. “Have you seen practice?
“You hear the pads, it speaks for itself.”
The Rams had a Fearsome Foursome. The Jets believe they have a Fearsome 11.
“We’re fearless and we look to invoke fear,” Davis told The Post. “That’s who we are.
“I feel like people think we’re bullies in the NFL, so it is what it is. Ain’t none of us scared of nothing when it comes to football. We look to make people scared of us.”
Hide the women and children when Muhammad Wilkerson and Rookie of the Year Richardson come to town.
“I picked up double-teams and triple-teams probably about third, fourth game of the season, so …,” Richardson said.
So figure out a way to be a double-digit sacker anyway.
“I got to get more sacks, I got to rush the passer a whole lot better,” Richardson said. “Even though I had a lot of [quarterback] hurries and [QB] hits, sacks are a whole lot better.”
There was only one New York Sack Exchange, and until there is another, Ryan craves a New York Takeaway Exchange (a mere 15 in 2013).
“We need to get the ball back for our offense as fast as possible and find ways to score with it ourselves,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s challenge is making certain his predators recognize the fine line between intimidation and intelligence.
Rookie inside linebacker Jeremiah George was admonished for belting rookie quarterback Tajh Boyd near the sidelines.
“We don’t hit our quarterbacks, period,” Ryan said. “That’s why they’re in the red jersey. You got to be smart.”
Cornerback Dimitri Patterson and wide receiver David Nelson had to be separated during a brief scuffle on Sunday.
“It’s a lot more wide receivers and DBs fighting than last year,” Richardson said, and chuckled.
Richardson, 10 pounds lighter at 300, is a fan favorite.
“Fans are nuts, I love ’em … I love ’em, man,” he said.
It was suggested to Richardson this will be a fun team to watch.
“Most definitely,” he said.
A hungry team.
“Most definitely,” he said.
An angry team.
“Something to prove,” Richardson said.
That they can overtake the Patriots.
“You know how I feel about the Patriots, man,” Richardson said. “It is what it is.”