Damien Woody is looking forward to Rex Ryan’s introductory press conference as much as any Jets fan.
The offensive tackle is excited to see his new head coach step behind the microphone and hear what the new boss has to say. Woody was careful not to criticize former coach Eric Mangini, but admitted the Jets players are looking forward to a coach who’s not robotic.
“I think it’s a good move, man,” Woody said. “I would say he’s a more colorful guy, not afraid to speak his mind. He’s got a little cockiness to him. That’s a good thing, especially for the guys on defense. Those guys will enjoy playing under a guy like that.”
Three weeks after the Jets fired Mangini, they finalized a deal with Ryan, who brings a brashness not seen around team headquarters since Herm Edwards left town three years ago.
He also brings an aggressive, attacking defense that was absent during the final days of the Mangini era. The question is whether the Jets have the personnel to do what the Ravens did. Safety Kerry Rhodes said he’s up for the challenge of replicating Ed Reed in Ryan’s defense.
“If he holds to form and lets me do the things I can I’ll be able to make just as many plays as (Reed) does,” Rhodes said. “I’m a guy like (Reed) that likes to make plays. So if (Ryan) keeps that freedom, I’ll do that what I do.”
Jets players have been following the coaching search, and they’ve seen what Ryan has done in Baltimore. His success there has them excited to play for the man Ravens players nicknamed “The Mad Scientist.”
“You look at all the success they’ve had,” tight end Chris Baker said. “All you know of the Ravens is how good that defense is. That’s a good thing for sure. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
Woody said he is relieved a new coach is finally in place.
“I’m glad the whole search itself is over with,” Woody said. “I know they wanted to be thorough. I’m just glad that we have a coach. He seems like he has really strong credentials. Lots of players have done good things in that system.”
Rhodes talked to some of his friends on the Ravens, and got good reports about his new boss.
“I’m excited,” Rhodes said. “I know some guys down there and everything I’ve heard has been positive. They say they like him and he’s a players’ coach.”