One day after losing to their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets are on the receiving end of more negative criticism, this time from a former longtime Patriot.
In a Q&A article for ESPNBoston.com, analyst and ex-Pats linebacker Tedy Bruschi was asked whether or not the Jets remain contenders to win the division. His answer wasn’t exactly an endorsement of New York’s chances.
As of right now, I think they’re done. With reports of dissention in the locker room, there have been two weeks in this three-game losing stretch where they have been beaten by their own game. The Raiders pounded them with Darren McFadden, and the Patriots outrushed them 152 yards to 97. There is still time for them, but with the emergence of Buffalo, they are on the outside looking in. It is a real possibility they miss the playoffs.
Even though it’s still early in the season — too early to the count the 2-3 Jets out — Bruschi raises some valid points.
The once-vaunted defense of Gang Green has looked like a shell of its former self thus far, as opponents are running over them at will. It’s not that BenJarvus Green-Ellis isn’t a talented back, but he averaged five-yards a pop against the Jets and iced the game in the fourth quarter by leading a six minute drive that culminated in a New England field goal, putting them ahead for good at 30-21.
That would not have happened two seasons ago, when Rex Ryan‘s squad boasted the NFL’s top ranked defense.
The dissension Bruschi is referring to stems from a supposed conversation Ryan recently had with his wide receivers, who’ve complained both publicly and privately about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer‘s offense. Ryan, predictably, refuted the claims. True or not, though, New York’s offense is putrid, evidenced by their eight three-and-outs against the Patriots’ defense, which couldn’t stop a nosebleed heading into the contest.
As I said, it’s only Week 5 and anything can still happen. The Jets will do battle against another divisional opponent — the Dolphins — next Monday night and need a victory to shake off their horrid 0-3 stretch. However, if they lose against the winless ‘Fins, Bruschi’s words may hold more merit as the Jets could be in for a disappointingly down year.
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Teddy Bruschi is as much of an ass as Rex Ryan. Bruschi is a retard.
Bruschi is reciting facts. Ryan blabbers about what he wishes he could be…… Big differene.