Jets Coach Rex Ryan Defends Bulletin-Board Comments

In June, just as the NFL offseason was winding down for the few weeks between the draft, minicamps and the start training camps, new Jets head coach Rex Ryan proclaimed during a radio interview that he didn't come to New York "to kiss Bill Belichick's rings."

The response coming out of Foxboro was typically Belichickian. Which is to say: a few words mumbled in a monotone without much meaning. That said, you know the Evil Genius will be dredging up those comments when the Pats face the Jets on Sept. 20 or Nov. 22.

But it's early -- we're barley halfway into the preseason schedule. Plus, Ryan is busy explaining away recent thoughts aimed at his former employer, the Ravens. Yesterday, Newsday's Bob Glauber passed along the latest:

Ryan, a Ravens' defensive assistant from 1999-2008, was disappointed the Ravens would give away the uniform number once worn by Ravens defensive end Michael McCrary, a fine pass rusher in his day. ... "I am disappointed that they gave his jersey to some rookie who hasn't proven [rhymes with spit]," Ryan said. "Excuse my language."

Jets PR man Bruce Speight closed both eyes and winced when Ryan made the crack, which was broadcast live on the Jets' website."Sorry, Bruce," Ryan said, cracking a smile.

Not exactly "I never came here to kiss Bill Belichick's rings" territory, although Ravens rookie Paul Kruger, who is now wearing McCrary's number, apparently feels differently.

"In my opinion, it's kind of childish," said Kruger, the team's second-round pick in April. "He doesn't know me. He doesn't understand what I can do. He's never seen me. So I think it's a little unprofessional, but it really doesn't affect me. It doesn't bother my game. I'm still going to work hard every day. Kruger added, "If he's focused on stuff like that, then I think we've got a pretty good chance [Monday]."

So, yeah, Ryan likes to talk. One consequence of that is continually having to answer questions about potentially putting your foot in your mouth. Take, for example, today's press conference where he was asked if he was concerned that some of his comments might find their way onto opponents' bulletin boards.

"How much motivation are they going to get by putting a quote from me on the wall saying that I believe in my football team. That I'm not going to be intimidated by a coach or anyone else. If that's where you're going to draw motivation from, hell, we'll probably kick your (butt). I mean if that's the case."

Rodney Harrison disagrees. And so does Belichick, I'd imagine.

The Star-Ledger's Dave Hutchinson adds that Ryan refused to back down from his McCrary-Kruger comments, too. And that's fine, but here's the thing: while he's spending all this time defending his decision to flap his gums, it just serves as a distraction from what he's trying to accomplish with a team that was underwhelming for most of Eric Mangini's tenure.

Maybe it won't matter. Then again, maybe it will.