Four weeks ago, the Colts created plenty of consternation in Indianapolis and elsewhere by removing key starters from a game against the Jets that could have pushed the Colts’ record to 15-0, which would have kept alive the quest for 19-0.
The Jets didn’t complain at the time, since the move allowed them to resurrect a playoff run that coach Rex Ryan had declared over seven days earlier.
But Ryan is complaining now.
ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio reports that, in the final meeting with his team before Sunday’s rematch in Indianapolis, Ryan called the Colts’ decision to pull starters “the ultimate act of disrespect.”
Really?
We like that Ryan is fiery, but the Colts’ decision to pull starters had nothing to do with the Jets. And if Ryan, who isn’t bashful about, well, anything, the fact that he didn’t say “boo” for nearly a month makes it hard to view his belated rant as anything other than a tactic for motivating his troops.
But, hey, the only audience that matters to Ryan is the 53 men whose buttons he needs to press. And he has been doing a good job of pushing those buttons.