This Jets team was supposed to be different because it was balanced. No longer would the team’s stout defense have to carry a young quarterback prone to mistakes.
After Sunday’s 10-6 loss to the Dolphins, the divide between the two sides of the ball is growing. Some defensive players aren’t happy that Rex Ryan expects them to carry the team.
“According to Rex we played [bleepy],” defensive end Shaun Ellis told Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. “He said we weren’t good enough. I guess we needed a shutout. I guess that’s what he was talking about.”
The Jets defense held the Dolphins to only 131 yards and six first downs. The only Dolphins touchdown came after Mark Sanchez lost a fumble to set up a short field. Ryan’s critique reportedly didn’t sit well with defensive players, most of whom bolted out of the locker room quickly.
“It’s frustrating to hear that because we played a solid game,” Ellis said. “I guess he just expects so much out of the defense that there should have been zero points on the board, not 10.”
Mike Tyson once famously said that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. The Jets didn’t respond well after taking an uppercut from the Patriots last Monday night.