SNY's Coakley talks Jets with AFC East Daily

Coakley with Jets coach Rex Ryan. (Photo provided)

I had a chance to catch up with SportsNet New York Jets reporter and anchor Jeané Coakley Friday. Coakley joined the SNY team last year after covering the Indianapolis Colts for four seasons. She’s extremely passionate about her job and really loves football, so I asked if she would do a brief Q&A over the phone, discussing some of the lighter topics surrounding the Jets and the media. Side conversation not included.

Compare the differences between the media dealing with someone like Tony Dungy to Rex Ryan.
“The two are actually really similar in the fact that while they have completely different styles, Tony’s players would’ve done anything for him, and Rex’s players would do anything for him. The Indianapolis Colts adore Tony, and the New York Jets adore Rex. It shows that there are so many ways to coach. It’s interesting, because people say because they’re so different that you either love them or hate them, but their players absolutely love them.

“Rex says what he wants. I’m not saying Tony doesn’t. But when Tony was with the Colts, he didn’t really say as much. The Colts are very guarded, very protective of information. That’s the way that organization is run. I think that’s why he was hired in the first place, because he fits that style... The Indianapolis media is completely different than the New York media."

Do you see any differences between the personality of this Jets team to last year’s, and how has the veteran presence of, say a Derrick Mason, fit in?

“I think there’s a little more swag with the younger guys this year than there was last year. Mark (Sanchez) is a little more confident, and you have (Antonio) Cromartie with his big deal.

… "But they need a guy like Derrick Mason in the locker room. This is a young team. I’m 32, and there are only three guys on the roster who are older than me -- Mark Brunell, Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burress. They lost most of the older guys, some important veterans like Kris Jenkins, Tony Richardson and Shaun Ellis.”

Tell me a little about having Kris Jenkins join the SNY set.

“It’s funny because I called him three weeks ago and begged him, ‘Please Kris, you’ve got to join us. It would be so much fun.’ … We have great chemistry interviewing and on set, so I was so excited when he agreed to do it. “

Who is the funniest Jet on the team this season?
“As far as personality, Sione Pouha is my absolute favorite. He’s really funny and has the best personality. He’s a great guy, just so much fun. But I’d have to say Bart Scott is the funniest. He’s hilarious.”

Have you noticed an increase of women in the media since you started covering football, and do women like yourself feel they have something to prove in such a masculine environment?
“I’ve seen a lot more (women in football media). It’s good to see smart, talented women talking football.

… “I think whether you’re male or female, you have to earn that respect. We’re going into their locker room, their home, asking them questions, sometimes after a tough loss. So you have to show them you know what you’re talking about, and I’ve always a good rapport with the guys.”

You covered the Colts. What’s your opinion on the Peyton Manning situation?

“I was shocked. I feel bad for the team, bad for Peyton. He’s one of hardest workers I’ve ever seen play the game. And he loves, loves, loves the game. I think it hurts not only the Colts, but entire league.”

Do you have a favorite football team?

“I grew up an Eagles fan. But after covering sports for 10 years, I root for guys more than teams now.”

Do you sense the excitement of the season around the team?
“It’s like the first day of school for these guys. You had practices, training camp, and now it’s the regular season. They’re so tired of hitting each other. You can even sense it with Rex a bit. That, ‘Finally it’s here.’”

Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Tweet

Cowboys' Garrett praises Jets' D coverage; On Revis' rare ability: "...turn the tape on."

What does Darrelle Revis do so well that makes him a great cornerback? According to Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett – everything.

“I just think he’s a rare player in so many different ways,” Garrett told Cowboys reporters Thursday. “He’s a great man-to-man cover guy, he can play from press, he can play from off, he’s got great ball skills, he’s got awareness. He can catch the ball and he can make big plays on the other end.

“He’s just an awfully good football player. I think everyone in the league knows that, and all you have to do is turn the tape on.”

With that said, Garrett doesn’t think it’s totally feasible for quarterback Tony Romo and the offense to avoid Revis completely. He noted that all three – not two – of the Jets’ top corners are “really good guys,” throwing nickel corner Kyle Wilson’s name in with Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

Garrett also said the Jets have safeties and linebackers who can cover.

“They’re just a really good football team,” he said. “So to go in and say, ‘We can’t throw at that guy,’ well there are not a lot of great options. And that’s one of the reasons they’ve been so good at defense, is they cover so well.”

While the corners should have Cowboys receivers on lockdown, Garrett was being a little generous in complimenting the Jets’ coverage in the middle of the field. Tight end Jason Witten will have a favorable matchup against the linebackers and safeties, and the Jets will need to double-team him.

“We have to win one-on-one if they decide to play us man-to-man,” Garrett said. “If they play more zone, they do a very good job of that as well.”

Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Tweet

Rex clarifies comment on Cowboys fans

Rex Ryan has had to clarify his statements from the day before many times during his two years as the New York Jets’ head coach. Thursday was no exception.

Wednesday during his press conference, Ryan was asked about his thoughts on Dallas Cowboys fans traveling well, to which he replied, “I don’t know why they’d be here. They’re coming into our stadium, it’s probably not recommended that you wear Cowboys stuff, I would think.”

Many interpreted the comment as a threat to opposing fans, though most people are aware by now that Rex’s competitive juices and pride sometimes (often) take over his mouth. Still, it was more fuel for members of the anti-Rex fraternity.

Thursday, he clarified that the safety of every fan is important and said he didn’t mean for it to come out as a threat. He said he just prefers the stadium full of Jets colors.

“We have such a fan base now that these tickets should be hard to get,” Ryan said.

He added that he doesn’t expect many Cowboys fans at the stadium because he doesn’t think Jets fans would sell their tickets to opposing fans.

“I don’t see our fans doing that,” Ryan said.

Tweet

Ranking AFC East RB tandems entering '11

1 - New York Jets: LaDainian Tomlinson silenced all the critics last year after a disappointing 2009 season with the Chargers, where many thought his best years were behind him. Tomlinson rushed for 914 yards and put up his best yards-per-carry numbers (4.2) since ‘07. The 32-year-old officially handed over the reins to third-year back Shonn Greene this season, though Tomlinson will be very involved in third-down situations and passing downs.

Greene rushed for 766 yards on only 185 attempts in 2010, but hasn’t really stepped into a true No. 1 role since his time at Iowa. However, Greene has proven himself in the big moments, averaging 6.5 yards a carry in the playoffs. He has three postseason touchdowns, two of which were fourth-quarter game sealers. With a solid run-blocking offensive line and Greene’s hard-nosed, between-the-tackles style, the Jets should be the consistent ground-and-pound team Ryan is looking for all year.

2 - Buffalo Bills: Buffalo comes into this season with a lot of question marks, and one of those is C.J. Spiller. Despite the players’ and coaches’ confidence in the second-year back, Spiller has a lot to prove this year after a not-so-impressive rookie year that saw him snag only 283 yards on 74 attempts. Yes, some of that has to do with a mediocre O-line, but Spiller was prone to rookie mistakes last year as well, looking for the home run instead of taking the two or three yards given. Spiller’s role has already been up’ed this preseason, and expect to see him used much more this year.

That aside, the coaching staff has it made quite clear after some preseason debate that Fred Jackson will be the No. 1 out of the backfield. Jackson did see his numbers drop slightly last year, along with his attempts. But Jackson has averaged more than four yards per carry every year since his debut, and he is primed -- now that the depth-chart debate is over -- to have a productive year. Great things could come from this tandem this year, perhaps more impressive than the Jets duo. It all lies on the shoulders of the offensive line and their ability to keep defenders out of the backfield.

3 - New England Patriots: Yes, BenJarvus Green-Ellis was the only AFC East back to break 1,000 yards last year. Yes, Danny Woodhead averaged more than five yards a touch. Yes, the always-solid offensive line returns mostly the same from 2010. But the Pats drafted two running backs this year in Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, and there’s that other little factor named Tom Brady.

With such a well-rounded, spread-out offense that saw two tight ends combine for nearly 90 receptions and 16 touchdowns and added Chad Ochocinco to the wideout corps this offseason, it’s hard to say how much of a factor the running game will be. The 1,008 yards Green-Ellis put up last year was the most New England has seen from a back since Corey Dillon in 2004. Expect the run game to be what it usually is for the Pats: good enough to allow Tom Brady to do what he does.

4 - The Miami Dolphins: It seems like everyone in the league is betting against Reggie Bush, except of course, the Dolphins. Miami’s decision to start Bush as their premier back is a risky one, especially since he’s only gone without injury for a full season only once in his career. Even more curious is the quick departure of Larry Johnson, who in most fans’ eyes seemed to be decent insurance policy for the injury-prone Bush.

The ’Phins will now look to rookie Daniel Thomas for assistance if that issue arises, with 27-year-old Lex Hilliard rounding out the crew. Coach Sparano voiced his opinion on Bush’s history of injuries to the Miami media early in the week, saying, “I’m really not concerned one way or the other about that at this particular time, I’m just concerned with finding ways to get the guy the ball. He’s going to be the first runner out of the gate and we’re going to figure out ways to get him the ball.”

Tweet

Chiefs' Haley keeping eye on Bills' Smith

Brad Smith might have slipped from one AFC East team to the next, but coaches outside the division still have him in their sights.

Smith, a fourth-round pick who spent his last five years as a New York Jet, signed a multi-year contract with the Buffalo Bills this offseason after becoming a free agent. The Jets had to make a bundle of critical decisions on who to keep or re-sign and who to let go, and Smith was one who got away.

Smith

The all-purpose standout, who returned two kicks for touchdowns, rushed for 299 yards and a score and passed for a touchdown last season, will make his first appearance in Bills digs when Buffalo travels to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I think the addition of Brad Smith, who you can list anywhere on the depth chart, a guy that I went over to Missouri and worked out one-on-one when he was coming out and really liked the player,” Chiefs coach Todd Haley told the media Wednesday. “I think that’s a great addition for them. He gives them great versatility — he can run with it, he can throw it. He can catch it and return it.”

Smith hasn’t caught a touchdown pass since 2007 (he caught his only two that season), but he also didn’t have much opportunity behind a stacked wide receiving corps in New York.

He joins a Bills team that is already rich in multi-role players.

“They’ve got a bevy of returners that all can hurt you,” Haley said. “(C.J.) Spiller, (Roscoe) Parrish and Brad Smith (are guys) you can’t lose sight of. They’ve got a lot of weapons.”

Tweet

Tomlinson on Dallas D: Like looking in mirror

Aside from hair length, brothers Rex and Rob Ryan look a lot alike. They are identical twins, after all.

But when Rex’s Jets and Rob’s Cowboys (Rob coaches the Dallas defense) square off Monday night, at least one Jet player sees some similarities that extend from the sideline onto the field of play.

Rob Ryan (DallasCowboys.com)

“Defensively, with Rob Ryan over there, it’s kind of like looking in the mirror,” Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson told the New York media. “It’s kind of like looking at our own defense, with couple different wrinkles.”

Rob, previously with the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns, took over as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys this offseason and has been installing his version of the 3-4. Like Rex, Rob runs a very multiple defense, likes to disguise blitzes and puts on simulated pressure.

“It’s gonna be very challenging,” Tomlinson said. “We know the blitz packages and stuff that Rob likes to bring, so it’s gonna present a heck of a challenge for us.”

Despite Rex’s relationship with Rob, Rex said Monday that he’s not involved in any more offensive planning than usual. Rex is probably more concerned with stopping Tony Romo and the Cowboys’ offense, something he has more control over, being a defensive guy.

“I think it’s more Schotty [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] dealing with my brother,” Rex said Monday. “We’ll talk about different things, but it's more Brian. The chessmatch is more Schotty and my brother than it is with me. I don’t call any offensive plays.”

Tweet

Look Back: Bills gave up fewest penalty yards on D in 2010, Jets saw fewest flags

The Buffalo Bills gave up too many yards on defense last year. But they did it in such disciplined style.

Buffalo gave up the fewest yards to the yellow flag in the 2010 NFL. The Bills’ 634 penalty yards against the defense ranked tops in the league. So there’s something.

In fact, the entire division fared very well in that regard. The New York Jets’ 74 penalties on defense were the fewest in the league. The New England Patriots were fourth best in penalty discipline with 84 flags. The Bills and Miami Dolphins were fifth with 85 flags.

The Patriots, however, had the most-penalized defense this preseason with 36 flags. The Jets were punished with the fewest penalty yards (117) by a landslide. Next were the Atlanta Falcons with 162.

Tweet

Jets WRs: Out with the new, in with the old

The New York Jets were 84 years old at wide receiver last year. Their three-player tandem of Santonio Holmes (27), Braylon Edwards (28) and Jerricho Cotchery (29) averaged 28 years old. This season, the Jets are 98. With Holmes, 34-year-old Plaxico Burress and 37-year-old Derrick Mason, New York averages 32.7 years of age among its top-three wideouts.

Mason

Does age matter? Not necessarily, but it is a notable swing. It’s not uncommon for teams to pick up an aging veteran to replace a mid-career No. 2 or No. 3 wideout for cost reasons. The Jets however, are essentially plugging in a mid-30s guy who hasn’t played football in two years (Burress) for a healthy, big, physical receiver (Edwards) who may just be reaching his peak. Then, they’re replacing Cotchery, a late-20s wideout who has been as sure as can be (aside from a poor showing against Green Bay last year) his entire career and was a staple in the Jets organization for a guy three years from 40.

Burress

This could work. Holmes is a no-brainer, and Burress, when healthy, is capable of changing a game with his 6-5, 232-pound frame and ability to grab footballs that seem out of reach. Holmes and Burress have both caught Super Bowl-winning touchdowns. Then there’s Mason. While old, Mason is a solid No. 3 who caught seven touchdowns last year while totaling over 800 yards.

Or, it could blow up in GM Mike Tannenbaum’s face. Burress has already been battling minor injuries in camp, which could linger through the beginning, if not the entire season. Mason, as has been repeated, is old. He’s in great shape, but his best years are most likely behind him. Plus, he might have to miss some time for an AARP meeting or something.

Holmes

Personally, I thought the Jets needed to bring back Edwards over Holmes. Edwards truly grew up during his time in New York, learning to catch the easy passes, continuing to grab the tough ones, consistently fighting hard in run blocking and always showing his passion of donning the green and white. However, with all of the late-game heroics and steadiness Holmes provided last season, Tanny and Rex Ryan can’t be blamed for making him the top priority. And it seemed as if the Cotchery situation was out of their hands, as they simply respected his wishes to get a fresh start somewhere else, where he might be able to be a No. 2 or primary receiver.

Tweet