FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Rex Ryan’s pride and joy has always been his defense. The meaner and more physical it is, the better, as far as the New York Jets coach is concerned.
So, watching Tim Tebow drive the Denver Broncos 95 yards for the winning score last week was an incredibly frustrating experience for Ryan. The Jets are ranked seventh overall in defense and hovering around the area — top five in the league — where Ryan always expects them to be.
But, are the Jets close to being an elite defense?
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine thinks they’re close, but need to play a lot better at the end of games and close them out. To make the playoffs, Ryan says, the defense can have no more of those types of letdowns.
