Jets Week is Finally Here
The NY Jets arrive in town on Sunday, reportedly CBS’ No. 1 announcing team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms will also be in town, and there’s lots to go around.
First up is Gary Myers in The New York Daily News, who writes that Browns coach Eric Mangini has no hard feelings about the team that fired him after the 2008 season:
“For me, personally, it’s special to play the Jets,” Mangini said from the Browns offices in Berea, Ohio. “Just like last week it was special to play New England because I was able to take so much from both of those organizations. And in New York, they gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach.
“I was really proud of the things that we did there and I learned a lot and been able to take those lessons here to Cleveland, apply those lessons here to Cleveland, grew a lot as a head coach. I just really appreciate that time, that experience, those people, all those guys that worked hard. It was a really special time in my life, both personally and professionally.”
Darrelle Revis insisted there’s no animosity between the Jets and Eric Mangini, but he didn’t exactly praise his former coach, either. Mangini will get his first crack Sunday at the team that fired him two years ago.
“There’s no hatred with us as the New York Jets organization (from) when Mangini was here,” Revis said. “Smart guy. He did all he could … Now he’s in a different place. I’m sure he’s looking forward to this game … I’m sure after the game guys will go talk to him … and see how he’s been.”
The Jets will face a rejuvenated Cleveland defense coached by Rex Ryan’s twin brother, Rob.
“If he’s half of what Rex is,” said center Nick Mangold, “it’s going to be a major pain for 60 minutes.”
And lets not forget it’s Ryan vs. Ryan this week. Oh, did we mention that it is Rex Ryan vs. Rob Ryan as well?
Finally, old friend Braylon Edwards opens mouth, inserts foot, as Fanhouse’s Pat McManamon shares:
“I remember the comments,” Edwards told (New York’s) Newsday. “I remember the writers, I remember the fans, I remember the coaches, I remember the people in the organization. I remember everything and everybody there that had something to say when 17 exited the doors. … I left there with a bitter taste in my mouth, and I’m going back there for some satisfaction. They can see it for how they want it. They can read it for how they want it. Just know that 17’s coming to work when we play next week.”
It’s been a wacky, unpredictable and enjoyable Browns season through the first eight games of the season. Something tells us that Sunday’s game versus the Jets might top anything we’ve seen so far this year.
Red Right 88 