Hard Knocks, Week 2: Less Revis, more bravado
Bryan Thomas #58 and Jim Leonhard #36 of the New York Jets celebrate a tackle against the New York Giants during their game at New Meadowlands Stadium. (Aug. 16, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
Rex Ryan's potty mouth and Darrelle Revis' holdout, the stars of Week 1 of "Hard Knocks," receded into the background last night when the Jets returned to HBO for their latest close-up.
Instead, the focus mostly was football, including the preseason opener against the Giants.
Not that the show was G-rated by any means.
The Jets coach still uttered enough naughty words to make Tony Dungy cringe, but this time there was far less of the one in particular that had garnered much criticism, including from Ryan's mother.
As for Revis, other than a brief scene of owner Woody Johnson and Mike Tannenbaum discussing his status before each side agreed to a media blackout, the cornerback was reduced to an afterthought.
For the serious-minded fan, there was plenty to chew on, including updates on the progress of Vernon Gholston and rookies John Conner (good) and Joe McKnight (less so).
And as usual, there was plenty of brash talk to get Jets fans excited.
While Ryan and his coaches bragged about the whipping they said their starters had given the Giants, there was concern about the backups.
"That was an embarrassment," Ryan said before adding an expletive or two.
Among the highlights:
Mark Sanchez ordering pizza and asking for free ranch dressing, which he learns cost 59 cents. "I just didn't think it would be extra; it's like asking for ketchup at McDonald's," he says.
Antonio Cromartie naming for the camera his many young children from several mothers, including an improbably long list who are at or near 3 years old.
Ryan crowing about the performance of LaDainian Tomlinson after mocking his doubters. "God, I love being right," he says.
Ryan and his staff plotting a practice fight in which Rob Turner will be used to test Gholston, who passes with flying colors.
Ryan telling players the NFL has mandated he discuss uniform protocol, then simply saying, "Wear your uniform. All right, let's go to the movies." Where he sees "Dinner for Schmucks."
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine saying this as Victor Cruz enters the game for the Giants. "Who's No. 3, a wideout?" Three touchdowns later, Ryan greets Tom Coughlin at midfield with this: "I don't know who No. 3 is, but holy --."
