Jets defense: "We'll take wins, over No. 1 ranking."
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) is tackled by New York Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas during the first half. (Oct. 17, 2010) Credit: AP
Last season, Rex Ryan prided himself on his No. 1 ranked defense. Now, that coveted distinction belongs to the San Diego Chargers.
The Jets, on the other hand, are fourth in points allowed per game (16.8), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (90), 12th in total yards allowed per game (319) and 22nd in passing yards allowed per game (229).
But the head coach believes it’s only a matter of time before the unit gets going and reclaims the spot that’s rightfully theirs.
“Our objective is to lead the league in wins,” Ryan said. “Statistics will probably be up there anyway. …But when it’s all settled, I expect to have the best defense in the league – as always.”
Linebacker Bart Scott, who spent the bye week in Miami, said he sees a lot of room for growth on the defensive side of the ball.
“We haven’t played our best football,” he said. “We have an opportunity to do that. We have 10 games to kind of move ourselves up the rankings. But more importantly, we’re 5-1. If you ask me would I trade being 5-1 for being the No.1 defense in the league, I wouldn’t. Because I believe right now, San Diego’s No. 1. If they lose a couple more games, they’re out of the race.”
Fellow linebacker Bryan Thomas said he would't trade this good a start for anything.
“I’ll take the better record over stats any day,” he said, excitedly. “Wins are what counts. You can have the best stats, the best offense, the best defense, the best special teams and all that, but if you ain’t winning? You can go up and down the field all day and not even score and be ranked No. 1, but what would it matter?”
