Rex Ryan Wants Jets Fans to Cheer Louder

An article in the New York Daily News by Rich Cimini titled “Coach Rex Ryan challenges New York Jets fans to cheer harder and louder at Giants Stadium” is causing some stir today with Jets fans. Here is a quote from the article made by Rex Ryan:

“I’m challenging our fans. I know they’re going to challenge me, and rightfully so, but it’s my job to get this team ready to go. Be prideful. This is your football team and we can accomplish anything we set out to do. I think when we get that energy from our crowd, it might be the difference this week.”

Then there’s a quote from Jets offensive lineman Brandon Moore. “Lately the fans seem like they’re taking a cautious, wait-and-see approach. I don’t know if it’s the ‘Same Old Jets’ thing or what, but I guess they have reason to be hesitant. We’ve had a couple of hiccups.”

The back page of the Daily News made it sound like Ryan was kind of calling Jets fans out. That’s not that case if you read the full article (linked above).

Jet fans are looking at this two ways. As Craig Carton suggested on WFAN this morning, Jets fans are at the Meadowlands cheering every game. Sometimes there’s just nothing to cheer about, but they don’t need Rex Ryan to tell them to cheer. These Jets fans see Ryan’s comments as called them out, like it’s the fans’ fault the Jets are playing poorly. Well the product on the field has been lousy. Ryan and the Jets should worry about what they need to do on the field rather than the volume of the stadium. Better play will make the crowd louder.

There are the Jets fans who like what Ryan is doing or don’t particuliarly have a problem with his comments. Consider Fireman Ed in this group. They like that the fiery head coach talks to the fans and supports the fan base. They don’t see this as Ryan calling out Jets fans. Instead, they see it as Ryan asking for the help of Jet fans.

Personally I like how Ryan is active with the fans and urges fans on but his focus needs to be on the team. All this hoopla is fine when the team is winning but they are struggling right now. The Jets play well and the fans will be cheering. They’ll be loud on third downs for the defense. Jets fans don’t need Ryan to tell them to be loud anymore. It did work for the New England game, however. Right now the Jets aren’t playing good football and the team isn’t giving their fans anything to be excited about.