New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan believes defence can still reach top-five status – NFL News
Despite losing his best player in the defensive team, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is still optimistic that the defence will be able to finish the season ranking in the top five.
Before the start of the season, Ryan predicted that his team would be among the league’s top-five defences.
He reaffirmed that notion on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, indicating that his team could mark a comeback. Ryan said:
"No way. Not willing to concede that at all. I think we'll get better, I really do. I think the commitment on the practice field, in the classroom, gives me that kind of confidence. We've got great confidence in the players and the coaches. No, I never concede
that at all."
It would take a gigantic effort for the Jets defence to reach that position. They are currently ranked 20th in the league with five games already played.
Also, Jets are without their premier cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is out for the rest of the season with a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during Jets Week 3 game against Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 23. Jets won that game 23-20.
Ryan also announced that centre Nick Mangold will return in the Jets’ next tie that will be against Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, October 14, 2012.
Mangold's injury looked serious when he was carted off the field in Week 5 game against Houston Texans. However, he was able to return to the field later in the game. Jets lost the game 17-23.
The All-Pro centre injured his ankle during that game. It was the same ankle that got hurt in the 2011 season due to which he missed two games.
Ryan also announced that tight end Dustin Keller and wide receiver Stephen Hill are also likely to be available for the next game. Nose tackle Sione Po'uha did not practise on Wednesday.
Mangold has been a phenomenal player. He has been called in Pro Bowl four times and also named All-Pro three times. He has played 94 games in his career.
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