Rex Ryan isn’t about to back down now.
The outspoken coach became even more peremptory yesterday, claiming his 9-7 Jets should not only be favorites to win their wild-card matchup but the Super Bowl as well. It’s an awfully powerful statement considering the Jets are only in the playoffs because, to some, their last two opponents laid down for them.
The Jets have the longest odds to win the Super Bowl, being listed in Vegas and offshore insiders with odds anywhere from 25-1 to 50-1.
“I wasn’t aware of that,” Ryan said, “but to me we should be favorites, so that’s fine.”
The Jets are listed as 21/2-point underdogs against the Bengals on Saturday after routing them 37-0 last Sunday. Ryan used his news conference to outline to oddsmakers why the Jets should be the favorites.
“I mean in the whole tournament,” the first-year head coach said. “You know the way that I feel. I think we have the best defense. I know we do. I know we have the best rushing attack. Those are two huge factors in our favor.”
True, but the Colts have Peyton Manning and the Saints have Drew Brees. Apparently, though, a dominating defense trumps both of them.
“If I had choice to coach any team in this tournament, I would choose this one,” Ryan said.
