Ex-Coach Points to Jets' Big Change for '1st Time Since Weeb Ewbank'

Former Jets coach Rex Ryan has a penchant for hyperbole, no doubt, and he indulged in a bit of that on Monday on the ESPN morning show, "Get Up." Ryan was expounding on the state of the Jets after Sunday's disappointing, 34-32 loss to the Steelers and former quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

While it was not a banner day at MetLife Stadium, it took a 60-yard Chris Boswell field goal to get the Steelers over the line on Sunday, and the fact that the Jets put up 32 points behind quarterback Justin Fields should not be overlooked--it's a good Pittsburgh defense that ranked No. 8 in points allowed in 2024.

For Ryan, that was the takeaway from the Jets' performance.

"They got a real offense now for the first time since Weeb Ewbank," Ryan said. "That was one thing that impressed me with the new offensive coordinator. I think he did an outstanding job. And by the way, Justin Fields is not just a runner. That’s how I felt about him, I think he has got arm talent and that’s important.

Jets Offense Has Struggled in Recent Years

Of course, the Jets have had decent offenses in the decades since Ewbank roamed the sidelines (1973 was his last year). But his point is valid--it's been a long time since the jets fielded a respectable offense. By points scored, the Jets have been 23rd or worse every year since 2016 and have had a Top 10 offense just once since 1997.

Therefore, though the Jets are sitting at 0-1, there is reason to be confident in Fields and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Fields was 16-for-22 for 218 yards passing, and the running game got 107 yards on 19 carries from Breece Hall and 48 yards with two touchdowns from Fields.

"I am encouraged. If I am a New York Jets fan, this ain’t the same old Jets," Ryan said. "They actually have a real play-designer as the offensive coordinator and you have an outstanding, young, athletic talented quarterback. I am super-excited about him."

las, things won't get easier for the Jets in the coming weeks. They play the defending AFC East champs, the Bills, on Sunday and follow that up with Tampa Bay in Week 3.