Geno Smith on Rex Ryan Naming IK Enemkpali Captain

And Richardson recalled why the Jets liked their coach so much. A victory would give them sole possession of second place and at least a two-game lead over the Bills and Miami, (3-5), which visits Philadelphia on Sunday. Ryan wearing a Clemson helmet at the podium Tuesday was just this week’s reminder.

Previously, yours truly mentioned that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going up against his old team, but there is clearly a more interesting former matchup in the works here as well. “He’s not a handsome kid”, Ryan said.

“I’m a little shocked to be honest with you”, Ryan said, noting he has always selected his captains based on their ties to the opponent. “This was never a thing of disrespect”.

In the seven games in which Fitz has appeared against Rex Ryan defenses in his career the Jets QB has a completion percentage of just under 50 percent (49.8%) with 12 touchdowns and seven INTs.

“He’s right. Because what else am I going to do?”

After the crowd left his locker, Smith dropped a surprising detail that may change the narrative about the incident.

It was a drop-the-mike moment for Ryan, whose news conferences are regarded as must-attend events. In 11 months in Buffalo, Ryan has vowed to “build a bully”, he’s ribbed New England quarterback Tom Brady for bouncing a ceremonial pitch on opening day in Boston, and he munched on a dog biscuit alongside owner Terry Pegula to promote the SPCA.

Ryan might have saved his best material for what could be his most emotional week of the season. Sam Bradford throws two touchdowns and Ryan Tannehill matches that but the difference in this game is the Eagles three headed running back tandem as they account for two touchdowns and over 120 yards rushing.

“The guys have to take care of their bodies and get treatment”, Jets head coach Todd Bowles said. But he was even just on the Jets back during the preseason, and is probably best known for breaking Geno Smith’s jaw and then signing with a division rival.

And yet, Ryan acknowledges he’ll have more to say later.

Truth be told, he doesn’t have to answer it. Everybody knows what this game means to Ryan.

We won’t know for sure until Thursday night when the Bills and Jets take the field for Thursday Night Football on NFL Network.

But Ryan’s words began to ring hollow with fans, the media and perhaps a few of his players as the wins dwindled. The Bills have a dual threat quarterback in Tyrod Taylor, whose ability to wriggle free will test a vulnerable linebacking corps, and a legitimate big-play wide receiver in Sammy Watkins, who could thrive against suddenly struggling CB Darrelle Revis.

“That’s just Rex being Rex”, said Thurman, who has worked with Ryan for 13 years. “That’s a Rex Ryan move. Whether you like him or don’t like him, he is who he is”.

Not everyone’s was on board.

Jets safety Calvin Pryor said Enemkpali being a captain was “disrespectful”.

On behalf of bearded Americans everywhere, Fitzpatrick boldly got the last laugh. After all, the defensive lineman has made two tackles already for Buffalo – and there’s still half a season to play!