Ryan also praised cornerback Kyle Wilson and “the other corner” (kiddingly referring to star Darrelle Revis) before being asked about San Diego tight end Randy McMichael’s less-than-complimentary comments. After being told McMichael blamed the loss more on how badly the Chargers played than how good the Jets were, a smiling Ryan simply quipped, “Stay classy San Diego.”
The quote was of course made famous by actor Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy character but could be applicable to the Jets/Chargers relationship the past week.
After Ryan’s latest inadvertent foot-in-the-mouth comments regarding the talent level in San Diego and what he could have done with it, the situation seemed over before kickoff. Ryan and San Diego Head Coach Norv Turner were seen talking cordially both before and after the game, after exchanging zingers—inadvertent or otherwise—during the week.
In any case the straight-shooting coach announced he’s learned his lesson. “I will no longer say the word ‘rings’ anymore” he said announced with a smile, referring to his previous flaps over the years.
If the Jets keep playing the way they did Sunday he might have to find a suitable synonym.
“If we play like that we’re going to be tough to beat,” Ryan assessed.
The “tough to beat” part was especially apparent in third down situations.
After seven weeks New York finds themselves fifth overall in defensive third-down conversion rate at 31.9 percent while the Chargers’ offense converts a stellar 55.4 percent—second best in the league.
Naturally something had to give and in the first half it was the Jets’ defense.
The Chargers converted six of seven third-downs in the first half as they built a 21-10 lead. The second half was a different story of course. Norv Turner’s offense converted on just one of seven opportunities—with two resulting in interceptions—as the Jets outscored them 17-0.
The defensive performance—specifically in covering San Diego’s receivers like Randy McMichael—was good enough to win the game, even if it didn’t elicit classiness from across the field.
