Bills vs. Jets

Rex Ryan waited a long time to become a head coach in the NFL, and he hit the New York area with swagger, bravado and attitude.

That was when he coached the New York Jets. Six seasons, the first two the best, when the team reached the AFC championship game. Last four? Not so good. But Ryan’s exit was the classic example of one door closing and another opening. He was quickly hired by the Buffalo Bills, who, like the Jets, have had problems figuring out the whole winning thing. When your last playoff berth was in the previous century – Buffalo hasn’t been to the postseason since 1999 – you grab for the gusto.

So the Thursday night matchup of the Bills (4-4) and Jets (5-3) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., carries some emotional appeal. Ryan loves that stuff.

Ryan, in his characteristic way, managed to add even more by naming IK Enemkpali a team captain for the game. Enemkpali was cut by the Jets for breaking quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw during training camp by punching him in the locker room, supposedly over an unpaid debt. Ryan quickly added him to the Bills roster.

Are the Bills seeing red? Maybe. They’ll also be wearing red jerseys for the first time in their 56-year history as they unveil an alternate uniform. Yup, in the other guy’s backyard.

Ryan, of course, can anticipate the reaction he’ll evoke from Jets fans.

“There’s going to be a lot of waving out there,” he said. “With one finger.”

Thursday night games don’t leave teams much time for preparation. Often they just come down to which will make the fewest errors and play with the most intensity. This may not be a strategic gem, but it’s going to be fun.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .