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 .
High-Tech Toys Raise Privacy Concern
-
NBA Star Penalized for Inappropriate Gesture During Victory Over Trail Blazers Philadelphia 76ers’ star center, Joel Embiid, has been...
-
Spanish Football Chief Faces Scrutiny Over World Cup Incident The Spanish government announced on Tuesday that it has submitted...
-
University of Houston Mourns the Loss of Former Basketball Star Reggie Chaney The University of Houston community is deeply...
-
Former President Donald Trump Leaves Republicans Speculating on His Debate Strategy Former President Donald Trump has definitively confirmed that...
-
As Neymar’s desire for a new chapter surfaces, the football world debates whether he will return to Barcelona’s embrace...
-
The football legend mesmerizes with a dazzling display and debuts a Wakanda Lionel Messi wowed fans once again with...
-
Andrew Wiggins Returns: Ready to Help Warriors Defend Championship Title! Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has returned to...
-
Scotland’s rugby team has been dealt a significant blow. Scotland’s rugby team has been dealt a significant blow with...
-
Diaz injured his knee while the Puerto Rican team was celebrating its victory. During Wednesday night’s game in the...
-
Number 16 has joined the legendary likes of Numbers 8 and 24. Despite retiring from the NBA in 2021,...
-
Tatum was slapped with his first career ejection after two technical fouls. Monday night was a rough one for...
-
Correa joined the Mets with a $315 million contract. Recently, baseball player Carlos Correa announced that he had cut...