The Jets have been the central focus of ESPN since training camp began, and that truth hasn’t been lost on Rex Ryan or many others. The Jets coach went so far as to call his team ESPN’s version of “Hard Knocks,” which is a show on HBO that follows one NFL team throughout training camp (the Jets were featured on “Hard Knocks” in 2010).
“I know we did Hard Knocks before, and this is like the ESPN version of it or something,” Ryan said during an interview with Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco on ESPN Radio New York. “It is surprising. There’s no doubt. We’re just a team that’s coming off last year’s 8-8 record. But we do have some personalities here.
“Obviously people want to see Tim Tebow, they want to see Mark Sanchez and Darrelle Revis or whoever. That comes with the territory. Certainly I think in some ways the more success you have, the better this thing is for you. … The cameras are around, we’ve had different things, and sometimes it gets you ready.”
Ryan pointed out the obvious while not complaining about it. But he’s dead on. ESPN has treated the Jets like they’re the only team in the league, and fans, media members, and players around the NFL have noticed it.
Rex is no longer making bold predictions in order to protect his team, but the franchise’s acquisition of Tim Tebow, plus all their exposure on TV, similarly makes them a target for other teams. That will likely hurt their chances of winning big.
Thanks to Sports Radio Interviews for the transcription.
