There is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance, and the Jets have flirted with it quite often since Rex Ryan took over. New York carries itself like a team that knows what it takes to win a championship, but the problem is they have yet to get there. After reaching the AFC Championship game in back-to-back seasons, the Jets missed the playoffs and were a major letdown in 2011. On Monday, Bart Scott provided some insight into how the Jets plan to make sure that doesn’t happen this season.
“Not a sense of entitlement,” Scott told the Newark Star-Ledger. “Understanding how hard it is in this game, and how blessed we were to be where we were (in back-to-back AFC Championship Games). And how hungry we are to get back there, and be able to prove the doubters wrong. They have an opinion of us, and sometimes perception is reality. But it doesn’t make the perception the truth.”
Ryan is a trash talker himself who allows his players to say pretty much anything they want, so it’s no surprise to hear that the Jets became overconfident last season after the success they had the previous two. The Jets do plenty of talking, but they haven’t won anything. The sooner they realize that the better off they’ll be.
“I’ve taken my vacations already,” Scott said. “I’ve been to Paris. I’ve been to the Bahamas twice. I’m done. It’s grind. This is where I catch everybody; this is where I make my big leap, is now. When everybody else maybe takes two weeks off, I’ll go right to it.”
Sounds like someone is ready for the season to begin. Jim Kelly may think a disaster is in progress with Tim Tebow in the fold, but as far as Scott’s concerned the Jets are a focused bunch. Can’t wait!
H/T Pro Football Talk
Photo credit: The Star-Ledger-US PRESSWIRE
