Do Shaun Ellis’ Comments Indicate Rex Ryan is Losing His Locker Room?

We all know Rex Ryan has a big mouth. Typically, his trash talking ways and outspoken attitude piss the rest of the NFL off, but not his own players.  Oh how a couple of losses can change all that.  After the Jets suffered a 10-6 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday — their second straight after being embarrassed by the Patriots last Monday — Rex was understandably critical of his squad.  Perhaps he should have been less critical of his defense, which allowed only 10 points and had to overcome two Mark Sanchez turnovers.

“According to Rex we played [bleepy],” an annoyed Shaun Ellis told the New York Post via Pro Football Talk.  “He said we weren’t good enough. I guess we needed a shutout. I guess that’s what he was talking about.”

“It’s frustrating to hear that because we played a solid game,” Ellis said. “I guess he just expects so much out of the defense that there should have been zero points on the board, not 10.”

The Jets have to find some sort of common ground and avoid getting into the blame game as the postseason approaches.  Ryan is trying to protect his young quarterback by holding the entire team accountable, but Ellis definitely has a point.  Allowing only 10 points should result in a win in the NFL.  At the same time, a loss is a loss.  The concept of a team involves taking a loss for what it is, not saying you did your part.

It’s no secret that New York is playing a dangerous game.  The main reason they were able to go on such a successful run last season was that they rallied around their head coach.  The Jets don’t have enough talent to overcome a divided locker room.  Oh yeah, and they aren’t even a guarantee to make the postseason.