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Rex Ryan Sidesteps Smack Talk, Says He’s ‘Not Worried About Tweaking New England’

The Jets and Patriots play each other at least two times a year.

They also play another game, where Jets coach Rex Ryan says something stupid and the Patriots shove it back in his face.

But not this time, apparently. As the Jets and Patriots deal with a short turnaround before their Thanksgiving evening matchup, Ryan has decided to zip the lip and just make sure his 4-6 Jets come out to play. New York lost to New England in the rivals’ first matchup of the season, 29-26 in overtime.

“We’re behind where we have to be, and we can only focus on ourselves,” Ryan told the New York Daily News. “I’m not worried about tweaking New England.”

That’s good news for Mark Sanchez, who knows what kind of trouble Ryan’s mouth can bring.

“Coach has seen what kind of both sides can do,” Sanchez said. “[When] you come out and say something, it almost puts you in a position where you’re supposed to win. And if you win, it’s like, ‘Yeah, you already said you were going to win.’ So, who cares? So I don’t see any point in it.”

The Jets have plenty of other problems to deal with. They were on a three-game losing streak before knocking off the Rams 27-13 Sunday, and another loss to New England would mean a long, uphill climb if they want to make the postseason — or even finish .500. The team is also coming off a rough week internally, with several Jets players ripping backup quarterback Tim Tebow.