Veteran Jets players understand the dramatic change in attitude from this year’s playoff team to the 2006 squad coached by Eric Mangini that lost to the Patriots 37-16 on Jan. 7, 2007.
“It’s different,” Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis told NJ.com. “We’re a confident bunch. A couple of years ago, we went to the playoffs with Mangini, we were a little anxious. We never could get settled.”
Bill Belichick’s Patriots defeated Mangini’s Jets 37-16 in a 2006 AFC wild-card playoff game on Jan. 7, 2007.
The Jets have changed from a tense, uncomfortable team under Mangini into a loose, confident group under Ryan.
“We’re having a lot of fun,” Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery told NJ.com. “There’s no doubt at all in this locker room, and obviously, everybody knows it starts with Rex. He has brought a confidence to this organization, period, that was well-needed for this locker room.”
Ryan has defined what it means to “Play like a Jet.”
“I just think the biggest thing now is we know who we are,” Jets right guard Brandon Moore told NJ.com. “I think that’s where that comfort level comes from. We feel confident going into games.”
The team’s attitude adjustment has been successful. The Jets have advanced to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the first time in five years.
