Rex Ryan Stands by Woody Johnson Amid Jets’ Struggles

Rex Ryan attempted to support his former employer, but faced backlash for it.

The Jets continue to search for their first win of the season, inching toward an extended playoff drought—the longest in the league. While at the NFL owners meeting in Manhattan, owner Woody Johnson criticized quarterback Justin Fields, claiming, “If he can complete the pass, he’s going to be good.” Rookie head coach Aaron Glenn added, “I think he’s partially turned around.” This suggests there’s potential, yet something seems off with the quarterback.

Ryan, who has a history coaching the Jets from 2009 to 2014, has expressed a desire to reclaim that role, even interviewing for the position this year. However, he now feels the team is at “rock bottom” after defending the owner’s actions.

“It’s impossible to overcome dysfunctional ownership… Maybe the problem is you, Woody,”

said Alex Smith, who labeled Jets owner Woody Johnson a “coward” for failing to take responsibility during a live broadcast.

Ryan pointed out that, unlike the Jets, their rival New England Patriots have made strides with a new head coach—though he accidentally referred to Mike Vrabel as the “first new coach.”

He also highlighted the success of the Giants and their rookie quarterback Jackson Dart, who energized their fanbase, while the Jets struggle to get it together with Fields starting against the Bengals following Tyrod Taylor’s knee injury.

Yet, Ryan’s defense of Johnson did not quite resonate with his ESPN colleagues. Alex Smith remarked that the Jets’ issues begin with ownership, stating that “nobody wants to go there” to play quarterback.

“I’m at rock bottom, but I’m at rock bottom because of this guy. Dysfunctional ownership is impossible to overcome,” said Smith, clearly frustrated with Johnson’s track record of mistreating coaches and quarterbacks alike.

Despite this, Ryan maintained that he would have begun with Fields as the starting quarterback, asserting, “That kid has the ability.” He expressed that Johnson is under significant pressure, emphasizing that Johnson is genuinely interested in winning.

However, Smith remained unconvinced, pointing out that former Jets players like Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers found success after leaving the team.

“Maybe you’re the problem, Woody,” Smith stated. “It starts at the top and trickles down to the bottom. This is cowardly.”

As the game progressed, the Bengals led 24-13 at halftime.