Jets sign Rex Ryan to multiyear contract extension


The Jets are putting their best foot forward in their plans for 2014.
As Schefter notes, this is a big step forward, commitment-wise, with Ryan. Many expected Ryan wouldn't last the season without getting the boot, as the Jets offense somehow managed to live up to it's lowly preseason expectations. However, Ryan's Jets exceeded expectations, kicking and scratching their way to an 8-8 season despite their pedestrian offense. 

Getting to .500 was no small feat for Ryan considering the lack of talent he's been saddled with on the other side of the ball. While much of the blame will lie at the feet of rookie quarterback Geno Smith, which happens when your quarterback commits 25 turnovers in a season and completes only 55% of his passes, you have to consider the frightening lack of weapons Geno had at his disposal while being thrown feet first into the proverbial fire of the NFL. When your best weapons are the quick-footed Jeremy Kerley (who's really best suited to be a third receiver) and Chris Ivory, you know the offense is in dire need of playmakers. Jeff Cumberland's inconsistency has prevented him from establishing a foothold on the team's tight end job, despite having every opportunity to do so, while Stephen Hill's best attribute so far is that he's been less of a bust than Vernon Gholston.

Rex had some bad moments in 2013, but those should be merely footnotes to the overall impressive coaching job Ryan put forth this year. The young Jets defense, buoyed by breakthrough years by Ryan draft picks Muhhamad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, developed into one of the league's better units this season. They figure to take another step forward next year if Dee Milliner, the 9th pick of the 2013 draft, can can carry over his strong play in December to next season. Milliner struggled for most of his rookie season, but seemed to finally get his footing in December, winning AFC Defensive Player of the Month. A breakthrough season from him could be huge, as the Jets hope he can follow in the rather-large footsteps of Darrelle Revis.


I wonder if Rex will celebrate by kicking back and relaxing with a few beers at Dave & Busters?

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