On top of how poorly the Jets have played, coach Rex Ryan is drawing criticism for how he handled quarterback Geno Smith missing a meeting Saturday night.
Smith got confused about what time the meeting was scheduled. Ryan did not bench the struggling QB, starting him Sunday in San Diego and naming him the starter this week against the Broncos, despite being replaced by Michael Vick at halftime of the Chargers’ rout.
Herm Edwards, the Jets coach from 2001-05 and now an ESPN analyst, was among those critical of Ryan, saying Smith should have been “holding a clipboard” Sunday against the Chargers after missing the meeting.
Ryan didn’t take kindly to the criticism.
“If Herm Edwards gets to coach another team again then he can do exactly what he wants,” Ryan said. “No offense, but I don’t care to be compared to him anyway.”
Ryan said he understands why the fans are frustrated and why he has become a target for criticism.
“I get it,” he said. “When you’re 1-4, this is what happens, especially in this market. But I believe in my heart this team is going to be far from an embarrassment when the season is over.”