Ryan understands why Jets’ fans boo

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Rex Ryan has moved on from last season. He hopes New York Jets fans can, too.

The coach refused to tell frustrated Jets fans Monday to take their boos elsewhere, but also reminded them that this is a new season, with new hopes and expectations.

“I’m not going to say I’m disappointed in our fans, but I think we need to move forward,” Ryan said. “The things from the past are in the past. Let’s just focus on what we have in front of us. We’re all going to make mistakes. We’re all going to turn the ball over.

“We don’t like to, but those are things that are going to happen.”

The subject came up because Mark Sanchez, competing with rookie Geno Smith for the starting job, was booed loudly by some of the 6,000 fans at SUNY Cortland on Saturday night when he threw an interception during the team’s scrimmage. Sanchez had an NFL-leading 52 turnovers in the last two seasons, something that has left many fans hoping for Smith to win the job.

Antonio Cromartie, who made the interception, said Saturday he thought the reaction by fans was “bull” and added, “You don’t come out here and boo anybody.”

Ryan understands the fans’ disappointment, even if he didn’t particularly like the booing.

“Fans have the right to do anything they want,” Ryan said. “I think with us, the entire team, this is our teammate no matter who it is in the green and white. We want our fans behind us at all times. Obviously, guys make mistakes. I think that’s probably the reaction we had: We don’t want our guys getting booed, especially from our fans because we all wear green and white, including our fans.

“This game’s tough enough. We need to support each other. That’s probably where Cro is coming from.”

Although the scrimmage was free admission, Ryan insisted that fans “earned” the right to boo whenever they want to because “they’re the paying customer.”

If Sanchez wins the starting job, the fans might have extremely thin patience in the regular-season opener at home against Tampa Bay in Week 1. That means there could be boos for Sanchez if he struggles early and chants for Smith to take over.

Ryan insisted that public sentiment won’t — and has never — played a role in the team’s decisions.

“A fan’s perspective, you don’t factor that in,” Ryan said. “You do what you think is — dare I say it? — in the best interest of your football team.”

When it was suggested that Ryan might have been more defiant during his first few seasons as coach, when he was known to make news with his mouth, he said that wouldn’t have been the case.

“I don’t think I ever would have told our fans, ‘You better get behind us,’” he said. “There’s no way I would’ve said that.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.