FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Rex Ryans sense of humour is still going strong.Despite a 3-11 record and facing an uncertain future, the New York Jets coach has kept the one-liners and self-deprecating jokes coming. He refuses to pout, even if Sundays game against the New England Patriots might be his last at home with the team.Im just going to be myself, he said Friday. Im not dead yet. Im always going to be me and thats just my personality. Thats just who I am every day. Regardless of the good times, the bad times, or whatever, I think Im consistent that way.Ryan has been in relatively good spirits this week, cracking jokes about himself, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Thats all while possibly facing his final days with a franchise hes led for the last six seasons.No, I havent thought about that at all, Ryan said. I thought you were going to ask me what I thought of Belichick.Ryan famously declared soon after he was hired by the Jets in 2009 that he didnt come to New York to kiss the Patriots coachs rings. Under Ryan, the Jets are 4-8 against Belichick, including a playoff victory during the 2010 season, but the Patriots have won the AFC East title every year during that span.So, for Ryan, mission not accomplished. But just because he has tried — and mostly failed — to beat Belichick, that doesnt mean he dislikes the Patriots coach.I probably think hes a lot better coach than he thinks I am, I think thats safe to say, a smiling Ryan said. Wed like everybody to think that we dont like each other, but thats not the facts. Hes not somebody that you can hang out with or something like that, at least I dont. Were cordial. Anytime we see each other off the field or we talk to each other, its just the opposite of what people think.Ryan is nowhere near the brash, no-holds-barred guy whose daily press conferences were filled with bold statements and wild guarantees. He toned that down a bit in the last few years when he learned that it was negatively affecting his players. But Ryan has managed to be loose during tense times, particularly this season.His players noticed that effort, and its endeared him over the years.Man, hes the ultimate players coach, said wide receiver Percy Harvin, who joined the Jets in a trade in October. Hes always going to go to bat for you and he always has your back. He keeps it real. If you ask him a question, hes going to give you the answer. If he dont have it, hes going to find a resource to get it for you.Harvin said he definitely thinks Jets players could appeal to owner Woody Johnson and the front office to keep Ryan beyond this season.But I dont even think thats necessary, said Harvin, adding he could have called it a season two weeks ago instead of aggressively working back from a severely sprained ankle. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is also trying to get back on the field after missing three games with turf toe.Guys will run through the wall for Rex, Harvin said. When youve got a players coach, and do things the way he does it, your team is going to be all in.And, if this is Ryans last home game with the Jets, beating the Patriots would be a satisfying ending for the players and coach.Definitely, linebacker Calvin Pace said. Best way to go out — if thats the case.NOTES: Ryan said claims by former CB Josh Thomas, now with Detroit, that he didnt receive enough coaching while with the Jets were humorous. Thomas was waived Tuesday after limited action. I never heard it ever in my life, Ryan said. Ive been coaching a long time, and not just about me or anybody else. Thats a new one. ... Pace on the Jets showdowns with the Patriots in the seven years hes been with New York: Its been a pleasure to play against them, man. I think they bring the best out of us, and Id like to think theyd say the same thing.___AP NFL website:
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