Eric D. Williams 9y

Rex Ryan likes Philip Rivers' toughness

SAN DIEGO -- New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan had nothing but good things to say about Philip Rivers, stating that the San Diego Chargers' quarterback gets his vote as the MVP of the NFL a quarter of the way through the season.

“He’s just a tough ass,” Ryan said. “Not to mention probably right now I think he leads the league in quarterback rating (114.5). He’s probably the league MVP if you took that vote right now. Obviously, he’s a great player.”

Ryan also was complimentary of Chargers’ pass-rusher Dwight Freeney, saying that although he’s not playing at the same level he did with Indianapolis, he’s pretty close.

“He doesn’t just sack the quarterback,” Ryan said. “But he’s probably as good as there’s ever been at stripping the quarterback, so forcing turnovers. Obviously, we have to be mindful of that as well”

Ryan said when serving as the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, the organization allowed him to make a selection in 2003 draft.

Ryan’s pick? San Diego outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, selected in the fourth round by the Ravens that year.

“He’s one of my favorites,” Ryan said. “He was a defensive tackle when we drafted him. Then he goes to defensive end, and then we make him an outside linebacker. And that’s a strange transition, but he did it and never complained. He’s just one of the true tough guys in this league.

Ryan provided an example of Johnson’s toughness.

“He’s productive and he’s physical,” Ryan said. “I always liked drafting guys you don’t want your kid to play against. And you don’t want your kid to play against Jarret Johnson.”

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