Last spring, first time head coach Rex "Big Rexy" Ryan stated, "I didn't come here to kiss Bill Belichick's rings," and he hasn't backed down from that.  via assets.nydailynews.com

Going into the season with direction and purpose is a good thing. Right? But, what about when that direction turns to disarray? I guess we'll see. On the eve after the 53-man roster cut, the Jets evidently still hadn't made up their minds about a few key players. You may have heard about it., but I will repeat it for the rest. It bears repeating because, to me, it is an indication of what kind of ship Big Rexy is running up there in Gang Green Nation.

That's right. The Jets are literally playing a game of "who's on first" with their punter position. It took me 20 minutes to put some order to it, but I think I have it straight now. I know y'all care! Hehehe! Chance I'll have to take... Anyways, on Sunday, the Jets signed punter, rookie free-agent and former Titan, A.J. Trapasso, who was out on waivers. During the preseason, the Jets had also auditioned T.J. Conley, Ken Parrish, Glenn Pakulak, and Reggie Hodges. Then, one day later, on Monday, the Jets cut Trapasso and signed journeyman Steve Weatherford who was cut by the Jags on Saturday. So, Weatherford is the big winner...until further notice.

The Jets added other former Titans to their roster last weekend, LB Ryan Fowler and TE Matt Mulligan, giving Texans fans one more reason to root against them.

What do you think about Brandon Marshal becoming a Jet before next Sunday? The rumor mill is churning on that one.

Swirling around the Jets going into the game Sunday is the rumor that they acquired Patriots castaway (by trade with the Lions who claimed him on waivers) QB Kevin O'Connell for the sole purpose of gaining knowledge about the Patriots' playbook. No!!! Really??? Is it possible that another NY team thinks that a former San Diego State QB has some tread left on the tire? Big Rexy, of course is denying it. He claims he doesn't need anymore assistant coaches and adds, "We will move forward with four quarterbacks on our roster." I have a feeling that Big Rexy has played a hand of poker or two, but badly, because I'm not buying his bluff.

On the drug front, DE Shaun Ellis is out of Sunday's contest due to a league suspension for substance abuse. Joining him on the sidelines for four games is starting LB Calvin Pace for violating the league performance-enhancing policy. But in three weeks, expect to see Mike Vick playing again... (Ha! I got in my link to Michael Vick reinstated!!!)

The Jets coaching staff has some stories. One which concerns their defensive coordinator, one-time Ravens video and computer technician, Mike Pettine, who rose to assistant coach with the Ravens and became Big Rexy's first appointment to his staff as defensive coordinator. He doesn't come in without some football background though, being the son of a successful high school coach in PA and college player at Virginia. But, the word is that he and Big Rexy can finish each other's sentences, so they are a football match to reckon with.

The Jets have been blasting hip hop music and crowd noise this week at practice in preparation for the game at Reliant Stadium. The only thing missing, to add realism, was Travis Johnson pointing and taunting. (Ha! I just had to give one ridiculous mental image...sorry!)

The Jets will be weak at LDE. Not only is Ellis out, but his replacement DE Mike DeVito is nursing a sore hammy, so the Texans may see some of 3rd-stringer Sione Pouha if DeVito's hammy doesn't hold up.

The Jets are coming to town with only one FB, 37-year old Tony Richardson. They cut their other FB Jehuu Caulcrick after two-time Division 2 rushing leader from Chadron State, Danny Woodhead, romped for 158 yards in the preseason finale. I can't blame them. After that performance, I don't think the guy was going to clear waivers and make it to the practice squad!

The topic of the Texans zone-blocking scheme came up in pre-game questions with Big Rexy and he side-stepped, not wanting to create any bulletin board fodder (not like him), and said that the Texans don't block dirty, they just play hard. But, he also pointed out that if we check the record-books we'll see that Big Rexy defenses have a pretty good record against Alex Gibbs offenses. PUT IT ON THE BOARD!!! Hahaha! I keed, I keed!

So, what DO the Texans expect to see Sunday afternoon? They didn't tell me, so I'll have to guess. Will it be a typical Rex Ryan defense led by former Raven Bart Scott, or will it be a not-yet-ready for primetime edition in search of their bold identity? One thing to be expected is to expect surprises, like 6'-4", 360 pound Kris Jenkins lining up at LB and getting a rolling start into the line of scrimmage! Now you won't be surprised...dang!   EDIT: For an astute analysis of how the Jets may attack the Texans defense, here is a link to John B.'s entry on the Gang Green Nation sportsblog. A great read!

How about that offense led by rookie QB Mark Sanchez and veteran RB Thomas Jones? Let's not underestimate what Sanchez is capable of doing. The Jets have a strong offensive line anchored by All-Pro hopeful D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold and Alan Faneca and a swift young receiver who has worked his way into the starting lineup in Chansi Stuckey. The Texans will have to step up their defensive game to stay one step ahead of Big Rexy's Jets on Sunday.

Ok, prediction time. I am a homer! And, I don't think the Big Rexy imprint has taken yet on the Jets defense, so I am going in strong for the Texans...30-17 is the score; Matt Schaub lives to play another day; and Andre Johnson receives consideration for NFL Offensive Player of the Week! There it is! The Texans start their first playoff season strong with a home-win!