New York Jets

Rex Ryan promises Jets are 'just another opponent'...for now

Published Nov. 9, 2015 12:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets both came away with victories on Sunday, setting up a pivotal matchup between the two on Thursday night. The Bills are just one game behind the Jets in the division and although neither team is likely to catch the undefeated Patriots, a playoff berth remains a very strong possibility for both teams.

Of course, this week's game has other implications, as well. Rex Ryan, now the head coach of the Bills, is making his return to the Meadowlands to face his former team for the first time since being fired. In usual Rex Ryan fashion, he's downplaying what the return means to him.

"I promise you, it’s just another opponent right now," Ryan said, via Mike Rodak of ESPN. "Now will that change when I’m in there? That’s a possibility. But I can tell you this -- it’s all about, you’re playing another team. And I know that team really well.

"But that’s really what it is. And it’s no more than that -- I can promise you. It’ll be the same way I’m answering it right now until at the end. Now after the game, that might change."

Prior to his comments on Sunday, Ryan hadn't really thought about or talked about going back to New York. However, he is looking forward to one thing: the food.

"Yeah, I'm gonna get some good food, dude," Ryan said last week.

Both teams have improved this season over last year, but there are still holes for both squads. The Jets' secondary has struggled of late, while the Bills' defense hasn't played up to expectations under Ryan. Thursday night's game should be fun to watch with additional bragging rights on the line.