John Nestor

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and tight end Dustin Keller backed up Rex Ryan in an ongoing verbal war between their coach and Jets legend Joe Namath.

Sanchez, who went 27-for-43 for 369 yards with two TD passes and an interception in a 34-24 loss in Oakland, said he respects Namath as the only Jets quarterback to hoist a Super Bowl title, although he didn't agree on the legend's current comments about the team's lack of preparation.

"I can understand why he'd criticize the team like that, and I kind of see where he's coming from as an outsider perspective, but at the same time you have to understand: In this building, these guys prepare their tail off," Sanchez told ESPN Tuesday.

The 68-year-old Namath lashed out at Ryan and the entire Jets roster following Sunday's loss to the Raiders, saying complacency appears to be a major problem in the team.

"Coach Rex Ryan I think has been doing a great job getting the team to two championship games. But if there's one thing about the athlete, if you keep telling him how good he is, he's going to start believing it, to the point that he may not be preparing not quite the way he should, Namath told ESPN Sunday.

On the other hand, Ryan responded to Namath's comment, saying he won't change something to please the Jets legend.

Ryan even invited the Jets legend to come at practice and play backup quarterback for him to see their preparation.

Keller also supported his coach and insisted the Jets are working hard for every match, regardless of which team they face

"So I'm not buying into (Namath's comments). Rex knows what type of players he has, the type of team he has, and that's why he has so much confidence in us," Keller told ESPN Tuesday.

 

NFL 2011 - Jets Players Back Rex Ryan in Coach's Verbal War with Joe Namath