Ed Reed makes impact for NY Jets after questionable start

All week, questions abounded over whether Ed Reed should be starting for the Jets. All week, Rex Ryan said Reed would start unless injured.

That move ended up paying off for Ryan in the 37-27 victory over the Raiders on Sunday as the veteran safety picked off Matt McGloin in the second quarter at the Oakland 11-yard line. Reed said he was thinking touchdown on the return, but was tackled at the 4. Four plays later, the Jets had to settle for a Nick Folk field goal.

“I just stayed with the guy dragging across ... and he tried to force it, and I made the play,” Reed said.

Reed said the recent talk about how much he should be playing had no effect on him.

“I have nothing to prove to nobody, especially not anybody holding a microphone or a camera. I have nothing to prove. I just go out and do what I’m supposed to do,” he said. “There’s a reason why I’m on this side of the fence and y’all on the other side. Nobody’s perfect playing this game. People miss tackles, people miss plays. Every game.”

Though Reed did start and Ryan was so steadfast in his support of the future Hall of Famer this past week, the veteran safety actually played less. When Terrelle Pryor played quarterback for the Raiders, Reed was mostly replaced by Antonio Allen. Later, Jaiquawn Jarrett subbed for Reed as well.

“We knew it would be a physical game, (so) we tried to put some of the youngsters in there to take some of the heat,” Ryan said.

“I’m all right with whatever Coach wants to do,” Reed said. “I’ve played a lot of football, so for me to get a rest at any point, it’s welcome.”

It was Reed’s first victory of the season after spending the first part of the year with the Texans. It was also his first interception of the year, allowing him to continue his streak of at least one pick in every one of his seasons. Reed said he was conscious that his interception streak was in jeopardy coming into the game.


(nydailynews.com)