Rex Ryan, Jets thriving in role as underdog in face of many critics and doubters

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan watches a lay against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith celebrates after the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, in Atlanta. The New York Jets won 30-28. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – Rex Ryan insists he and the New York Jets refuse to put much stock into what their many critics and detractors say about them.

The coach also acknowledges, however, that all the negative talk outside their facility has helped sparked them to a surprising 3-2 start following a 30-28 victory at Atlanta led by a turnover-free Geno Smith on Monday night. Ryan says Tuesday in a conference call that people can "try to discredit us all you want" because their wins have come against teams with a combined 3-11 record, but adds that he and the team "really don't care."

The Jets find themselves a game out of first place in the AFC East after some thought they would be hard-pressed to win three games all season.

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