Rex Ryan clarified earlier comments that he wants to build a bully in Buffalo, saying he wants it limited to the football field.
"I'm about the biggest anti-bullying guy there is, especially off the field and in the community," the new Bills coach told WGR-AM on Thursday morning.
Much of the discussion with Ryan centered on the newly signed Richie Incognito, a player most well-known for the Miami Dolphins' 2013 bullying scandal.
Ryan said after talking to the guard he is confident Incognito has recognized and learned from past transgressions.
"He recognizes that he has made some mistakes," Ryan said. "He wants to prove that he is not that person now."
While we have some serious misgivings about Incognito from an on-field perspective, the signing is part of the plan for Ryan to build a more physical, ground-and-pound offense.
"I want the toughest, physical football team on the field, and gentlemen off the field," Ryan said.
Some more highlights from the Bills coach:
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- Ryan said he expects EJ Manuel to get a shot at the quarterbacking job and he wants the signal-caller not to fear using his running ability.
"He needs to embrace that he can move; use his legs," Ryan said.
- On wooing pending Bills free agent defensive lineman Jerry Hughes back:
"Put him alongside (Kyle) Williams, (Marcell) Dareus and Super Mario (Williams) ... why would you want to leave that?"
- Of course Rex wouldn't be Rex without a blustery playoff prediction:
"I believe we'll go this year," he said.
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