Schilens calls Cromartie WR comments 'a slight,' Rex: 'I'm on top of it'

Antonio Cromartie said he's the second-best wideout on the Jets. That didn't go over well with his teammates, particularly Chaz Schilens, who called the comments 'a slight.' Thankfully, Rex Ryan is 'on it.'

By Will Brinson

Aug 1, 2012 at 3:21 pm ET • 2 min read

Schilens isn't pleased with Cro's opinion of himself. (US Presswire)

Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie made a lot of noise Tuesday when he said he believed he was the teams second-best wide receiver. There was some funny debate about the realistic nature of Cro's comments, but ultimately, it was about as logical as the show he said it on.

Naturally, the comment got back to his teammates and his coaches. And it didn't exactly go over well, particularly with new Jets wideout Chaz Schilens.

"We'll address it on the football field," Schilens said, per Jane McManus of ESPN New York. "I think it's a slight, I'm not going to lie. I just wouldn't say it, it's not something I would say but I'm not him I guess."

Maybe the Jets will use Cro at wide receiver, a tactical decision that would fit well with the way they're handling their quarterbacking duo this offseason. And maybe he'll be good there. But he actually listed names of other wideouts on the roster and explained why he was better.

Since this is precisely the kind of locker-room problem that derailed the Jets last season, the comments sent Rex Ryan scrambling during his Wednesday press conference.

"I’m going to say this right now," Ryan said, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. "Listen to me when I tell you this: I’m aware of what was said. I’m on top of it. I’m telling you that right now and it will not be a problem. That’s all I’m going to say about the whole thing."

Wasn't this team supposed to be quieter, more business-like Jets? Did everyone miss that memo? Or was the embargo for ridiculous smack-talk and in-fighting ever even in place? Thus far this offseason, we've heard how the Jets "have greatness written all over them," we've heard about Santonio Holmes being a "scapegoat" in 2011, we've seen Darrelle Revis contract drama unfold and we've heard Rex brag about how great a defensive coach he is.

In other words, new season, same old Jets. The only difference this time around is that if Cromartie really is the second-best wideout on the team, there might be some people sweating the temperature of their seat.

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