Kenrick Ellis: I Enjoyed My Time With Jets, But Giants Operate At An Entirely Different Level
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- As far as Kenrick Ellis is concerned, the grass is definitely greener in Giants' blue.
The former reserve defensive lineman for the Jets spoke candidly recently with the New York Post, revealing some subtle and not-so-subtle difference between the two franchises.
Ellis signed a one-year, $1.65 million deal with the Giants during the offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Jets. He said he doesn't want people to think his time with the Jets wasn't enjoyable; it's just that the Giants are the better organization.
Ellis, who was selected in the third round of the 2011 draft out of Hampton, cited Big Blue's quarterback situation, coaching and attention to detail as far superior to what the Jets had to offer.
During Ellis' tenure, the Jets' QB situation was always rife with controversy as he witnessed the demise of Mark Sanchez, the birth of enigmatic Geno Smith and the fiasco that was the Tim Tebow experience.
"It's a different feeling, man,'' Ellis said Wednesday following minicamp practice. "I notice in practice having a franchise quarterback of Eli Manning's caliber is a lot different in practice than when I was with the Jets. Those guys are good quarterbacks, but having a franchise, Super Bowl-winning quarterback, practice is a lot different. The feel of it is a lot different. The way it's run is different, and it's a beautiful thing. I really like it.''
As far as the men on the sideline go, Ellis said he has nothing but "love" for former Jets head coach Rex Ryan, but is basically in awe of the Giants' Tom Coughlin, the owner of two championship rings.
"It's a lot different,'' Ellis said. "Coach Coughlin is a military guy, really, really disciplined. Rex was disciplined as well, but it's just a little different. You walk in the building, you'll see coach Coughlin anywhere. He's so sneaky, man, you'll see him anywhere. It forces you to be on point as far as your demeanor, how you act, everything in the building, it's real professional."
Expected to battle at least three other players for a starting tackle spot, a position in which the Giants need immediate impact considering their inability to stop the run last season, Ellis said he's not worried about his focus because accountability is something Coughlin and his staff preach.
"The structure here is a lot more intense. You have your schedule, you have to be where you're supposed to be. They did that too with the Jets, be where you're supposed to be, on time, but here it's not regular time, it's coach Coughlin's time, which is five minutes early," Ellis said. "It was an easy adjustment. You just have to move your clock. I don't see why people make a big deal, it's just being accountable for your actions, and I respect that.''
