Are the 2012 New York Jets the Most Dysfunctional Team Ever?

It has become evident in Rex Ryan's tenure with the New York Jets that he is a players' coach and wants his players to feel they can be themselves.  Whether that style of coaching is conducive to running a functional locker room remains to be seen.  Last year Rex and the Jets did not make the playoffs for the first time under his tutelage, and the team found out that losing is a lot tougher then winning.

In recent news, there have been numerous damaging quotes coming from the Jets locker room, some of which were reported from anonymous players which never helps the situation.  So, is this the most dysfunctional team of all time? I say no.

Looking at some of the past teams with locker room issues, Terrell Owens sticks out as a player who called out coaches and teammates multiple times, whether it was with the Eagles or the Cowboys.  To be considered the most dysfunctional team of all time you must have a few players arrested or suspended.  These are all issues that Rex and the Jets have found ways to avoid.

One of the problems causing the Jets' recent chemistry struggles has been losing.  The problems in this locker room derive from players being competitive to the point where when they lose they have serious problems handling that.  As a coach, this isn't necessarily a bad problem to have—you hope your players are mature enough to take losses in stride and be professional. 

Braylon Edwards DUI aside, this Jets team has been very well behaved off the field considering the franchise has taken risks on players known to have character issues (Cromartie, Holmes).

The lack of chemistry was more evident in last year's Jets then this year's—the 2012 Jets seem to be lacking talent more than anything else.  Last year LT, McElroy and Burress at one time or another made comments that fueled the fire that is New York media. 

Rex will be the first to admit that his first stint as a coach is a learning experience, perhaps it is time to change his stance that allows players to speak so freely with the media.