FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Jets are tied for first place in the AFC East, but they're a substantial home underdog this week against the undefeated Texans. On Thursday, Rex Ryan sounded ready to play the underdog card.

"We're going to fight like we're an underdog," the coach claimed. "We're going to swing, that's for sure. We're not just going to take it, that's for sure."

That may have been a veiled reference to the stinging remarks from 49ers CB Carlos Rogers, who accused the Jets' defense of quitting in the second half of Sunday's blowout. Ryan doesn't think his defense quit, insisting it was fatigue more than anything else.

It's amazing how quickly things change. A month ago, Ryan called this the best team he's had here. Now he's hammering the underdog angle before a home game.

TEBOW FRUSTRATED?: On Tuesday, ESPN's Ed Werder provided an interesting take on the Tim Tebow situation, saying Tebow is frustrated by his lack of involvement. He also said Tebow feels betrayed because he feels the Jets haven't lived up to the promises they made with regard to his role. Werder didn't cite sources; he simply was basing his comments on informed opinion.

Ryan acknowledged that Tebow is highly competitive and wants to play, but he didn't want to go down the "frustrated" path.

"Specifically him being frustrated about his role, I don't see it," Ryan said.