In Rex Ryan's book, released this spring, he referred to the Jets as the "big brother" of the NFL teams representing New York — and said his squad will remain the better team for the next 10 years.

With two days until the Jets-Giants preseason game, the Jets coach reiterated that statement.

"I’m not backing down from one comment," he said. "I believe we are the best team in New York. My goal is to be the best team in the National Football League, not just in New York, and I’m not backing down one bit from that statement. I believe that will be the case."

As Ryan is fond of saying, he added, "We get to find out on Christmas Eve."

Hurricane Irene is scheduled to hit the area this weekend, but Ryan said right now he's preparing for Saturday night's intra-city rivalry game to be played as scheduled. The Giants are the host team, so Ryan said he has not been in contact with the NFL.

"I know that (the Giants) and the league will monitor and do what's safe for both teams and the fans," he said. "Right now I’m expecting to play, and we’ll adjust from there as necessary."

Responding to Justin Tuck’s comments about MetLife Stadium being the Giants’ stadium, Ryan offered this:

“He can think all he wants, but I think of it as MetLife Stadium and it’s the home of the New York Jets,” he said. “I guess he can think of it that way. He’ll probably be one of the only guys that think of it that way.”

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WR Plaxico Burress (low back) practiced fully today. Ryan said he looked "great" and made a few "unbelievable" catches.

QB Mark Brunell (calf), OL Trevor Canfield (knee) and TE Jeff Cumberland (hamstring) did not practice and will not play Saturday, Ryan said.

Brunell has not seen any action this preseason, but Ryan said that does not bother him.

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"This is his 19th year, and he was with us all last year," Ryan said. "I probably would have been much more concerned had he not been with us last year, but the fact this offense is not new to him now, I feel OK about that. I like the way our young guy Greg (McElroy) is coming around, so I'm not too concerned with that."

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Jenny Vrentas: jvrentas@starledger.com