New York Jets coach Rex Ryan had numerous positive things to say about his upcoming counterpart, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, in his news conference on Monday.

Consider some of his comments about Belichick:

"He's the number one coach in this league. That's undisputable."

"He's a great evaluator of talent."

"I want to have the success he's had through the years."

"I've got a huge deal of respect for him."

With the 9-2 Jets and 9-2 Patriots set to face off next week for AFC supremacy, Ryan's comments seemed to be dialed back from when he said he didn't intend to "kiss Bill Belichick's rings" in his first months as Jets coach.

But after his formal session with reporters, Ryan got back to his braggadocio side in comments to Newsday.

"I didn't [back off]," Ryan said told the paper. "I just told the truth. I came here to win. As much as I respect and admire Bill Belichick, I came here to kick his (butt), and that's the truth. That's just the way it is."

The Jets and Patriots are tied atop the AFC East. The winner of Monday's game in Foxborough will have the inside track for the division title, a playoff bye and home-field advantage in the postseason.

Ryan's swagger has been apparent since he arrived with the Jets in 2009. All year, he hasn't shied away from saying his Jets are the best team in the NFL.

On Monday, he wants to prove that to Belichick and the rest of the league.

"I came to win my own (Super Bowls) here, and whether he's coaching or not on the other sideline, that's what I came to do," Ryan told Newsday. "Do I respect and admire him? Absolutely."

-- Sean Leahy