New York Jets rookie head coach Rex Ryan raised some eyebrows around the league -- what else is new? -- when it was revealed Saturday he had drawn up for his players a postseason itinerary that went all the way through their Super Bowl parade Feb. 9.

Many observers didn't give them a shot to get past the Cincinnati Bengals in Paul Brown Stadium. The Jets won 24-14 and will meet the San Diego Chargers next Sunday in Qualcomm Stadium.

Ryan on Sunday explained why he distributed a long-term playoff agenda rather than taking it game by game.

"I just wanted to paint a picture for them," Ryan said. "Sometimes when you get in the playoffs, I think you think it's 'Wow, we're in the playoffs,' but is it really reality to think you can win the Super Bowl? When you lay it out in front of them, I think they can visualize it and realize that 'Hey, man, if we take care of business, play the way we know we're capable, we can get this done.'

"I truly believe in this football team. I believe in our players. I believe in our coaches. I believe in this organization. To me, I just wanted to make sure that they were aware of what's in front of us. I wanted to lay that schedule out to let them know that, 'Hey, we've been preparing for this. Whether they realize this or not, we've been preparing all season to get to where we are right now, and let's take advantage of it.' "