On the last series of Tuesday’s morning practice, Rex Ryan told his players that the drill was live, meaning full tackles were expected to bring a running back down. It’s unusual in training camp, even in pads, and more unusual to do it with the first team players.

RT Damien Woody said he wasn’t surprised by that, and won’t be surprised to see it again.

But today, Ryan was pleased enough with the intensity that he didn’t have to ratchet it up a notch.

“I loved the tempo in practice, we’re hitting the field with purpose.”

Today, Ryan was impressed with CB Antonio Cromartie and WR Braylon Edwards. Both guys are long and have ups, and used their verticals to get at balls today.

Veteran DESean Ellis was held out of the morning practice in part due to a hip flexor, but Rex said that he was going to be doing that with veterans like Ellis, NT Kris Jenkins, Woody and FB Tony Richardson. He said the goal was to have them fresh for the regular season.

Ryan talked about finding a permanent replacement for returner Leon Washington. WR Jerricho Cotchery was the bandaid last season, but Ryan said he wanted to see rookie CB Kyle Wilson win the job. “Let him get beat up a little bit,” Ryan said.

In a hurricane, he said he’d go with Jim Leonard. Others on the line are Cromartie, and WR Larry Taylor. Rookie RB Joe McKnight has been doing some returns but not so much today.

Punter Steve Weatherford, who had heart surgery in the offseason, has impressed Ryan since he returned.

“He’s kicking the ball terrific, he had the one bad kick today other than that he’s been bombing it and he’s also doing a great job with his holding so I’ve been really impressed with Steve.”

Ryan was asked about Hard Knocks and said that it hadn’t been disruptive, and that he didn’t even notice the ones set up in the meeting rooms any more.

“I don’t think its bothered any of our guys, we’ve just been ourselves,” Ryan said.

Then he was asked if he’s said anything in retrospect he’d like to take back.

“We’ll see what’s on that show,” Ryan said. “Oh boy.”

Ryan said that his kind of management style needed discipline but encouraged individuality.

He was asked about training camp fights.

“They don’t have to prove anything to me I know we have the right guys.”

Then he paused.

“OK, one or two fights would be good.”