NEW YORK — Rex Ryan vows his Jets can beat the Steelers even if Pittsburgh puts 17 on the field.

Less bombastic than usual this week, Ryan wasn’t quite saying that Friday. The coach known for his creative inspirational techniques was just making the point that the Jets don’t need any extra motivation in Sunday’s AFC championship game on the road against a franchise as storied the Steelers (13-4).

“We want the T-shirt. We want the hat. We want the trophy,” Ryan said. “I don’t know what else I need to say. That’s the truth. They’ve had six Super Bowl trophies — if they want to put them on the field, we’ll play them, too.”

As probably every NFL fan knows by now, former Jets defensive end Dennis Byrd spoke to the team before last week’s game at New England — and New York responded with a rousing performance in the upset win. Byrd, who walked again after breaking his neck in a 1992 game, will serve as New York’s honorary captain Sunday. But don’t expect any special Saturday guest speakers this time around.

“Whatever I think’s appropriate,” Ryan said. “But I don’t believe so this week.”

—The Associated Press