In the NFL, recent results drive the daily chatter, and now, Bill Belichick and the Patriots are in the spotlight. Former division rival Rex Ryan didn’t hold back, taking shots at the team’s performance.
On “Get Up” on Monday, Ryan expressed his view, saying, “This team plays like they’re exhausted. And the Patriot Way, that’s it: It exhausts these kids. And Tom Brady was the only reason you won anyway, all right?” While acknowledging Belichick’s greatness, Ryan emphasized Brady’s pivotal role.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Rex Ryan tells Bill Belichick the truth: "Tom Brady was the only reason you won anyway."
Belichick's career record doesn't lie – Rex is right, facts are facts.pic.twitter.com/nNzp7oBJxJhttps://t.co/ogXzxihLW0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 27, 2023
Amidst some lively reactions from fellow analysts, Ryan urged Belichick to end the quarterback mystery, asserting that it doesn’t matter if it’s Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe because, in his opinion, “they both stink.” The Patriots’ 2-9 record is a harsh reality, and the ongoing quarterback debate doesn’t seem to faze Ryan, who bluntly stated, “Your team stinks.”
While it’s clear the Patriots are struggling, Ryan’s dismissal of Belichick’s success solely attributing it to Brady is seen by many as a bit extreme. It’s a perspective often heard in casual sports discussions, but coming from someone with Ryan’s coaching background, it’s a surprising take.
Rex Ryan, now 60 and likely retired from coaching, last worked in the NFL in 2016 with the Bills. Despite his coaching career’s ups and downs, Ryan’s recent criticism of the Patriots, though fitting for the team’s current struggles, seemed a bit personal.
