.png)
11 months ago
49
ESPN's Rex Ryan has seen more than enough of the 'Patriot way,' particularly with coach Bill Belichick's team falling to 2-9 on Sunday.
Once used to describe New England's locker-room culture during the Tom Brady era, the Patriot way is now being blamed for the team's struggles under Belichick, who drew the ire of Ryan during Monday's episode of 'Get Up.' After Belichick once again refused to name a starting quarterback until Sunday, when the Patriots lost to the hapless New York Giants, the ex-Jets and Bills coach lashed at his former rival.
'Can I just say this: Bill Belichick, please stop,' Ryan said Monday after Patriots quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe both struggled at MetLife Stadium. 'Just name your dang starter. It doesn't matter, they both stink, whether it's Zappe or ''Pea Shooter'' Jones - like we care about your team. Your team stinks.'
Then Ryan went a step further by crediting Brady for Belichick's six Super Bowl rings.
'Tom Brady was the only reason you won anyway,' Ryan said of the former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback. 'I said from jump, they would never win again when that guy trotted down to Tampa.'
Rex Ryan: "Can I just say this: Bill Belichick, please stop. Just name your dang starter. It doesn't matter, they both stink... like we care about your team. Your team stinks." pic.twitter.com/klKhv3kEfQ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 27, 2023Rex Ryan eviscerated Bill Belichick on Monday, while admitting the Patriots 'kicked my ass'
The Patriots are now 2-9 on the season after Bill Belichick (pictured) & Co. lost to the Giants
Tom Brady's No. 12 was retired at a ceremony in Foxborough earlier this season
Ryan's ESPN co-host Ryan Clark couldn't hide his pleasure at hearing Ryan attack Belichick
'My boy Rex on fire!' the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety hollered.
The point Ryan was making was about the Patriot way.
'This team plays like they're exhausted,' Ryan said. 'And the Patriots way, that's it. It exhausts these kids.
'Because I know how draining that is to these kids,' Ryan continued. 'And that is what you';re facing right now.'
Ryan didn't entirely dismiss Belichick's accomplishments.
More Rex Ryan on the Patriots: "Tom Brady was the only reason you won anyway. I'm just telling you the difference... I said they would never win again when he trotted down to Tampa." pic.twitter.com/wLCO5IoarJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 27, 2023After all, the Patriots are 9-3 against Ryan teams, including the Jets' playoff win in Foxborough in 2011.
'Bill Belichick — greatest in history,' Ryan said. 'I will never dispute that. I had my ass kicked by him a million times.
'But if you think for a minute that it wasn't about Tom Brady, you're absolutely crazy.'
The Patriots currently rank 26th and 16th in offense and defense, respectively, and are likely headed for a top-three selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
English (US)