It has not been a good year for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. As crazy as it sounds, Belichick finds himself on the hot seat for perhaps the first time in his illustrious coaching career as his team limps its way to a 2-9 record through Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season.
While things have not been easy within the walls of Patriot Place, the noise outside of their building is getting deafening as well.
The latest evidence of such is the comments by former division foe and current ESPN NFL analyst Rex Ryan. Ryan used his platform to unload on Belichick and his time in New England, and let’s just say that there is definitely no love lost between the two.
Rex Ryan Has Harsh Words for Bill Belichick After Loss
On the latest episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Ryan had a chance to discuss the Patriots as a whole and did not hold back at all when it came to his feelings regarding Belichick and how he obtained his success.
“Tom Brady was the only reason you won anyway. Alright, I’m just telling you the difference … I said they would never win again when that guy trotted down to Tampa…” Ryan started.
“Bill Belichick: Greatest in the history — I will never dispute that. I had my a** kicked by him a million times. But if you think for a minute that it wasn’t about Tom Brady, you’re absolutely crazy.”
Ryan made it clear just where he thinks the idea of “Patriot Way” came from and he believes it resides within the ability of a historically great quarterback, not from something Belichick was doing, necessarily.
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Ryan also mentioned how bad the Patriots are this way and made a mockery of the secrecy that Belichick operates with, especially with how it pertains to New England’s starting quarterback.
“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.”
While this may seem harsh, and the delivery was certainly one of aggression, there is a growing sentiment around the team that many feel the same way and that Ryan may just be the messenger.
Ryan left no room for misinterpretation as he clearly stated how he feels about Belichick and this year’s version of the Patriots. And all this acts as just another clear reminder that the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, meaning no matter how great your résumé is, you too will face criticism at one point or another.
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