ESPN analyst Rex Ryan went out of his way to praise New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s success while simultaneously dismissing it.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” the former NFL head coach attributed the team’s past long-term success to former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. He also blasted the “Patriot Way,” saying it exhausts players.
“This team plays like they’re exhausted, and the way the Patriots play, that’s it, it wears these kids down,” Ryan said. “No matter what, Tom Brady is the only reason you win, okay? I’m just telling you the difference. Tom Brady is the absolute difference. I’ve said it from the jump, they’re never going to win again . When the guy trotted to Tampa, I said they were never going to win again.
“Because I know how exhausting it is for those kids. That’s what you’re facing now. You draft all the players, you do it all. Bill Belichick, the greatest of all time, I’m never going to dispute that, okay? I’ve been kicked by him a million times. But if you think about it and it has nothing to do with Tom Brady, you’re absolutely crazy.”
More from Rex Ryan on Patriots: ‘Tom Brady is the only reason you win anyway. I’m just telling you the difference… When he trotted to Tampa, I Said they would never win again.” pic.twitter.com/wLCO5IoarJ
– Awful Announcement (@awfulannouncing) November 27, 2023
Despite having complete control over personnel and coaching, Belichick couldn’t maintain the same level of success without the legendary quarterback. Brady, on the other hand, went to Tampa Bay and won a Super Bowl in his first year away from the Patriots.
The Patriots have endured back-to-back losing seasons since being eliminated in 2021 after making the playoffs for the only time in the past four seasons. This season, they are 2-9, the worst record in the AFC, and are projected to be among the top three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Ryan’s comments may not be easily heard by older fans, but they’re getting harder to argue with.