All Quiet On The Patriots Front

Added on Jan 12, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The war of words leading up to Patriots-Jets Part III is well under way. However, only the Jets are participating. Rex Ryan has once again shifted the target of blame and criticism squarely on his broad back. By essentially calling out Bill Belichick, Ryan has placed the onus on himself to outwit, outsmart and outlast the legendary Patriots coach. He pretty much did the same thing last week against the Colts’ Peyton Manning, so maybe lightning will strike twice. Maybe not.

Belichick scoffed at Ryan’s declarations, as only Belichick can:

“I don’t think you’ll see either of us out there making any blocks, or tackles, or runs throws or catches. At least you won’t see me doing that. It’s probably a good thing for our team.”

I’m not positive, but I think that was an actual joke from Bill. What a comedian. Anyway, the posturing and verbal back and forth might end up being much more entertaining than the game. The Pats are well rested and itching to get another shot at their hated division rivals.

New England hasn’t scored fewer than 31 points since Week 9 versus Cleveland, which was the last time they lost. During their eight-game winning streak they have twice dropped 45, including a 45-3 December 6th destruction of the Jets in Foxboro.

If Ryan was expecting the Patriots players to respond in kind to his comments, he must be disappointed they didn’t snatch the bait. Linebacker Jerod Mayo summed up his team’s feelings regarding the media circus:

I really don’t pay attention to that stuff to be honest with you. I let Coach Belichick handle all that stuff. I’ll give you a ‘Belichick answer.’”

And that’s precisely the answer Belichick wants from his charges. No reason to rattle the cage when you can simply walk on by. As for Ryan, he relishes wearing the black hat and so does his team. Beating the Patriots at their own game is impossible, so taking the opposite approach just might work. Maybe.

Source: NFL.com