Tom Brady vs. NY Jets

This year’s feature team on the HBO reality show HardKnocks  which follows NFL teams throughout training camp and the preseason is the NY Jets.   Head coach Rex Ryan, after a stellar first season with the Jets, has been criticized by figures like Toni Dungy for his colorful language and is no stranger to controversy.  So, when Patriots QB Tom Brady was asked by a Boston radio station host at WEEI whether he watches the show you knew there was going to be a reaction.

Brady said,”I haven’t turned it on.  I hate the Jets.”  Hate is a strong word Tom. But, these two teams are division rivals and let’s not forget the whole spygate controversy started by former Jet head coach and New England assistant Eric Mangini.  There is definitely bad blood between these two teams.

You might expect Rex to go on a cursing tyrade, if you view the show on HBO, in response to Brady’s comments.  But he retorted by saying,”Hell, he knows we hate the Patriots.  He (my brother Rob) loves Tom Brady.  I respect him, but I don’t like him.”  Rob Ryan is the defensive coordinator for the Browns and coaches under the afore mentioned Mangini in Cleveland.  The comments were pretty tame as compared to what could’ve come out of Rex’s mouth.  Brady made a comment at the end of his first quote to the effect of, “I’d love to say alot of mean things (about the Jets).”  Again, I’d bet Ryan feels the same way in holding back his true uncut feelings of the Patriots.

Second year quarterback Mark Sanchez was also dragged in this war of words. But, Sanchez had a totally different view on the situation.  He basically praised Tom Brady.  Saying I love Tom.  I would have to guess Ryan may have fined a defensive player that said the same thing.  No team blitzed Tom Brady as much last season as the NY Jets and you better believe when the Jets and Patriots square off in week 2 on Sept 19, they will be showing Brady lots of love.