Rex Ryan is no stranger to providing opponents with bulletin-board material. The Buffalo Bills head coach certainly delivered Monday when discussing the New England Patriots’ backfield.
Ryan was asked about the Patriots’ ability to successfully plug in “no-name” running backs, like Dion Lewis, who racked up 120 yards from scrimmage Thursday night in New England’s Week 1 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lewis’ name wasn’t mentioned specifically and Ryan’s response wasn’t exactly a direct shot at the 24-year-old, but the coach’s comments weren’t all that flattering, either.
“It’s the kid that’s playing quarterback. That’ll make it a lot easier to be a running back,” Ryan told reporters. “So what, are you going to play them in eight-man spacing? I don’t think so. So that’s what makes them — I don’t care, put anybody back there. You can do good there. All right?
“I mean they’re decent backs in their own right. But I don’t think we’re going to focus on that kid. I can’t even tell you that kid’s name. But you’re going to focus on the guy throwing the ball, I’ll tell you that much.”
OK, Ryan has a point. Quarterback Tom Brady obviously is the focal point for any team game planning against the Patriots’ offense. Lewis, meanwhile, had just 192 yards from scrimmage in two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before his Week 1 outburst.
Even most Patriots fans probably didn’t know Lewis’ name before Thursday night, and it’s possible a lot of NFL running backs would have similar results alongside Brady. But it’s still interesting to hear Ryan completely disregard New England’s running backs, particularly Lewis.
Then again, this is Rex Ryan we’re talking about.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images
