Quick Read
- Rex Ryan blamed Patriots coaching for their loss to the Bills in Week 15.
- Ryan called New England’s late-game play-calling ‘absolutely absurd’ after they abandoned the run game.
- The Patriots lost a 21-0 lead and failed to clinch the AFC East, raising questions about coaching strategy.
Rex Ryan has never been one to hold back. And this week, the former head coach—who knows the AFC East as well as anyone—let loose on the New England Patriots after their stunning collapse against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots, once firmly ahead 21-0, watched their lead slip away as the Bills surged to a 35-31 win, a loss that cost New England the chance to clinch the division.
Rex Ryan Points to Coaching Errors in Patriots’ Loss
Appearing on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” Ryan made it clear: he blames the Patriots’ coaching staff for the defeat. “Coaching let that team down last week. One-hundred percent let it down,” Ryan said, referencing head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. It wasn’t just a vague critique—Ryan was direct, calling the late-game play selection ‘absolutely absurd.’
Ryan’s frustration zeroed in on the Patriots’ approach after their dominant first half. Despite racking up 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns, the offense lost rhythm in the second half, managing just three rushing attempts after being up by 20-plus points. “Josh McDaniels knows better. So does Vrabel. They got to be kicking themselves after giving this thing away,” he added, as cited by NESN.
Patriots’ Offensive Struggles Fuel Bills Comeback
The numbers tell the story. Aside from TreVeyon Henderson’s electrifying 65-yard touchdown run, New England’s offense could barely move the ball on four key possessions, totaling a mere 15 yards over 17 plays. Penalties and sacks compounded the problem, forcing the Patriots into uncomfortable situations and stalling drives just as the Bills found their rhythm.
On the other side, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen took full advantage, engineering five straight touchdown drives at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots’ defensive unit, once a strength, couldn’t stop the surge. Ryan, with a coach’s eye for detail, lamented the absence of key run-stoppers like Milton Williams and Robert Spillane III, expressing concern about how New England would handle the upcoming matchup against Baltimore, especially with Derrick Henry waiting on the other side.
Coaching Decisions Under the Microscope
Ryan’s critique goes beyond a single game. For years, he’s faced New England as both the Bills and Jets head coach, and he’s seen firsthand how coaching can swing games. This week, he questioned the Patriots’ strategic choices, especially their unwillingness to stick with the ground game in the second half. “Three rushing attempts in the second half when you’re up by 20-something-nothing, and he had three rushing attempts. That’s absolutely absurd,” Ryan said, as reported by NESN.
Such blunt analysis underscores a broader debate in NFL circles: when do coaches overthink the playbook, and when do they need to trust their strengths? For the Patriots, the answer may have come too late.
What’s Next for the Patriots—and Rex Ryan’s Legacy
The Patriots now turn their focus to a critical matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, a team with its own defensive pedigree. Ryan, who once coordinated Baltimore’s defense, knows the pressure New England faces. Without Williams and Spillane III, the Patriots will have to shore up their run defense or risk another letdown, particularly against Derrick Henry, one of the league’s premier backs.
Ryan’s candid commentary isn’t just about one loss—it’s a reminder of how thin the margin is in the NFL, where a single game plan can change a season’s trajectory. His words echo in New England’s locker room, raising questions about leadership, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. The Patriots, still in playoff contention, must decide how they’ll respond—with resolve, or with regret.
Rex Ryan’s criticism is a wake-up call for the Patriots’ coaching staff. The facts speak for themselves: abandoning a successful run game and questionable play-calling at crucial moments allowed the Bills to mount a historic comeback. For a franchise built on discipline and strategic excellence, this loss exposes the human side of coaching—where confidence can become complacency, and experience doesn’t always guarantee the right decision. If the Patriots hope to reclaim their standing, introspection and adjustment are not optional—they’re necessary for survival in the unforgiving world of professional football. (Sources: NESN, ESPN)