Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan didn't hold back his criticism of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick following the team's disappointing 10-7 loss to the New York Giants. Speaking on ESPN's "Get Up," Ryan expressed his frustration with Belichick's handling of the quarterback situation and questioned the effectiveness of the team's “Patriot Way” without Tom Brady.

Belichick had kept the starting quarterback a mystery leading up to the game against the Giants, refusing to publicly name a starter. Eventually, he chose to start Mac Jones but later benched him in favor of Bailey Zappe. Ryan didn't mince words about his opinion of both quarterbacks, stating, "It doesn't matter, they both stink."

Ryan's criticism extended to the team's overall performance, suggesting that the “Patriot Way” only worked when Tom Brady was leading the charge. He believed that the team's exhausting approach had drained the players and that the absence of Brady was revealing the flaws in Belichick's coaching style. "This team plays like they're exhausted, and the 'Patriot Way,' that's it," Ryan remarked.

The former coach, who had faced off against Belichick multiple times during his tenure with the Jets and Bills, didn't discredit Belichick's greatness but emphasized the significant role Brady played in the Patriots' success. "I've had my ass kicked by him a million times, but if you think for a minute it wasn't about Tom Brady, you're absolutely crazy," Ryan declared.

Belichick, on the other hand, remained non-committal about adding another quarterback to the team. During his press conference on Monday, he stated, "I don't really see that right now, but I mean, I wouldn't rule anything out, anything that would help our team." While the Patriots' struggles this season haven't been solely attributed to the quarterback position, Belichick acknowledged that the team would consider any potential additions if they were deemed beneficial.

As the Patriots continue to face scrutiny and questions surrounding their future, the debate over the impact of Tom Brady's departure and the effectiveness of the “Patriot Way” under Belichick's leadership rages on. With a dismal 2-9 record, the pressure on Belichick to turn things around is mounting, and his decisions, including the handling of the quarterback position, are being closely scrutinized.