Whatever you do, don't bring up Rex Ryan's 1-9 record against the Patriots.
That stat is what started the downward spiral in Ryan's Thursday phone interview with Patriots media ahead of Monday's game between the two teams. Ryan didn't bother to hide his irritation when asked a barrage of questions, and was brutal in answering the question, "Why are you mad at us?"
MORE: NFL's longest losing streaks to single opponent | Rex Ryan on hiring brother Rob: 'Not going to lie, it would be fun'
Below is part of the conversation, per the Boston Globe:
Q: Rex, you’ve lost eight of nine to the Patriots. Is that something that keeps you up at night, considering how much time you spend talking about them?
A: The only reason I talk about them is because they’re the No. 1 team in our division, that’s where we want to be. I know you guys always say that I’m obsessed with them and all that. You guys are obsessed with them. Not me. You’re the ones that talk about them every single day. I’ll tell you this: We prepare for them the same way we prepare for every team that we face. But do we want to beat them? Absolutely. Do I want to beat them more than any team? Yeah, because they’re the standard, they’ve won, they’re the ones who win the division. Do I obsess with them and all that? You guys write I’ve lost seven of eight, so why even talk to me? I obviously have no clue how to attack them or defend them. So you guys should talk to somebody else who’s got a better record than I do against them.
Q: What improvement have you seen from Tyrod Taylor from Week 2 to Week 11?
A: I don’t know. You guys are the experts, you’ll figure it out.
Q: Has Taylor shown good decision making to avoid throwing interceptions?
A: I don’t know, you need to do a little more of your homework then and find out. I’m not going to answer your question. I mean, it’s pretty obvious the guy’s been pretty decent, but you guys will figure it out.
Q: Why are you mad at us?
A: I don’t know, I just like the way you guys spin everything. You put everything I say, and you take whatever it is, hey, you guys put it out there the way you want to. I understand it. You guys have covered this matchup for years and years. We’ve got no business being on the same field, that’s what you said, we’ve lost seven of eight, I’ve lost seven of eight against them. So don’t talk to me. I’m sitting back here, I’ll answer your question, you know, whatever. But I don’t know why you even bother.