ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Coach Rex Ryan readily concedes he had a much easier time drawing up a defensive game plan the last time the Buffalo Bills prepared to face the New England Patriots.

It goes without question, the biggest factor working in Ryan’s favor was he didn’t have Tom Brady to worry about four weeks ago.

“It was a great time to play them,” Ryan said Wednesday, reflecting back on Buffalo’s 16-0 victory against a Jacoby Brissett-led New England offense on Oct. 2.

“They have a new player back there for some reason,” Ryan added. “He looks decent.”

Once the laughter subsided, Ryan called Brady the best quarterback he’s faced.

The Bills (4-3) will have their hands full Sunday when the Patriots (6-1) visit with Brady back at his familiar spot under center since serving a four-game Deflategate suspension.

Advertisement

In reeling off three consecutive wins, Brady has completed 75 percent of his passes for 1,004 yards with eight touchdowns and no interceptions. New England has combined for 85 points, 1,300 yards and 70 first downs.

That’s a significant turnaround from an offense that managed just 277 yards, 13 first downs and was shut out at home for the first time since 1993 against Buffalo.

Brady has been so productive that Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams wondered how much of an advantage the quarterback might have gotten for using under-inflated footballs.

“Maybe it didn’t make a bit of difference,” Williams said.

The AFC East rival Bills know Brady only too well. Since taking over the starter’s job from Drew Bledsoe in 2001, Brady has a 25-3 record against Buffalo. One more win and Brady matches the NFL record for most wins by a quarterback against one opponent: Brett Favre had 26 over Detroit.

“It’s the same team, but you know when you have Tom Brady it’s a new team,” Buffalo linebacker Preston Brown said.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.