ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- 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 the Bills coach's favor was he didn't have a certain 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 win against a Jacoby Brissett-led New England offense on Oct. 2.
''They have a new player back there for some reason,'' he added, with a distinct roll of his eyes in referring Brady.