Fred Jackson: Rex Ryan needs to beat Patriots to be successful with Bills
Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson says new coach Rex Ryan will have to beat the New England Patriots to be considered successful in Buffalo, according to ESPN's Michele Steele.
Ryan was formally introduced as the Bills' new head coach on Wednesday. Ryan, who was fired by the Jets following New York's 4-12 season, signed a five-year deal with Buffalo after former Bills coach Doug Marrone vacated his position.
After six years with the Jets, Ryan is familiar with the Patriots, who have largely dominated AFC East rivals New York and Buffalo for more than a decade. In 2014, the Patriots were 3-1 against the Bills and Jets, though their single defeat came to Buffalo in Week 17, when New England was resting its starters for the postseason.
Despite the Jets' struggles this past season, New York gave New England two tough games. The Patriots beat the Jets 27-25 at home early in the season and squeaked out a 17-16 victory in New Jersey later in the year.
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The Bills finished the season 9-7 but failed to make the playoffs. Buffalo has not been to the postseason since 1999.
Jackson, 33, finished 2014 with 525 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
- Josh Sanchez
