Patriots-Ex Logan Ryan Supports Bill Belichick: 'Timeless'
FOXBORO — Playing for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is not for the faint of heart.
The 71-year-old's prowess as an NFL head coach requires no embellishment. Belichick has amassed six Super Bowl championships, as well as three AP Coach of the Year awards during his time on the sidelines in Foxboro. Accordingly, his enshrinement in Canton has seemingly become an eventual formality.
Though some disgruntled ex-Pats have taken umbrage at Belichick's disciplined, yet terse coaching style throughout the years, free-agent safety Logan Ryan should not be counted among them.
“I loved being coached by Bill Belichick, I enjoyed it," Ryan told Good Morning Football on Monday morning. "I know not everybody can do it. The way that he treated a rookie and the way that he treated [quarterback] Tom Brady was pretty similar in a sense that you get what you put in."
The Rutgers product played four seasons under Belichick, making four playoff appearances from 2013-16, while earning two Super Bowl (XLIX, LI) championships. During that span, Ryan compiled 243 total tackles, 41 passes-defensed, 13 interceptions, four forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks in the regular season. While success of that type can understandably be its own reward, Ryan is a genuine admirer of the manner in which he was directed on the field by Belichick.
“He can correct players in live time on offense and defense," Ryan said of his coach's That’s where we saw the football savant, the genius of him come out. He simplified the game for you. I just remember being like, ‘This man can really coach every position.’
For all of his previous success, Belichick remains cognizant of his more immediate need to guide the Pats back to their winning ways in short order. New England was once again on the outside of the AFC playoff picture at the conclusion of 2022. They finished the season at 8-9, losing three of their final four games for the second consecutive year. With an unsuccessful installation of assistant coach Matt Patricia as offensive play caller, as well as rumored tension with quarterback Mac Jones, Belichick is eager to put last season behind both him and the team.
Belichick's thirst for knowledge is what has made him the longest tenured head coach in the NFL today. It is his ability to put that knowledge into practice, however, which sets him apart from his peers. On the field, the student becomes the teacher with an unparalleled effectiveness. Belichick is not afraid to impart his concepts with monotonous repetition, until it is ingrained deep into his players’ bones. His players will frequently practice basic hand techniques and foot placements. They will become experts on ways to bat down a pass, shed a blocker, or gain leverage. Simply put, they will do so until they get it right.
Over the past two-plus decades, the Patriots have routinely been one of the most disciplined, and fundamentally sound teams in the NFL. That starts at the top, with their head coach. Yet, following a tumultuous 2022 season for Belichick and his offensive coaching staff, the legendary 'HC of the NEP' may need to return to basics to achieve his objective.
History will tell you that Belichick is up to the challenge ... and so will Logan Ryan.
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