30 greatest NFL team rivalries of all-time
By Dan Parzych
7. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Imagine if things worked out with Rex Ryan as head coach with the New York Jets, and he would still get to face the New England Patriots twice a year.
Words can’t even describe Ryan’s hate towards the Patriots. It was always entertaining to always hear him speak his mind, no matter how sensitive it seemed at times.
Despite this being one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL, it’s tough to top what took place from 2009 to 2014 when Ryan was around, especially that time in which the Jets upset the Patriots during the playoffs in front of their own fans.
One can only imagine how different things would have played out if Ryan led the Jets to Super Bowl appearances during the 2009 and 2010 seasons after coming up short in the AFC Championship both times, but at least the memories will always be there.
This rivalry clearly hasn’t been the same in recent years since that trip to the AFC Championship during the 2010 season. It was the last time the Jets reached the postseason, while the Patriots have won numerous Super Bowls since then.
But now that Sam Darnold is officially on board to put New York in better position to compete, maybe New England will finally see a legitimate contender again in the AFC East?