By Phil Perry
CSNNE.com
When the Patriots lost to the Jets in the divisional round of the playoffs last season, it stung. The Pats were 14-2 in the regular season and had recently laid a 45-3 beat down on the Jets just one month prior.
Not only that, but the loss came at Foxboro, simultaneously justifying Rex Ryan's gum-flapping and causing Patriots players to suggest afterward that they weren't well enough prepared -- sacrilege under coach Bill Belichick's roof.
How badly did it hurt? Badly enough that Monday, seven months after the defeat, Brady told WEEI that the loss was "as painful as a loss I think we've ever had here as a team."
Strong statement. Not that we need to remind you, but Brady and the Patriots once experienced a loss in February of 2008 in which they lost the Super Bowl and a chance at a perfect season.
No doubt, Brady remembers falling to the Giants in SB XLII, but what he told WEEI on Monday might just go to show how strong the rivalry between the Jets and Patriots has become.
"The Jets, Ill never get over that loss," Brady said. "Thats as painful as a loss as I think weve ever had here as a team. They can rush the passer. Theyre a good team. They pressure the quarterback, thats what we have to be prepared for with them. And they always try and find a way to confuse the quarterback, whether thats by pass rush, whether thats by coverage and often times both.
New England Patriots
"We gave them a lot of credit when they won and I think we have to learn from that and understand what it takes to beat good teams under tough conditions. Thats what we have to try and accomplish this year."
The Patriots and Jets will square off for the first time this season on Oct. 9.