New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady told WEEI-AM on Monday that New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who said last week that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning studies harder than Brady does, is entitled to his opinion.
"And maybe he's right," Brady said on the Boston radio station's "The Dennis & Callahan Show," "But I'll keep getting ready like we've done all year and get ready for Sunday night.
"I don't think anything people really say has bothered me -- good, bad or indifferent -- over the years."
Brady took a subtle shot at Ryan, suggesting that this his preparation for Sunday's AFC playoff grudge match against Ryan and the Jets is benefits from the help of Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
"We have the best coach in the history of football," Brady said, but added that he has "a lot of respect" for Ryan.
Brady also addressed comments by Jets tight end Dustin Keller, suggesting the rematch afforded New York an opportunity for payback following New England's 45-3 win over New York in Week 13.
"It's our chance to get back (at New England)," Keller told the Boston Herald after Saturday's 17-16 wild-card victory over the Colts. "We're very confident going into this game. Obviously, last time we didn't give close to our best effort. You have to go through New England to get to the Super Bowl, and that's our ultimate goal."
Brady downplayed the affair.
"I don't think that'll have any bearing on it, not in any situation," Brady said. "You can have the whole team talk, 'We're going to do this and do that,' and it doesn't mean anything. To me, it's a lot more hype than substance.
"What really matters is what you do in the game. We could sit here and make all these predictions of what we're going to do, but it's not how we go about our business. We handle it the same way. All the hype, build-up -- but you got to go play. See who's ready to play.
"At this point, we're motivated by much more than what people say," Brady continued. "We're motivated by the fact that we have a great opportunity to be playing a division rival at home in the most important game of the year. That's plenty of motivation for us. We're going to let our play do the talking as we always do."
This season's first encounter in Week 2 was won 28-14 by the Jets, who were no match the second time around, when the Patriots scored on their first four possessions and led, 24-3, at halftime.
The all-time record between the franchises, including playoffs, is 51-51-1.
"There's going to be a lot of hype and buildup and people saying things. The reality is none of it matters. What matters is that whistle is going to blow at 4:30 on Sunday night and the team that executes the best and is the most prepared is the team that's going to win."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
