Cowher: Rex's rhetoric could backfire

The Patriots might resist responding publicly to Rex Ryan this week, but that does not mean Bill Belichick will resist using Ryan's words against him in private, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher said Tuesday.

"I think I wouldn't have awakened a sleeping giant,'' the CBS analyst said on a conference call. "And I think he's done that.''

Cowher said when Belichick speaks to his team Saturday night, he is sure to reference some of Ryan's colorful comments, beginning with his Monday news conference.

"Bill Belichick will take this personally,'' Cowher said.

Fellow CBS analyst Dan Dierdorf said he was bothered that Ryan made the Jets' wild-card game about himself and Peyton Manning, and added he is not a fan of Ryan's characterizing the next game as a battle between himself and Belichick.

The players will decide it, Dierdorf said, adding, "Rex needs a reality check.''