FOXBORO – Any NFL coach, player or executive prone to making “I’m not saying, I’m just saying . . . ” inferences about the Patriots being chronic rule breakers got all the ammo they needed this offseason.

Be prepared for oodles of instances just like the one we saw from Mike Tomlin and the Steelers last week.

I think we’d all agree that, if there’s something untoward the Patriots or any team does, that’s noteworthy, newsworthy and grounds for digging.

The insinuations, though, really do a disservice -- as Bill Belichick pointed out last week -- to the game and the players who participate in it. It’s a smear job.

On Wednesday, I asked Rex Ryan for his feelings about continued harping on past Patriots transgressions -- real and imagined.

“Well, I’ve never discredited anything about them,” he said. “That’s just the way I am. If somebody wants to discredit something or whatever. Look, I am envious of the fact that they’ve won four Super Bowls and I’m sitting back there, you know, I’ve won one. Of course, but never to the point where . . . Look, I love competition. I recognize the best coach in this game is the guy I’m up against. I don’t concede anything, though, 'cause I’m gonna give him my best shot and that’s what you want, as a competitor you want that. But my twin brother (Rob, a former Patriots assistant now with the Saints) was fortunate enough to win two Super Bowls there so we’re very proud of the fact that he’s won two rings there. I think our family's been to six and won five of them, so we’re proud of that. But to discredit them or whatever, I certainly don’t discredit them.”

Asked if Rob would take exception if Rex did discredit the Patriots accomplishments, Rex’ answer was succinct.

“No, if he did I’d kick his ass.”