Henderson, Nevada — This Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) will take on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) in an attempt to get back on track.
We have everything from head coach Antonio Pierce’s closing words prior to Friday’s game.
A partial transcript of Patrick Graham’s news conference on Thursday, the defensive coordinator, may be seen below:
Q: It goes without saying that Cincinnati has some talented players. What kinds of problems does Ja’Marr Chase pose?
Coach Graham: “A few talented athletes? Indeed, he is among the league’s top players. I don’t have a very solid argument against him, [Justin] Jefferson, and some of the other people if you want to claim he is the greatest. Additionally, they had an entire crew of receivers.
They are all large and swift. In my opinion, their personnel department has done a fantastic job in molding the team’s attacking style. This is my first time facing the quarterback, who is really skilled, and I’m rather pleased with his level of tenacity.
Prior to discussing his skill level, you should discuss his toughness in the pocket, his ability to sit in there, his ability to get the ball down the field, his ability to step into the passes, and his intellect. He is able to change plays. And as you can see, the backs, O-line, and receivers are all in agreement. Bravo to those individuals for their efforts in the personnel department and for assembling those individuals. You see, there are clever players out there that are extremely talented and pose a lot of issues, not only because they have the Ivy League man. It will thus be a difficult one.
Q: I am aware that trying to be ready for it is probably not thrilling.
Coach Graham: “It’s thrilling, indeed. I’m a rival.
Q: Is it a great challenge for you to get to see a player in that way for the first time, like go in-depth with a guy like Joe Burrow?
Coach Graham: “It was enjoyable, indeed. Again, on Monday, you can hear us discussing in the workplace how some of the guys had previously resisted him. ‘Geez, this dude’s good, guy,’ I think as I sit there, grinning at the challenge. I know it leads to some headaches and later nights, I suppose, but I’m eager to defy him. He plays well. Then came the backs, [Chase] Brown and [Zack] Moss, who really impressed me. They have a strong combination, in my opinion, in terms of their ability to enter the hole and go to the second level. Once more, I believe the people department has done a fantastic job of assembling that group and staff, and it’s clear that they have received outstanding coaching.”
Q: Antonio Pierce discussed Tre’von Moehrig yesterday and how his ability to play in the box has increased his number of ball plays. What was involved in that change for him? I am aware that he used to be mostly a post safety. In the past several games, what caliber of play have you witnessed him exhibit?
Coach Graham: “Get him down there close to the action because football is a big man sport and he’s a big man. And he’s doing both at the same time. He’s doing both. He’s down at the deep end of the field. Especially in today’s league, when you have to operate from split safety looks, drop it down, and remain in there, it truly comes with the job. However, Tre’von Moehrig has simply developed as a football player. In my opinion, GA [Gerald Alexander] has performed admirably. When we first arrived here two years ago, Chris Ash did a fantastic job of guiding him along. Now that GA [Gerald Alexander] is here, he’s just developing and maturing. And once more, as I’ve already stated, it’s their decision to declare, “Okay, I play professional football.” You have to put in the effort. “I really don’t have anything else to do but get good at football,” you said. Extremely proud of his accomplishments. And you’re only now beginning to see the fruits of his labor, even though he’s always had this level of expertise. I’m really proud of that man.
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