You can always count on Las Vegas Raiders senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan for good quotes when he takes the podium for media availability and he certainly didn't disappoint ahead of the team's second practice of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, when he took a shot at the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ryan heaped praise on the Raiders' defense and mentioned safety Marcus Epps specifically. When talking about the former Eagle, Ryan said he thinks Philly's defense suffered a big loss when Epps left for Las Vegas.
And, in the process of saying that, he took took a jab at the Eagles, a team that has no doubt seen a ton of issues on the defensive side of the ball in recent years.
"Marcus Epps is so much better than people think," Ryan said, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "The Eagles blamed the eight coordinators they had, but losing a great player like that really hurts your defense."
But Ryan wasn't done there. He also heaped praise on head coach Antonio Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
"We've got the best coach. And Patrick Graham is No. 2."
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 12, 2024
#Raiders defensive assistant Rob Ryan on head coach Antonio Pierce
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) June 12, 2024
“He’s straight out of Compton, literally, so he’s a complete badass”
Said he’s just “real”
He then went on to say that we "better watch out" for safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, who is competing for a depth role on defense ahead of his third season.
Another little tidbit from Rob Ryan. He told us we “better watch out” for Isaiah Pola-Mao. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/nHZLOxHJZV
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) June 12, 2024
Ryan credited his getting a tattoo with helping him land a job after spending a few years out of the sport.
“If you need a job, get a tattoo.”
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) June 12, 2024
I don’t make the rules.#Raiders pic.twitter.com/gIElSTPizx
The veteran coach also touched on how great Maxx Crosby is, Malcolm Koonce's ascension in 2023 and improvement ahead of 2024, and how good the defense is going to be overall.
Sr. assistant Rob Ryan said Maxx Crosby is the best defensive player he’s seen in 30 years. Wishes offenses good luck against this defense: pic.twitter.com/DbwGzPuElv
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 12, 2024
We still have one more day to go in the Raiders' offseason program, but I'm putting my vote in for Ryan when it comes to the best coach presser this year.
