Raiders’ Antonio Pierce gives final remarks before game against Bengals

The following is a partial transcript of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s press conference on Thursday:

Q: Obviously, Cincinnati has some good players. Ja’Marr Chase, what problems does he present?

Coach Graham: “Some good players? Yeah, I mean, he’s one of the best in the league. If you want to say he’s the best, I don’t have a really good, strong argument against that between him.” (Justin) Jefferson and a few other guys, and then they have a whole team of receivers. They’re all fast, they’re all big, I think they’ve done a really good job in their HR department. about how they formed the team on offense. Considering the quarterback is elite, this is my first time playing against him and I’m really impressed with his toughness. Before you start talking directly about it. The skill level, you talk about the toughness he has in the pocket, sitting there, moving the ball down the field, making throws, his intelligence. You can see him changing the game and you can see them doing it. We’re all on the same page: receivers, O-line, defensive backs. So, kudos to these guys for what they did with HR and getting these guys together. I mean, you see there are some smart players, not just because they have an Ivy League guy, but there are some smart players who are really skilled and present a lot of challenges. So it won’t be easy.”

Question: I know that preparing for this is probably not interesting?

Coach Graham: “Oh yeah, that’s interesting. I’m a competitor.”

Q: I guess when you first see a player like that, like taking a deep dive on a guy like Joe Burrow, is that a fun challenge for you?

Coach Graham: “Yeah, it was fun. I mean, again, on Monday you hear us talking in the office, like some of the guys were already against him. I sit there and say, “God, this dude is good, man, and it makes me smile because of the problem. I understand it causes night aches and some headaches, but I’m really excited to play against him. I was also very impressed by the defenders. , (Chase) Brown and (Zack) Moss, I mean, in terms of their ability to get into the hole, get to the second level, I think they had a good combination. Again, I think HR did a good job. work to bring this staff and this group together and they are obviously well trained.”

Q: Yesterday Antonio Pierce talked about Trevon Moehrig and how playing in the box allowed him to play more on the ball. What did this transition mean for him? I know that in the past he was mainly a security guard. What level of play have you seen from him in the last two games?

Coach Graham: “Football is a big man’s sport and he’s a big man, so I wanted to put him close to the action. And yet, he does both. He does both. He went down, it really has to do with the position, especially in today’s league where you have to operate from multiple safety views, throw the ball and stay on it. But I mean, Tre (Tre’von Moehrig) has just grown as a football player. I think GA (Gerald Alexander) did a really good job when we came here two years ago, did a good job of bringing him in, and now GA (Gerald Alexander) is here and he’s really growing and growing. And again, as I told you guys, it’s a choice that they make, a choice that they make to say, “Okay, I’m a professional football player, there’s nothing else for me to do except get.” good at football,” and then you have to do your best. I’m very proud of what he did. And he’s always had that level of skill, and you’re just starting to see him reap the rewards of his hard work. Really proud of this guy.”

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