Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast about the Silver and Black State

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

Q: Obviously there are some good players in Cincinnati. Ja’Marr Chase, what challenges does he pose?

Coach Graham: “How many good players? Yeah, I mean, he’s one of the best in the league. If you want to argue that he’s the best, I don’t have a real good, strong rebuttal to that between him, (Justin ) Jefferson and some of the other guys have a whole team of receivers, they’re all very good in their personnel department How they put the team together on offense, it’s my first time playing against him and I’m really impressed with his toughness the skill level, you talk about the toughness he shows in the box, sitting there, getting the ball on field, makes strides in throws, you can see how he changes the game. everyone on the same page, receivers, O-line, backs. So, kudos to those guys for what they’ve done with the HR department and getting these guys together. I mean, you see there are some smart players out there, not just because they have an Ivy League guy, but there are some smart players who are really experienced and they present a ton of challenges. So it will be difficult.”

Q: I know it’s probably not fun to get ready?

Coach Graham: “Oh yeah, it’s exciting. I am a competitor.”

Q: I guess when you see a player for the first time in a way that you get deep into a guy like Joe Burrow, it’s 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 against him before. I’m sitting there and I’m like, ‘Gosh, this dude is good. I understand late nights cause some headaches, but I’m really excited to play against him, (Chase) Brown and (Zach) Moss, I think in terms of their ability. to get to the second level, again I think HR has done a good job of bringing that staff and that group together, and they’re obviously well trained.”

Q: Yesterday, Antonio Pierce talked about Tre’von Morig and how playing in the penalty box has allowed him to make more plays on the ball. What went into this transition for him? I know it’s been a mostly safe post in the past. What level of play have you seen in the last two games?

Coach Graham: “Football is a big man’s sport, and he’s a big man, so I’d like to put him there, closer to the action. And another thing, he does both. He does both. He’s in the deep part of the field. It’s really about that position, especially in today’s league where you have to act no matter what, stay there. I think GA (Gerald Alexander) did a really good job when we came in. here two years ago, did a good job bringing him in and now GA (Gerald Alexander) is here and he’s just growing. And again, as I told you, it’s a choice they make to say, “I’m a professional footballer, I really don’t have anything to do.” plays good football”, and then you have to work. Really proud of what he’s done and he’s always had that level of skill and you’re just starting to see him reap the rewards of his hard work. I’m very proud of this guy.”

Make sure you follow X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss any breaking news again.