Rob Ryan Speaks His Mind, Disputes Loss
October 9, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under Cleveland Browns
The winless Cleveland Browns (0-4) make their defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan, available to the media once a week. And it’s usually a spirited, honest exchange of words with the Cleveland press. Coach Ryan tells it like it is. And he’s rarely at a loss for words. Regarding his team’s overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, coach Ryan (the twin brother of N.Y. Jets head coach Rex Ryan)—without being prompted by the local media—questioned Bengals kicker Shayne Graham’s game-winning, 31-yard field goal with four seconds left.
Rob Ryan, Cleveland Browns / AP Photo
Coach Ryan didn’t agree with the end result:
“You can watch the tape. I’m not saying anything, but maybe the posts were crooked. Look at it. I don’t want to get fined. I pay enough money already on the house I don’t even live in in California. I don’t want to make this a big story, but I was disappointed. I thought it missed. Of course, I’m not an expert. That’s why I’m saying maybe somebody else should look at it.”
They already have. According to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, the NFL has reviewed the kick from a number of angles and feels the correct call was made. I watched the end of that game and my initial reaction was that the kick was wide right. In fact, I was stunned when the officials raised their arms signaling a good kick and thus, the end of the game. I thought I saw a missed field goal. Of course, I haven’t looked at numerous replays like the league did, but I can understand coach Ryan’s concern. You can watch the replay of it here. The CBS announcers act as though Shayne split the uprights.
