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.
Coach Ryan didn’t agree with the end result:
“You can watch the tape. I’m not …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Oakland Raiders interim head coach Tom Cable was named the team’s official head coach today (he’ll be introduced at a presser tomorrow). Coach Cable went 4-8 after replacing Lane Kiffin last season, including winning his last two games against Houston and Tampa Bay. Apparently that was all the proof owner Al Davis needed to make his decision even though it comes over a month after those final victories and subsequent interviews with Kevin Gilbride (N.Y. Giants) and Winston Moss (Green Bay Packers).
This is not a surprise. I think keeping coach Cable is the only …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
I wonder if Oakland Raiders rookie running back Darren McFadden saved his head coach’s job today? As much as last week was tumultuous for Lane Kiffin and the Raiders after getting lambasted by the Denver Broncos, this week should be just the opposite. Darren exploded for 164 yards on just 21 carries (he also caught a pass for nine yards) and the heavily criticized Oakland defense held the Kansas City Chiefs to 190 total yards from scrimmage (and held Larry Johnson to 22 yards rushing) in a convincing 23-8 win.
Coach Kiffin and defensive coordinator …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
After being shredded by the Denver Broncos offense to the tune of 441 yards from scrimmage on Kickoff Weekend, Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin pretty much said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan runs the defense and consults with owner Al Davis on how to do the job. Apparently, Coach Kiffin has no say — which is kind of strange for a head coach. But Coach Ryan took full responsibility today and defended Mr. Davis:
“That’s all on me. I put the game plan in, I run the defense, and it’s all on me. I just want …read more