Raiders' Antonio Pierce gives final remarks before Bengals

Below 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 kind of challenges does he present?

Coach Graham: “Some good players? Yeah, I mean, he's one of the best in the league. If you want to claim that he's the best, I can't really refute that well and convincingly, between him, [Justin] Jefferson and some of the other guys. And on top of that, they got a whole crew of receivers. They're all fast, they're all big. I think they did a really good job with their personnel and shaping the team offensively. Since it's an elite quarterback, this is my first time going against him and I'm really impressed with the quarterback's toughness. Before you start talking about the pure increase in skill level, talk about the toughness he shows in the pocket, sitting in it, moving the ball up the field, getting in on the throws, his intelligence out there. You can see him changing pieces. And you can see they're all on the same page, the receivers, the O-line, the backs. So kudos to those guys for the work they did in HR and putting these guys together. I mean, you see, there are some smart players out there, not just because they have the Ivy League type, but there are also some smart players that are really talented and bring a lot of challenges. So it will be a difficult question.

Q: I know it's probably not exciting to prepare for?

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

Q: I guess when you see a player in that way for the first time, like diving deep into a guy like Joe Burrow, is that a fun challenge for you?

Coach Graham: “Yeah, it was fun. I mean, on Monday you'll hear us talking again in the office as if some of the guys had gone against him before. I sit there and say, 'Man, this guy is good, man,' and I smile at the challenge, which gives me later nights and some headaches, but I'm excited to compete against him. And then the defenders are really impressed, [Chase] Brown and [Zack] Moss. I mean, as far as their ability to get in the hole and get to the second level, I think they have a good combination. Again, I think HR has done a good job putting together this staff and this group, and they are obviously well trained.”

Q: Yesterday Antonio Pierce talked about Tre'von Moehrig and how playing in the box allowed him to make more ball plays. What happened for him in this transition? I know he's worked primarily as a post safety in the past. What level of play have you seen from him in recent games?

Coach Graham: “Football is a big man’s sport, and he’s a big man, so feel free to get him close to the action. And the other thing is, he does both. He does both. He's at the back of the field, He's really down, especially in today's league where you have to operate out of some safe spots, but I mean, Tre's [Tre’von Moehrig] just grown as a football player. I think GA [Gerald Alexander] really did a good job. When we got here two years ago, Chris Ash did a good job bringing him along and now he's a GA [Gerald Alexander] is there and it's just really growing and maturing. And as I told you before, it's a decision that they make, a decision that they make to say, “Okay, I'm a professional soccer player.” “I really don't have anything else to do but be good at To become football,” and then you still have to work. Really proud of what he's done. And he's always had that 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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