One of the more decorated families in football history is the Ryan family, which includes longtime NFL head coach James “Buddy” Ryan and his son Rex, who served as the head coach of the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.
Rob Ryan, Rex’s twin brother, is perhaps not as celebrated, but he has had a long and successful coaching career for over 35 years, even though he has never been a head coach.
For much of that career, he has been a defensive coach for multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, his current team.
Per Vic Tafur, he told the media that Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is the best defensive player he has seen.
Sr. assistant Rob Ryan said Maxx Crosby is the best defensive player he’s seen in 30 years. Wishes offenses good luck against this defense: pic.twitter.com/DbwGzPuElv
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 12, 2024
Crosby, 26, may not have put up the numbers that a few other pass rushers, such as Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons, and T.J. Watt, have put up, but he is a beast in his own right.
At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he often has to be double-teamed, or else he will burst past the line of scrimmage and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
2023 was likely Crosby’s best season yet — he posted 14.5 sacks and 31 quarterback hits while leading the league with 23 tackles for loss, which earned him his third straight Pro Bowl selection.
Las Vegas is in an interesting position, as they have ample talent on both sides of the football, but no legitimate threat at quarterback.
Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are a strong wide receiver duo, incoming rookie tight end Brock Bowers is thought to have star potential, and Ryan also praised the addition of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
There is currently an open competition for the QB1 spot between Aidan O’Connell, who ended last year as the starter despite being a rookie, and Gardner Minshew.
