Rex Ryan criticizes former Bills DE Mario Williams; Brings up Ravens as examples

After complaints from Mario Williams about the change in scheme from Rex Ryan coaching the Buffalo Bills, Williams headed out to Miami. More has become of the story, as Rex Ryan recently opened up with an interview with MMQB.

"Now look, with some of the comments [he made], do I wish him well? Not really," Ryan said. "But, he's on Miami. If he would have gone somewhere else, maybe. He's a good kid, but I am used to some mean motherf---ers that play out there. The Terrell Suggs, Jarrett Johnsons of the world. I screwed them, too; I had them drop [into coverage], too. Not one of them bitched.

"Von Miller [dropped into coverage] in the Super Bowl. Why? Because that's what's asked of him; that's what his job is. Your job is to play. Coaches spend a hell of a lot more time studying tape and everything else. They are trying to put the team in the best position to be successful, not an individual.

"Terrell Suggs, he has been the defensive Player of the Year in this league. Ed Reed has been. Ray Lewis has been. You can go right down the line. Trevor Pryce had 14 sacks as a defensive tackle. One of the most unselfish guys you've ever seen. That's what it is about. I'll never forget, I used to have Ray sell out for maybe the 11th guy on defense. Ray Lewis is going to be one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game, if not the greatest. That's when you've got something special, and that's what we are trying to build here."

Thank you Rex Ryan for bringing up the Ravens in a positive light. Mario Williams was upset he wasn't always pass-rushing or going after the ball-carrier, yet the most famed OLB/DE in the league right now (Von Miller for those living under a rock) did exactly that in the AFC Championship game and picked off Tom Brady.

This discussion reminded me of an article I once read about Von Miller and his coverage from SBNation Cat Scratch Reader. An entire filmstudy of Von Miller's coverage skills, and it's absolutely worth the read three years later.

One of the most famed defensive coaches in history brings up four star Baltimore Ravens names as unselfish and dedicated to the teams cause. Ray Lewis unselfish. Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson tenacious. Ed Reed and his Defensive Player of the Year award. Reminding the folks at home that Ray Lewis is one of the greatest defensive players in the league.

Rex may not be all that professional, but he sure as hell knows everything about coaching an NFL caliber defense. If he brings up players by name you know he means it, and Rex talked about four Ravens by name.