Wide Right? Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says Bengals missed winning field goal

Browns coach believes Bengals missed FG

BEREA, Ohio — He tackled last week’s officials. Then, he roughed up Bills quarterback Trent Edwards.

Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan handed out his own punishment on Friday.

During his weekly news conference, Ryan said Cincinnati kicker Shayne Graham missed his winning 31-yard field goal in overtime to beat Cleveland last week. Later, Ryan sent out a challenge to Edwards, whom the winless Browns will face on the road Sunday.

Without being prompted, Ryan, the twin brother of New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, referred to Graham’s kick with 4 seconds left that gave the Bengals a 23-20 win.

“You can watch the tape,” Ryan said. “I’m not saying anything, but man, maybe the posts were crooked. Look at it.”

A TV replay from an end zone camera shows Graham’s kick crossing the line of scrimmage and heading toward the right upright. Ryan believes it sailed outside of the post. Browns cornerbacks Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright both waved that they thought the kick was off the mark, too.

“I don’t want to get fined,” Ryan said. “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.”

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league feels the correct ruling was made.

“The field judge standing right underneath the upright called it good and we have reviewed video from multiple angles and seen nothing to dispute the call,” Aiello said in an e-mail response.

Ryan was initially asked a question about how the trade of wide receiver Braylon Edwards would affect the Browns when he turned the discussion to the field goal.

“I thought you were talking about the missed field goal,” Ryan said. “Did I say that out loud?”

Later, Ryan alluded to Edwards making some negative comments about his defense when the assistant coach was with the Oakland Raiders.

Ryan was talking about Buffalo’s offense when he steered the discussion to Edwards.

“I don’t think that’s (Bengals quarterback) Carson Palmer back there by any stretch,” he said.

Ryan was then asked if he felt Edwards was not as good Palmer.

“Absolutely. He’s not. Not too many quarterbacks are,” he said. “The guy can run and do some things, but we’ve played Brett Favre, we’ve played Carson Palmer. Those are two pretty good quarterbacks right there. This guy (Edwards) always seems to have a lot to say, so I’m going to say the same thing.

“Let’s go. Let’s get it on. We’ll see what he’s all about this week.”