Raiders defense is excited to work under Gus Bradley: ‘Everybody wants to succeed’

The presence and potential impact of new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is, of course, a major topic surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders.

Bradley, who replaced the fired Paul Guenther, will be charged with getting the defense up to par and help the Raiders make a real playoff push in 2021.

So naturally Bradley was a prime subject of interviews with defensive players this week at the Raider’s OTAs.

Here are some key quotes, as distributed by the Raiders’ fine PR crew to the media.

Q: How do you feel like the process has gone of you adjusting to your new role in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense?

Safety Johnathan Abram:

I mean things are going pretty good. I’m pretty much going down to what they call a box safety, strong safety. It’s interesting going from what we went to last year, playing a lot of split safety, playing high. This, I feel like, is going to be more suitable to my talents and my strengths. I look forward to this year and getting ready come for each day. Tomorrow, OTA’s, finishing strong with mini-camp and then coming back for training camp, just trying to get everything down pat.

Q: What are your initial thoughts of getting to work with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley?

Defensive end Maxx Crosby:

I think Gus is a great coach. He has a great energy about him, the guys really soak in what he says. Everybody wants to succeed. The defense has struggled as of recent and we’re trying to turn that around. We’re trying to get to the playoffs, that’s the No. 1 goal. So, Coach Gus has been awesome and my experience thus far has been nothing but positive.

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Q: What are your first impressions of working with the new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and the new players you have on defense?

Defensive end Clelin Ferrell:

I think first off the biggest thing is the man. Coach Bradley is a guy who is going to talk to you about your vision for your life when you sit down and meet with him. He going to talk to you about trust and respect because in this league a lot of things dealing with business can kind of take out the aspect of loyalty, being a good person. So, I think the biggest thing with Coach ‘Brad,’ first of all, he’s a good dude. I think that makes you want to play for a guy even more.

The proof will be in the production, but by reading these quotes, it’s clear the team is buying into Bradley’s scheme.