Rob Ryan Thinks He's The Best Defensive Coordinator In the NFL

Fooch's Note: We've got our college game thread going as we get ready for LSU-Alabama and Oklahoma State-Kansas State at 5:00pm PT. Oregon faces Washington at 7:30pm PT.

As is par for the course with the Ryan brothers, Rob Ryan has proclaimed himself "the best at what I do." (h/t PFT) He acknowledged mistakes in his game plan against the Eagles, but still was quick to proclaim himself the best. I suppose this is not remotely surprising given the self-confidence we see from Rex and Rob Ryan, but I still felt it was worth pointing it.

Given that Dallas beat the 49ers some might call BS, but it seems like lately Vic Fangio has done as good a job as anybody in his defensive coordinator role. The 49ers defense faces some tough challenges over the next two months, so they will get a chance to prove how good the defense can be. Nonetheless, Fangio has done a great job.

More importantly, he has assembled a staff of assistants that have done great work. Jim Tomsula remains a beast with the defensive line. The defensive line has been a huge strength thus far. They will be tested on Sunday with Ricky Jean Francois in the starting lineup, but he has been solid in limited play.

Ed Donatell has helped the secondary improve as the season has moved along. Carlos Rogers is having the best season of his career and Chris Culliver is off to a great start as a rookie nickel back. They catch a bit of a break with Santana Moss out for Sunday's game, but will still have to deal with tight end Fred Davis and wide receiver Jabar Gaffney.

Jim Leavitt was brought in to coach the linebackers and provide a wide variety of help to the coaching staff given his own head coach experience. The 49ers linebackers have been beasts thus far, particularly Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. The talent has of course been instrumental, but good coaching brings a little something extra that is always welcome.

We know how solid these units have been and that there remains room for improvement. But it is still nice to acknowledge the performances, particularly when opponent blowhards feel the need to run their mouths.