DALLAS (Reuters) - Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has fired an early shot at National Football League (NFL) division rival Philadelphia, describing the big-spending Eagles as "all hype".
Following in the same brash style of his twin brother Rex and their father Buddy, Ryan told reporters he was unimpressed by Philadelphia's recent spending spree and predicted the Cowboys would have few problems beating them this season.
"But we're going to beat their ass when we play them."
Philadelphia were in the spotlight last week when they signed prized cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive linemen Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin and quarterback Vince Young and traded for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Ryan's comments did not go unnoticed by the new Eagles with Jenkins responding on Twitter.
"Talk is cheap," Jenkins wrote. "Let them talk.
"We are focused here and I could care less. We are worried about ourselves n getting better. He must be nervous."
The Cowboys were one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl last season but failed to make the playoffs after a poor season (6-10) in which they gave up 436 points, the most by any team in their conference.
The Eagles (10-6) made the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Green Bay Packers, who went on to win the Super Bowl, at Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
For Ryan, who is in his first season with Dallas after coaching the Oakland and Cleveland defenses, trash-talking is a family trait.
The Eagles and Cowboys will meet in Philadelphia on Oct 30, and again in Dallas on Christmas Eve.
(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Julian Linden)
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