Second-year WR Louis Murphy enjoys a light moment during OTAs.* Photo by Tony Gonzales*.
On the heels of their mandatory, three-day mini-camp, The Oakland Raiders have participated in six voluntary sessions of Organized Team Activities at the Silver and Black's Alameda, Calif., facility. The OTAs bridge the gap from mini-camp to Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Tom Cable says that he enjoys using OTAs to teach and improve the team. "I like what we're doing. This whole OTA thing is about situational football. We're doing fine and we're doing well," Coach Cable said.
Coach Cable added that he wants the Raiders to develop confidence and in turn, that confidence will lead to success. "I think that's where our focus is right now. And to do that means you understand what we're doing on offense and defense and the kicking game, and take care of the ball…and get the football," Coach Cable explained. "I think us being better on offense will happen because of those things. And I think that us being better on defense will happen because of those things. But right now it's about ball security and confidence. And I think that's the vision of where I want us to be. And when that happens then we'll be a tough team that gets after you and plays with great confidence."
RB Michael Bush says that team is putting in the work on the field and having fun in the process. "It's good. It's on the field, it's what we do, we come out here to work hard on the field," Bush said. He added that the addition of offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is having a major impact on the team. "His whole motto is 'build a bully,' that's what we are trying to do."
Second-year WR Louis Murphy is looking to build on the success he achieved during his rookie season. "Everybody is on the same page; it's been great going throughout these OTAs, practices, mini-camp. It's a totally different feel than last year," Murphy said. He also mentioned that he feels he is developing a good rapport with new Raiders QB Jason Campbell. "The relationship is coming along good, especially with all the one-on-one routes we get to do with him. Getting our timing down, he loves to work, so we are out here putting in the work and putting in the time."
The Raiders return to the field at their Alameda facility next Tuesday to resume OTAs which conclude June 17. Coach Cable is scheduled to address the media after the Wednesday OTA sessions the next two weeks. The team will then report to training camp at their Napa Valley Training Complex in late July.
The preseason begins August 12 with a trip to Dallas to face the Cowboys and the regular season kicks off September 12 as the Raiders open in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans.
