The Raiders held their second practice of the week Thursday afternoon at their Alameda facility in preparation for their division match-up with the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
DJ Hayden, Jamize Olawale and Menelik Watson all participated in the afternoon session after sitting out Wednesday's practice. David Ausberrry, TJ Carrie, Jonathan Dowling, Gabe Jackson, Carlos Rogers and Justin Tuck did not hit the field practice field.
Following practice, Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano discussed the interesting music selection that was played during the team's stretching period.
Al Pacino's speech from "Any Given Sunday" was blared over the speakers next to the field as the team loosened up on Thursday. Coach Sparano said the decision to play the audio did not come from him.
"Actually I had nothing to do with it," said Coach Sparano. "Quite honestly, it's one of our players who picks those things. I said to pick something with a message, but I don't have anything to do with that. If I did, we'd be listening to Frank Sinatra."
He went on to say that he liked the message of the speech and that he has been impressed with the resolve of the players at this point in the season.
"Our guys really have a good time with each other in there," he said. "They have a good time with each other; they have a good time with their coaches. There are guys that have good attitudes but understand that when it's time to walk out on the field, it's time to work and put in a good day's work every single day out there."
Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver and Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson also held their weekly press conferences on Thursday and Coach Tarver spoke about the importance of slowing down the Chargers rushing attack.
"We know that their emphasis is the run game – one of their emphases – but what we're concerned about is us," Coach Tarver said. "We've improved in a lot of areas on defense and it starts with setting edges, knocking back. There's one ball on the field, so whoever they give it to, that's our job to tackle him."
When Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson stepped to the podium he addressed a wide range of topics, but spoke at length about the progression of rookie quarterback Derek Carr.
"I think he's got a good feel in the pocket," Coach Olson said. "More than anything, just getting a chance to stand in an NFL pocket has helped him understand that part of the game. It was critical in his development. He's come along that way."
Carr and the Raiders will be back on the practice field tomorrow before they fly to San Diego to take on the Chargers.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT at Qualcomm Stadium.
