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Training Camp Notebook 8/14: Jakobi Meyers, Maxx Crosby set the tone in joint practice with 49ers

The Las Vegas Raiders hosted the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice Thursday morning, with over 2,000 fans in attendance to see the action. After weeks of the Raiders facing each other in practice, a new opponent added another dimension to their competitive nature.

"I know everybody worked hard," Pete Carroll said post-practice. "It was great to get against these guys. They're skilled and they do a lot of cool things scheme-wise, attacks us and helps us learn. It was a totally positive experience."

Here are the top notes and quotes from the practice, two days before they meet again for their preseason matchup in Allegiant Stadium.

Offense

  • During 1-on-1 individual drills, Dont'e Thornton Jr. won the majority of his matchups against the 49ers cornerbacks, including an impressive high point grab that showcased his large catch radius at nearly 6-foot-5.
  • On one of the first plays of team period, Ashton Jeanty broke out for a big run nearly untouched. It was on a play that Geno Smith said the offense was specifically working on the previous practice, with the rookie making the adjustments to find success.
  • "To see that from a rookie player, like he learns and he grows with every single experience," Smith said about Jeanty. "I think that's something that's going to make him so much of a great player, because he's getting better by day. And so, I thought Ashton did a great job as always, but he definitely took another step and another jump today."
  • The player of the day for the offense was Jakobi Meyers, who reeled in at least five catches from Smith. No. 16 continues to have a solid training camp, switching from wideout to primarily playing slot receiver as he did in his early years with the New England Patriots.
  • "He's so sure-handed, so steady, so improvisational," Carroll said. "He can get himself open. ... Jakobi has done a fantastic job. Every day we're coming out here, he's making plays."
  • At first you don't succeed, try and try again. Early in team period, Smith missed Tre Tucker on two deep shots down the field with good coverage from the 49ers secondary. Tucker also had a few drops in the intermediate game. However, later in practice, Smith found Tucker in the end zone during red zone period and again on a deep shot from about 50 yards out.
  • Smith also hit All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers for a touchdown during red zone period. It seems to be a common occurrence as the duo connected for two touchdowns in the red zone during the mock game a couple weeks ago.
  • "The thing about Brock is he's an extremely hard worker," Smith said. "When you have guys like that who are that talented, but the work ethic matches the talent, the sky is always the limit."
  • The starting offensive line (left to right side) remained Kolton Miller, Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith, Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze. Even though the 49ers came into the practice with a banged up defensive line, the way the Raiders O-line kept Geno Smith upright the whole practice was a promising sign.
  • "I'm pretty sure there's a lot of things that we can improve on, but I felt really good back there," Smith said. "Felt like I had a lot of time to go through my reads and was getting to the backside on some reads, and even getting to like the fourth and fifth option on some things. So, I thought they did a great job."

Defense

  • To the surprise of very few, Maxx Crosby brought his A-game. He consistently pressured Brock Purdy throughout practice, especially during the early portion of team period in one-on-one matchups at the line of scrimmage.
  • "It's always a pleasure to go up against Maxx Crosby because he's one of the best in the world at what he does," 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle said.
  • The defensive line was in heavy rotation against the 49ers. In early run down situations, Adam Butler, Tonka Hemingway, Jonah Laulu and Thomas Booker IV were all seen in some capacity with the first-team unit alongside Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
  • Tyree Wilson has found a niche on pass rushing downs inside at tackle. While still in the rotation coming off the edge, he was able to get in Purdy's face a few time rushing from the inside.
  • "He's getting better and better, and his approach, his work ethic, everything has continued to improve since he's gotten here," Crosby said about Wilson. "He's a guy I feel like, since day one, I've taken him under my wing. I've given some tough love, but I want the best for him, and I want him to be the best version of himself. ... Him rushing inside, outside, he's going to have an opportunity to help us, for sure."
  • The defense had some difficulties covering running back Christian McCaffrey in the passing game, but did a fair job stopping the run with him in the backfield. Jeremy Chinn and Elandon Roberts continue to lead the charge running fearlessly downhill to get defensive stops.
  • For a third straight practice, Kyu Blu Kelly continued to earn first-team reps at cornerback opposite of Eric Stokes.
  • "He's had plays every day for about the last five or six days out here, mock game too," Carroll said of Kelly. "He's just been really active, seems like he's settling in and his aggressive style of play has really shown up. ... Just a great example of a guy competing his butt off and trying to make a statement."

Special Teams

  • The crowd was quickly reminded just how good AJ Cole is at punting the football. He gave the Raiders an edge during special teams period with his ability to combine exceptional hang time and placement to pin back the 49ers return team.
  • Dylan Laube churned out a big punt return in special teams period as he fights to put himself in the conversation to be considered one of the team's returners.

Quote of the Day

I don't know if I'm underrated or overrated. It doesn't really matter to me. I just focus on what I can control which is being there for my guys. Geno Smith

View the best photos from Thursday's joint Training Camp practice with the San Francisco 49ers at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

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