The Oakland Raiders completed their eighth practice of Training Camp 2016 on Saturday and the competition level was high. The team didn't hold anything back as the offensive and defensive lines battled consistently. Both sides of the ball played physically and passionately as the team continued to prepare for its first preseason game next Friday.
Here are the takeaways from today's practice:
- After waiving defensive end Damontre Moore and cornerback SaQwan Edwards yesterday, the Raiders picked up defensive back Tramain Jacobs and linebacker Lenny Jones. Jacobs wasn't in attendance today at practice, but Jones was in pads as he suited up in the Silver and Black for the first time.
- Tempers flared today as the offensive line and defensive line got after it in the trenches, but cooler heads prevailed. Left tackle Donald Penn assumed the leadership role on the offensive end as he took the time to get the group simmered down and back to focusing on football.
- The offense and defense participated in a lot of one-on-ones again, specifically between the linemen. Tackle Matt McCants has some particularly strong reps on the offensive side, while linebacker Bruce Irvin – unsurprisingly – impressed on the defensive side.
- Cornerback TJ Carrie made some nice plays in practice as he defensed a couple of passes from the quarterbacks. The third-year player accumulated 52 tackles last year while adding a forced fumble and one interception.
- After the loss of safety Charles Woodson, the team will need players to step up and be leaders. Cornerback Sean Smith continues to assert himself as a vocal leader on the defensive end by making plays and taking young guys like Carrie under his wing.
- Wide receiver K.J. Brent followed up Friday's solid practice with another good contribution on Saturday. Brent hauled in a pass down the left sideline on a tightly-contested play, getting a rise out of the crowd. It was a very fitting day for Brent to make a play – today is his 23rd birthday.
- Overall the team played well, but the secondary really stood out and was able to finish the day with a number interceptions. Special teams performed nicely as well, and rookie cornerback Antonio Hamilton returned a kickoff down the sideline for what could've potentially been a touchdown in live game action.
- One of the biggest notables was the visitation of the Northern California Special Olympics members. For the second consecutive year, the Raiders invited the group up to Napa to watch practice and receive autographs players.
Tweets of the Day:
