Tuesday's morning and afternoon sessions marked the 6th day of Training Camp 2010 for the Oakland Raiders here at their Napa Valley Training complex. Players have started to settle into camp, realizing their roles on the team and the competition that lies ahead.
As the players gear up in full pads and go through hitting drills, the offensive line together has begun to show the necessary intensity and cohesion to play as a forceful unit in the upcoming season. The offensive line returns four of five starters this season, and many of the players believe that the continuity along the line will help the team move in a positive direction.
C Samson Satele commented on the fact that there have been some tangible improvements along the offensive line as the players continue to work together.
"It's real big. Just being together during last year's offseason, last season, and now this training camp, our camaraderie up front is only getting stronger. We're tons of steps further then we were last year," Satele remarked excitedly. "There is still a lot of work for us to complete this training camp. We want to get that sack number down. We want to get [Darren] McFadden and [Michael] Bush, or whoever the running back is back there more yards than last year," said Satele.
Veteran G Cooper Carlisle remarked the trust that is being built in his fourth training camp with the Raiders. "I definitely think that the more reps you take with the guy next to you, the more trust you build with your teammates, and I definitely think we are improving upon that," Carlisle said
G Robert Gallery said it best about the potential that this offensive line has. "The longer we work together, the easier it's going to be when we get onto that field during the season. We are all focused on doing our jobs, and hopefully that will result in more wins," said Gallery.
The Raiders will be back on the field for one practice session on Wednesday as Training Camp 2010 continues.
