Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders got in their 10th practice, another one in pads, just three days before they face Minnesota. Head Coach Dennis Allen thought the Defense got the better of the day. He expressed his concern that the offense needs to execute better. He talked about this being the time in camp you get a let down.
INJURIES
Lucky day 13 of camp and the first Raider to have surgery is, drum roll please, David Ausberry. Stop me if you heard this before. He is having a procedure that will put him on the shelf indefinitely. This time it’s on his knee. Sio Moore was back as a full participant in practice. Keith McGill missed practice with an unknown ailment. No other changes on the injury front.
OFFENSE
Matt Schaub threw a couple interceptions, one was tipped at the line of scrimmage by Justin Tuck and it got returned for a touchdown. I’m not concerned about effort plays by the defense resulting in a pick or pick 6. It’s those getting suckered into throwing the out when he’s covered, that bother me. We’ll soon see how well Schaub has bounced back, starting with a couple series in Minnesota. Schaub did rebound in practice to hit Denarius Moore for a TD, during a red zone drill. The offense had it’s hands full on Tuesday with a blitzing Raider D. The Running Backs have not really got much hype, beyond the one two punch of MJD and DMC. Kory Sheets has been mentioned for his good hands and Latavius Murray for his power running ability. I expect both of them to get the bulk of the carries on Friday.
DEFENSE
The Raiders Defense worked on situational blitz packages during their practice on Tuesday. The versatility of the linebackers and defensive ends, will make for some interesting options in the blitz game. I’m not sure how much the Raiders will blitz on Friday, but it sounds like these packages were getting the better of the offense. The Defense had not had many turnovers for the majority of practices. Not until these last couple practices, when they have started to get them in bunches. Pat Sims talked up a couple rookies, saying Justin Ellis can be great and Khalil Mack was the best player in the draft.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We are almost there Raider Nation, almost to our first game action. This still has been the best executing team in training camps of the new era in Raider Football. Most everyone around the league still thinks Schaub is going to be back at his best this year. Most everyone around the league still doubts us as a football team. The process to change that has begun and minds are a gonna be a change’n.