Oakland Raiders enjoying a less drama-filled camp early on
By Nick Ellis
Early on in camp, the focus has been more on the players getting better on the field, rather than all the drama surrounding the Oakland Raiders last summer.
In 2018, the Oakland Raiders were a team full of drama. Jon Gruden had just returned to the NFL, and he was making changes left and right. At this time last year, the main story line of the team was the Khalil Mack holdout.
Mack was refusing to step on the field until he got a new contract, and there were reports that Gruden had not even spoke to Mack.
The Raiders were coming back from a disappointing season, they had a new head coach, and their best player was no where to be seen. Gruden was off to a strange start with his second around with the team, and it was questioned if he was clicking with the players on his team.
The stories from this training camp are much different than last year, as there is much less drama. The players that many believed would be an issue, such as Incognito and Burfict, have appeared to be leaders so far, and have really helped out the young players.
When speaking to the media, it seems as if Burfict has a good relationship with the players on the team, especially Johnathan Abram. Incognito has spoken about turning his life around and wanting to be a captain on the team.
Raiders fans will see much more of the team once Hard Knocks comes out, but so far the Raiders seem like they have things much more figured out than they did a year ago. Despite what the many believed would be a drama filled team, the Raiders have gotten off to a great start this training camp.
The young players are learning from the vets, Derek Carr is clicking with his receivers, and Kolton Miller is looking much better than he did late last season.
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If the Raiders can finish training camp with no internal issues, they will be in a much better place to start the season. There is no question that the drama surrounding the team had an effect on the Raiders last year, and with no last minute trades and hold outs, they will be more prepared going into game one.