Head Coach Jack Del Rio
The Oakland Raiders have officially kicked off preparation for the San Diego Chargers, and after the long weekend following the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Jack Del Rio recapped the game Monday afternoon. He spoke with reporters about some of the team's missed opportunities, but has shifted his focus towards this weekend's matchup with the Bolts.
Here are the quick hits from his press conference:
**Del Rio talked about the players resting up on the long week before they face the Chargers.
**
"We just try to take advantage of that part of it, to get a couple of days for the guys to kind of rest up and recharge a little bit. Then we have a big push starting with a trip down to San Diego."
He discussed rookie guard/tackle Vadal Alexander's performance in the absence of guard Kelechi Osemele.
"He did pretty well. He did pretty well. We ran the ball well. We gave up one sack. That's a good front. Overall, I thought he was part of a pretty solid effort up front."
The Raiders commander-in-chief commented on the defense's ability to lock in and limit opposing offenses late in games.
"I like what I see when they're doing it right. To allow that ball to go over the top of us… Tyreek [Hill], very fast. Just don't let him run by you. That was a tough one to let them have early in the game, but I think we've settled down and played pretty solid when guys are just locked in, doing their jobs and communicated well and being physical and tackling. I think it's been pretty solid, so you're seeing it for stretches. Obviously, it's getting to be very critical for us to start playing a whole lot better for 60 minutes there."
**Del Rio noted that regardless of the outcome, his approach and mentality remain the same.
**
"Well, my approach is really simple. I tell our guys, 'We're not going to lay around and bathe in the adulation of a win. Look how good this is.' We're also not going to sit and wallow in misery when we lose. We're going to be matter of fact. We're going to learn the lessons – and there are lessons to be learned in every ballgame, win or lose. And we're going to learn the lessons, gain that experience and then go forward and begin our preparation for next."
He shared his thoughts on punter Marquette King's recent penalties.
"He can't have another penalty. Cannot have another penalty. I've allowed him to have his freedom. I want him to express himself. I think that's when he's at his best. We can't have routine 15-yard penalties out of our punter. We've got two in a row, two weeks in a row, and that's got to come to a stop."
