Devontae Booker es una persona de pocas palabras pero su desempeño en contra de los Denver Broncos en la Semana 10 dio mucho de que hablar.
Booker estuvo sus primeras cuatro temporadas en Denver acumulando 1,103 yardas y seis touchdowns en tiempo limitado de juego, sin embargo no guarda rencor ante su primer equipo. En las vísperas del partido entre Las Vegas y Denver, Booker se preparó para el partido como si fuese cualquier otro evitando caer en el juego de la revancha.
Después de la victoria de los Raiders por marcador de 37-12, admitió que disfrutó derrotar a sus ex compañeros.
"Se sintió bien," dijo Booker. "Se sintió muy bien salir y derrotarlos. Iniciamos lento al principio, pero en la segunda mitad ejecutamos mejor y los apabullamos para salir con la victoria."
Contratado durante el receso de temporada para apaciguar la carga de Josh Jacobs, pero desde que llegó ha superado las expectativas. Previo al partido de la Semana 10 ante los Broncos, Booker tenía un promedio de 6.8 yardas por acarreo en 33 acarreos para 223 yardas terrestres y un touchdown en ocho partidos y siguió sumando el domingo. El egresado de Utah acarreó el balón en 16 ocasiones para 81 yardas por tierra aparte de atrapar un pase. Mike Mayock y los reclutadores reconocieron el talento de Booker y ejecutaron una buena contratación durante la agencia libre que ha rendido buenos frutos.
"Muchas veces los jugadores no están en la situación adecuada," explicó Jon Gruden cuando le preguntaron respecto al éxito que ha tenido Booker en Las Vegas comparado a su estancia con los Broncos. "De nuevo doy el crédito a Mike Mayock y nuestros reclutadores por traerlo aquí y también hay que reconocer a Booker. Durante un extraño receso de temporada se aprendió la ofensiva via YouTube y reuniones de Zoom, se ganó el puesto durante el campamento de entrenamiento superando a un buen jugador colegial. Así que es bueno verlo tener éxito, en especial en contra de su previo equipo."
Booker ha sido una de las mejores sorpresas de la temporada y mientras que sus contribuciones individuales han sido notorias, él sabe que no tendría dicho éxito si no fuera por el apoyo de sus compañeros de equipo.
"No podría hacerlo sin mis compañeros y la línea ofensiva, así que el crédito es de ellos. Solo salimos a jugar en la segunda mitad y conseguimos la victoria."
No ha sido integrante del Plata y Negro por mucho tiempo pero Booker ya ha causado un gran impacto en el vestidor. En tanto que el corredor de 28 años no quiso propiciar drama al enfrentar a su previo equipo, sus compañeros le dijeron toda la semana que estaban dedicados a conseguir la victoria en su honor.
"Estuvieron toda la semana diciéndome que querían conseguir esta victoria para mí y solo hicieron lo que necesitaban hacer," dijo Booker. "Estoy emocionado y sé que probablemente ellos están mas emocionados por mí, pero como ya dije, fue solo otro partido. Fue un partido de rivalidad y solo teníamos que dejarlo todo en el campo."
Josh Jacobs será el titular de los Raiders, pero la presencia de Booker en el campo durante esta temporada no deben ser menospreciada. En este punto de la temporada está claro que los Raiders tienen a dos corredores capaces de llevar al equipo hacia delante.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Sam Young (70), running back Josh Jacobs (28), tackle Denzelle Good (71) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15), wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is congratulated after rushing for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is congratulated after rushing for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates withLas Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) after rushing for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is congratulated after rushing for an 11-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94), defensive end Arden Key (99) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38), offensive lineman Andre James (68) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) and running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44), safety Dallin Leavitt (32) and tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25), defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and defensive end David Irving (95) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Sam Young (70), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Denzelle Good (71), tackle Brandon Parker (75), running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61)m guard Gabe Jackson (66), tackle Sam Young (70), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82), tackle Sam Young (70), guard Gabe Jackson (66), running back Josh Jacobs (28), quarterback Derek Carr (4), center Rodney Hudson (61) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27), safety Jeff Heath (38) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27), safety Erik Harris (25), linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54), safety Jeff Heath (38) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after an interception during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) guard Gabe Jackson (66), tackle Sam Young (70) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15), running back Devontae Booker (23) and tackle Brandon Parker (75) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and tackle Sam Young (70) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a 52-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 52-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) is congratulated by teammates after kicking a 52-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) and safety Erik Harris (25) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11), running back Josh Jacobs (28) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders kick a PAT during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) is congratulated by teammates after an interception during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) is congratulated by teammates after an interception during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 22-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Patrick Omameh (78), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Denzelle Good (71), tackle Brandon Parker (75), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after recovering a fumble during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) ruses for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) rushes for a 23-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) rushes for a 23-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) rushes for a 23-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 23-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
