It's rare when local reporters get an opportunity this time of year to ask a relevant question to an opposing team's coach or player, which is exactly why I was determined to get Sean McVay and Todd Gurley's thoughts on Lamarcus Joyner and Josh Jacobs.
Joyner and Jacobs are two of the newest additions to the Raiders' roster; both are expected to be bright spots on their respective side of the ball, and each are linked in different ways to the Los Angeles Rams.
Up until this year, the veteran safety spent the entirety of his career with the Rams, playing in both St. Louis and Los Angeles for a combined five years. Joyner grew a lot during that time, and was a crucial component of the team, and put up some impressive numbers, totaling 42 starts, four interceptions, one touchdowns, 25 passes defensed, five sacks, and 305 tackles. Wednesday afternoon, Joyner was reunited with his former team for the first time, and his former coach and teammates had nothing but positive remarks for No. 29.
"He's a playmaker in the secondary," McVay said. "I think when you talk about, 'I see better than I hear.' Watching the way that Lamarcus Joyner competes every single snap is what you love about him. He's got a contagious enthusiasm and a juice with just the way he goes about his business. When you've got some of your top-tier players that you just say, 'This is what it looks like. Watch (No.) 29. Watch Lamarcus Joyner playing the nickel spot at a high level.' That can't help but become the new standard. I'm a big fan of Lamarcus. He was instrumental in a lot of the success we had over the last couple years and I wish him nothing but the best. They've got a good one here in him."
Quarterback Jared Goff added, "I said hi to him real quick. I have so much respect for him. Great teammate, great dude, great player and it was fun competing against him."
When asked about facing his former teammate, Gurley clearly still has affection for his 5-foot-8 former teammate, whom he called "short-ass" with a smile.
The Raiders are getting something special in Lamarcus Joyner, and his presence has already made a positive impact on his teammates. Last week, Gareon Conley and Johnathan Abram couldn't help but rave about his contagious energy, and how he's always the most upbeat person in the room. It's that kind of attitude that will help the locker room grind through the marathon of the season. When everyone is sore, and in need of a breather, Joyner will serve as a breath of fresh air to those around him, and if the members of the Rams' comments are any indication, he will be surely missed.
Even though Gurley didn't go as in-depth about Joyner as his peers, the All-Pro running back did elaborate more on Raiders first-round pick Josh Jacobs.
"He's a great running back, got a chance to watch him at 'Bama' (University of Alabama)," Gurley shared. "You know, first-round pick with a lot of talent, so looking forward to watching him ball out this year. Haven't really got a chance to talk to him too much, got a chance to talk to him just a little bit out here. He'll be fine, man, just keep doing what he's been doing, you know, that got him here. He's got a good team around him."
Jacobs shared with raiders.com a few days ago that he was eager to pick Gurley's brain about honing every aspect of his game, how he trains, and how he's grown as a runner since making it to the NFL stage.
Head Coach Jon Gruden also urged the rookie to just observe Gurley's every move during the team's joint practices Wednesday and Thursday.
"Watch him. Just watch him work," Gruden said Tuesday. "Watch him work, watch how he handles the blitz protections and the audibles. They do a lot at the line of scrimmage, in different tempos and he is a sharp guy. He's very sharp. He's not just a great runner and he's not just a stat machine, this guy does a lot of great things without the ball and I hope Josh gets a chance to witness it."
Like I said, opportunities to talk with opposing stars are few and far between, and it's clear that some of the Rams' key members believe the Raiders are in for a show with the additions of Joyner and Jacobs.
Watching Joyner interact with his former teammates during practice Wednesday was special, and it'll be fun to see how Jacobs continues to learn from Gurley. Hopefully he can implement some of that knowledge immediately and become his own version of the superstar — I know Gruden and Mike Mayock would love that.
The Raiders hit the field for the first joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams in Napa, Calif ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday.
NFL Total Access crew Andrew Siciliano, Maurice Jones-Drew and Steve Smith Sr. on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiderettes Illora, Taylor, Mackenzie and Kristina with Raiders fans before a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans at a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders senior offensive assistant John Morton on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and coaching assistant Mark Arteaga on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders assistant defensive backs coach Taver Johnson on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Members of United States Coast Guard before a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden with Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle David Sharpe (72) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El (9) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Mack Brown (34) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau's (87) shoes on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders assistant offensive line coach Lemuel Jeanpierre and guard Jonathan Cooper (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive line coach Brentson Buckner on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) and Head Coach Jon Gruden on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett and wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock and Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight ends coach Frank Smith and Head Coach Jon Gruden on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Hard Knocks film crew on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle Andre James (68), guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67), and tackle Tyler Roemer (76) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Jordan Richards (39) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Isaiah Langley (43) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Dallin Leavitt (32) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver/return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Dylan Mabin (37) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Keon Hatcher (14) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) and linebacker Te'von Coney (56) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders punter A.J. Cole (6) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Nick Nelson (23) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Te'von Coney (56), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), linebacker Jason Cabinda (53), linebacker Marquel Lee (52) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Koa Farmer (46) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Devey (65) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle Andre James (68) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders guard/tackle Denver Kirkland (79) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver J.J. Nelson (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Luke Willson (82) and tight end Paul Butler (81) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive line coach Brentson Buckner huddles up the defensive line on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and Hunter Renfrow on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Ryan Grant (19) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Anthony Rush (60) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Josh Mauro (97) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Alex Barrett (93) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle Tyler Roemer (76) and tackle Brandon Parker (75) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Doug Martin (22) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Curtis Riley (35) and cornerback Daryl Worley (20) on the field for practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders long snapper Andrew DePaola (48) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (38) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) and linebacker/defensive end James Cowser (49) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley (21) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Luke Willson (82) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle P.J. Hall (92) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback D.J. Killings (40) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back James Butler (36) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77) and alumnus Bill Romanowski on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks (63) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) and center Rodney Hudson (61) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Quinton Bell (95) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden huddles up the team on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden huddles up the team on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5), long snapper Andrew DePaola (48), punter A.J. Cole (6), long snapper Trent Sieg (47), and kicker Daniel Carlson (8) after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and Raiders assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Members of United States Coast Guard at a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders alumni Rich Gannon and George Atkinson with Owner Mark Davis after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans at a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) with members of United States Coast Guard after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) with members of United States Coast Guard after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) with members of United States Coast Guard after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) and tackle Justin Murray (71) with members of United States Coast Guard after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders community guests on the field after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and alumnus Marshawn Lynch on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2019 Training Camp.
