Rookie running back Michael Dyer turned in today's play of the day with a 30-yard TD run. Photo by Tony Gonzales/Raiders.com
The Oakland Raiders hit the practice field in pads for the second day in a row as Training Camp 2015 continues at the team's Napa Valley Training Complex. The intensity was turned up today. The players hit harder and the sound of the pads popping was louder.
Here are my observations from today's practice:
Wide receiver/return specialist Trindon Holliday passed his physical and returned to practice after starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Running back Trent Richardson, who is currently on the Active/Non-Football Illness list, was working with a team trainer near the field house.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr., is extremely animated…all the time. He is constantly encouraging and teaching his players.
Defensive backs worked on contesting passes. The drill became very heated and drew cheers from the crowd of season ticket members. SaQwan Edwards and Neiko Thorpe went at each other pretty hard.
The offense donned the black jerseys today.
Cornerback Keith McGill broke up a pass from quarterback Derek Carr to wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
Wide receiver Andre Holmes made a tremendous catch deep down the left sideline between two defenders.
Running back Taiwan Jones continues to impress. He made two impressive runs to the left side on consecutive plays, including an ankle-breaking cut in the open field.
Linebacker Spencer Hadley put the brakes on running back George Atkinson III with a hard hit. He also made a nice stop on Taiwan Jones short of the goal line with another impressive hit.
Wide receiver Kris Durham used his body to shield his body from the defender and made a nice catch over the middle on a pass from quarterback Christian Ponder.
Running back Latavius Murray drew cheers from the crowd when he bounced a run outside and picked up good yardage down the right sideline.
Linebacker Khalil Mack blew up the next play and stopped Murray at the line of scrimmage.
Linebacker Sio Moore recovered a fumble on a botched center-quarterback exchange. The offensive unit did push-ups as penance.
Taiwan Jones got loose again with another impressive run, this time over the right side.
Defensive end Shelby Harris introduced himself to Atkinson rather rudely with a good smack at the point of attack.
Murray showed an ability to be elusive in traffic, dodging tackles and working his way to the open field on a very impressive run.
Tight end Lee Smith made a catch in the flat, turned upfield and lowered his shoulder on safety Larry Asante to the delight of the crowd.
The left side of the offensive line carved out some space and running back Michael Dyer took advantage. Dyer turned on the jets and showed off his speed.
Dyer then plowed through several defenders in a goal line situation for a short touchdown run.
Play of the Day
Running back Michael Dyer took a hand off, made two jump cuts to his left, found a crease and took off for a 30-yard touchdown run.
