Defensive back Tevin McDonald (37) turned in the play of the day with this nice pass defensed.
The Oakland Raiders were back on the practice field Tuesday after a mandated day off. Cooler temperatures may have led to an increased energy level as the Raiders ended practice with spirited competition and a lot of yelling.
The Raiders open the 2015 preseason at home this Friday night against the St. Louis Rams at O.co Coliseum, and the competition is heating up in the team periods of practice.
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Here are my observations from today's practice**:
Tight end Clive Walford, running back Michael Dyer and tackle Menelik Watson returned to practice.
Wide receiver Rod Streater, running back Roy Helu, Jr., defensive back Brandian Ross, tight end Lee Smith, linebacker Sio Moore and fullback Jamize Olawale did not participate.
Former Raiders linebacker Matt Millen and wide receiver Mervyn Fernandez were on hand today.
Running backs coach Bernie Parmalee led the ball carriers through Wile E. Coyote ACME resistance band work, pass protection and agility drills.
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| Mervyn Fernandez and Matt Millen were on hand at practice. |
Defensive end Denico Autry demolished guard Quinterrius Eatmon and tight end Brian Leonhardt to get to the back during an inside running drill.
Linebacker Curtis Lofton, had there been tackling, would have dropped running back Trent Richardson for a loss.
Running back George Atkinson III had a nice sequence with three runs over the left side. Atkinson showed good quickness and speed breaking into the open field.
Offense continues to do push-ups after a fumble.
Running back Taiwan Jones fielded a kickoff deep in the end zone and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa eluded blockers and would have dropped Jones at about the 10-yard line.
Jones and wide receiver Trindon Holliday took just about all the kick return reps.
Wide receiver Michael Crabtree made a nice catch for a big gain right down the middle in 7-on-7.
Cornerback DJ Hayden broke up a pass intended for wide receiver Amari Cooper, also during 7-on-7.
Defensive back SaQwan Edwards got a hand in and knocked away a pass intended for wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins.
Quarterback Matt McGloin hooked up with wide receiver Austin Willis who made a nice, running, juggling catch.
Wide receiver Kris Durham went up high, snagged a pass and tapped his toes inbounds.
Linebacker Curtis Lofton came up with a one-handed interception in the end zone.
Cornerback Chimdi Chekwa was tight on a receiver and broke up a pass, which got his teammates and defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. fired up.
Cornerback TJ Carrie went up top and almost picked off a pass intended for wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Quarterback Derek Carr went back shoulder to rookie tight end Gabe Holmes for a touchdown.
Play of the Day
Safety Tevin McDonald perfectly timed his jump and swatted away a pass intended for wide receiver Austin Willis.
