WR Michael Crabtree makes a one-handed grab during the first practice of Training Camp 2015. Photo by Tony Gonzales/Raiders.com.
The Oakland Raiders hit the field for the first practice of Training Camp 2015 at their Napa Valley Training Complex Friday morning. The first thing you notice is the tempo, the players move from drill to drill with alacrity. The second thing is the energy from the coaching staff. The third thing is how hands on the coaches are with teaching during each individual or position drill.
Here are my observations from Day 1:
Just before practice the Raiders placed running back Trent Richardson and wide receiver Rod Streater on the Active/Non-Football Illness list, and placed defensive tackle Stacy McGee and wide receiver Trindon Holliday on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list. Linebacker Sio Moore is also on the Active/PUP list.
Rookie tight end Clive Walford did not participate in today's practice.
The music that was ever present during each day outside during the offseason program has carried over to training camp. The tunes permeate the atmosphere.
The defensive backs and linebackers emphasized the transition game – going from defense to offense - during interception drills.
The defensive backs worked on making stops near the goal line, using the sideline as an extra defender, and keeping the ball carrier from crossing the goal line.
Punter Marquette King is using a "JUGS" gun to catch tennis balls to work on catching snaps.
Kicker Sebastian Janikowski looks to be in fantastic shape.
The linebackers spent a good amount of time working on their tackling techniques driving teammates onto a big pad to avoid unnecessary injury.
Wide receiver Seth Roberts made a nice catch on a quick slant.
Running back Roy Helu, Jr., made a nice spin move in the backfield to elude a tackler.
Linebacker Khalil Mack blew up a running play by shooting the gap and he would have dropped RB Latavius Murray in the backfield had it been a full contact drill.
Linebacker Curtis Lofton made a similar play and stopped Helu at the point of attack in the hole at the line of scrimmage.
Running back Michael Dyer looks extremely quick and was hitting the hole hard and fast.
Play of the Day
During 7-on-7, wide receiver Michael Crabtree made a juggling over the shoulder catch on a corner route despite very tight coverage.
Tweet of the Day
I feel like the @RAIDERS making that jump this year. #Playoffs — BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) July 31, 2015
Hall of Famers Fred Biletnikoff, Willie Brown, James Lofton and Ted Hendricks pose for a photo.
Celebrities Spotted at Camp Today
The United States Military: Service members from the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army were on hand to watch practice.
Alumni: This is alumni weekend at Training Camp. I had the chance to speak to several former players including Jon Ritchie, Daryle Lamonica, Leo Araguz, Chris Cooper, Barry Sims, and many more. Jay Schroeder, Raymond Chester, Fred Biletnikoff, Steve Wright, Vance Mueller, Rod Martin, Ted Hendricks and James Lofton are just a few of the former Raiders I saw taking in practice.
