The Las Vegas Raiders got to work in their second training camp practice.
While still shaking off the rust, all three phases of the ball had their moments throughout the day. Here are some key observations from the team's practice Thursday morning.
Notes and Observations from Day 2 of practice
Offense
- Though most of the practice was spend on individual and special teams drills, offense was clicking on a few occasions. Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II threw one touchdown each during team period. O'Connell stood steady in pocket and found tight end Harrison Bryant in the middle of the end zone. Bryant stretched out his arms and reeled in the grab for the touchdown. Minshew used his improvisational skills to escape a collapsing pocket to find Davante Adams for a touchdown.
- A certain player starting to make a name for himself is Alex Bachman. The former New York Giants receiver had a good showing in minicamp and is continuing to keep pushing for reps to start training camp. He made multiple catches in the middle of the field from both O'Connell and Minshew.
- The offense is also continuing to install their scheme brought in by new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Both Adams and running back Zamir White have praised the offense with how speed and efficiency is prioritized within it. "It's so fast and neat," White said. "In meetings he tells us, 'You've got to be quick, you've got to be fast, I want it perfect.' ... [The offensive line] is lightning fast. They're getting off the ball so fast and quick, it's crazy. I love it."
Defense
- The secondary had its share of moments going up against the offense Thursday. The unit notched two interceptions in team period, coming from safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps. The first interception was set up by cornerback Jakorian Bennett deflecting the ball in the air. Moehrig was able to make a play on the ball to secure the pick.
- The second interception was arguably the play of the day. Epps perfectly broke in front of the pass for a pick back to the house.
- Following the pick, Divine Deablo blitzed up the middle to get a would be sack on O'Connell.
- A rookie who shined bright for the Silver and Black was Tommy Eichenberg. While the linebacker is still finding his footing within the defense, he seemed to always be lurking toward the ball.
Special Teams
- The team is trying out several options for kick and punt returners, including Tre Tucker, Nate Hobbs and Dylan Laube.
- With the new kickoff format, the Raiders are one of several teams across the league trying out using different defenders to kick the ball to give kickoff coverage another tackler on the field. A few players seen kicking off were Eichenberg, Luke Masterson, Phalen Sanford and Jack Jones.
- "I'm an athlete. In my head I believe I can do everything at any position," Jones said. "I just go out there and just do it and it falls how it falls."
Quote of the Day
Everything you need to learn in life you can learn through the game of football. I'm just someone who always tries to respect the game and pay it forward. Christian Wilkins
Take an exclusive look at photos from a 2024 Training Camp practice.