Notes and Observations from Day 3 of practice
Offense
- Jakobi Meyers was the big contributor of the day for the offense. Playing opposite of star receiver Davante Adams, Meyers frequently finds ways to take advantage of his one-on-one matchups against the secondary, and today, it resulted in two touchdown grabs during red zone drills. "That's probably the most important honestly, that's the toughest part on the field," Meyers said. "Less space, less time, I feel like if we can capitalize in the red zone, we'll be a much better team this year."
- Another top performer for the Raiders was first-rounder Brock Bowers. It's exciting to see what his role will shape up to be in this offense considering they have him all over the field. He made several catches in the middle of the field and in the flat throughout practice, along with a highlight reel contested grab during one-on-one drills between tight ends and linebackers.
Defense
- The sky is truly the limit for how good the Raiders defensive line could become. They were the highlight of the entire practice to me, getting after whichever quarterback was on the field.
- The constant pressure from the defensive line led to the first interception of the day. Maxx Crosby came off the left side untouched on a speed rush, leading to O'Connell trying to throw the ball away out of bounds. Before the ball could reach the sideline, Jack Jones secured the interception. "The D-line getting back there in three seconds, that's hard to beat," Jones said earlier this week. "At times we probably won't even have to cover, those guys are going to go eat."
- Isaiah Pola-Mao also nabbed an interception, jumping a comeback route in sync in similar fashion to Marcus Epps' interception Thursday. So far, all three interceptions for the defense has come from the safety room. "Since last year he's been working really hard, he's been trying each and every day continuing to learn." Epps said about Pola-Mao. "I think that's the biggest thing I've seen from him. It's very good to see in a young guy like him to crave learning and crave to improve their football I.Q. and I feel like he's been doing that since last year. He's just been growing and growing."
- Another young defensive back continuing to grow is Jakorian Bennett. The second-year cornerback is working hard as ever to reclaim the starting job he won last year as a rookie. He has made multiple plays on the ball for deflections since the first day of practice. "He went through some of those ups and downs as a rookie and I think he's done a really great job this year of mentally preparing himself. ... Overall, his confidence is slowly building, growing," Antonio Pierce said.
Special teams
- Tre Tucker could be one of the lead options for kick and punt return duties this season. However, the competition is still heavy between him, Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs and rookie Dylan Laube . While Tucker averaged 24.9 yards per kick return at Cincinnati, he's still trying to get a full grasp of how to return within the confines of the new hybrid kickoff rule. "It's different but I'm excited," Tucker said. "Any way I can get the ball in my hand I think is great for me. Whatever they ask me to do in kick return, punt return, both – I'm grateful."
- Ameer Abdullah was also added into the mix Friday for kickoff and punt return drills. He's averaged nearly 25 yards a kick return throughout his career.
Quote of the day
I'm not worried about last year, I'm worried about this year. I'm here, healthy, here to get better in Costa Mesa and that's all I'm focused on. Tyree Wilson
View the best photos from Friday's 2024 Training Camp practice.