It was a fun Wednesday morning in Southern California.
The Raiders traveled to Thousand Oaks, California, for their first of two joint practices against the Los Angeles Rams. The last time the Raiders had a joint practice with the Rams was during the 2019 Training Camp, in Napa, California. The two West Coast teams got pretty chippy at times, and pushed each other hard throughout the practice. The biggest things that stood out were the overall good defensive play of both teams and the budding rivalry between two National Champion players.
Here's some observations from Wednesday's practice.
The Return of the Slot Machine
The biggest headline today has to be the matchup between Hunter Renfrow and two-time All-Pro selection Jalen Ramsey.
The Rams first-string defense and Raiders first-string offense were really getting after it today. You could hear Ramsey talking to the Raiders from a mile away, and he was doing all the things that Ramsey is known to do: make plays, be aggressive and be loud and proud about it.
But Renfrow didn't care about all of that.
"For me, personally, I don't really know when people are talking. I'm just kind of locked in and doing my job," Renfrow said after practice. "It was definitely spirited. He's obviously a great player. There's a reason why he's one of the best players in the league."
Ramsey played slot cornerback most of the practice, lining him up with No. 13 on a few plays. While Ramsey made a few plays, as usual, Renfrow really got at him too. Renfrow split Ramsey on one play and left him hanging on a flawless route towards the right corner of the end zone. He also made another great tightly contested catch on Ramsey a few moments later.
"If I can beat Jalen Ramsey, I can beat anybody – because he's one of the best," the receiver said. "And that's how I approach it. He got me a few times today and so hopefully tomorrow, we'll make each other better again."
Out of all the Silver and Black's receivers at practice today, Renfrow was the outright star of the day. Renfrow vs. Ramsey will be at the forefront of everyone's minds tomorrow.
Different Kind of Defense
Today probably wasn't Matthew Stafford's best day, in large part due to the Raiders secondary.
While the Pro Bowl quarterback won a couple of battles against the Raiders secondary, Las Vegas' overall defense convincingly won the war. Stafford threw three interceptions throughout the duration of the practice, one each to rookie safety Tre’von Moehrig, Rasul Douglas and linebacker Cory Littleton, who played for the Rams for four seasons. I also can't forget to mention cornerback Damon Arnette dropping two interceptions on Stafford.
Another big factor was the Raiders' pass rush.
The Silver and Black were relentlessly getting after the QB the entirety of the practice. Yannick Ngakoue, Maxx Crosby, Quinton Jefferson and Darius Philon looked like they were in midseason form against the Rams offensive line Wednesday — not shabby going up against All-Pro tackle Andrew Whitworth.
"It all starts upfront with the guys in the front four," said Maxx Crosby. "I feel like we got after it, our mindset was right the second we got off the bus. The guys on the back end, they played great. Making plays, taking the ball away – that's what Coach [Gus] Bradley talks about all the time. Taking the ball away, but scoring and we had guys flying around and making plays. So it was good to see."
A vital piece in the success of the Raiders pass rush has been recent signing Gerald McCoy. The All-Pro defensive tackle could noticeably be seen pacing back and forth the sideline, coaching up his younger teammates and lending advice to anyone in need.
"Gerald is a guy who's a six-time Pro Bowler; he's done it at the highest level," said Crosby. "Just having him in the room is special. He's a guy I can really learn from; he sees the game a certain way and him just passing on that knowledge is special. We have a lot of guys in the room – Yannick, and Q [Quinton Jefferson] and Gerald – there's just a big mixture of guys who've done it at a high level for a long time and guys who are still proving themselves.
"It's a special room, and I love what Gerald has brought to the table so far."
Throwing Big Wood in the Line of Fire
When you go up against Aaron Donald, all you can really do is pray and hope for the best.
"Obviously, AD, he can ruin practice if he wants," quarterback Derek Carr said about the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
"He's a guy that is going to win. He's probably the best three-technique to ever play this game, and that's saying a lot, but I think he's earned that kind of respect and is starting to get in that conversation as we get older in our eighth year."
Going up against one of the best defensive players in history is a challenge for anyone, let alone a rookie. But Carr felt Alex Leatherwood was up for that challenge. The Raiders' 2021 first-round pick got a couple of reps against Donald, who is possibly the best player he'll be lined up against this entire season. The quarterback set it all up for design for his rookie right tackle to either sink or swim against No. 99.
"There was a play today where he went and lined up on Alex, and I slid the whole line to the left just to let Alex have a 1-on-1," said Carr. "Probably not a nice thing of me to do, but I did it just to see. And we'll see how it went on tape. I think he actually did pretty good, but I did it. We made the call, and I just said, 'Yeah, go ahead buddy. Let's see what happens.' And that's what is beautiful about days like this, you get so many different looks, so many different reps that, 'Alright, let's give the young guy a try.' And we talked about it all week.
"I told Oly [offensive coordinator Greg Olson], 'Hey, if I get a look, I know Aaron is going to try at least one time. I'm going to slide everybody the other way and let him go 1-on-1 and see what happens.' So, it was good."
The Las Vegas Raiders hit the field at California Lutheran University for the first of two joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Las Vegas Raiders players get their gear off the bus for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Niles Scott (78) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Trey Ragas (36) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. (29) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
A Las Vegas Raiders helmet on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden with Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Garrett Groshek (46) and fullback Alec Ingold (45) with Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman David Edwards on the field for a joint practice at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Denzelle Good (71) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Darius Philon (96) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back B.J. Emmons (35) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie (37) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rod Marinelli huddles with the defensive lines on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Niles Scott (78) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (92) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Darius Philon (96) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and safety Dallin Leavitt (32) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rasul Douglas (38) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Daniel Carlson (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dillon Stoner (16) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Trey Ragas (36) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dallin Leavitt (32) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tanner Muse (55) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) and tight end Foster Moreau (87) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) and long snapper Trent Sieg (47) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders center Nick Martin (66) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver John Brown (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rasul Douglas (38) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley huddles with the defense on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (61) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley huddles with the defense on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back B.J. Emmons (35) wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) with Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Terrell Lewis (52) and defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) with Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) and center Andre James (68) head to the bus after a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
