The Raiders are in war mode going into Saturday.
After a few minor disruptions and intense battles, there will be no love lost between the Raiders and the Rams when they face off this Saturday in SoFi Stadium. The Raiders' offensive weapons were most certainly the highlight of Thursday's joint practice before things wrapped early.
Here's my key observations from the Raiders Training Camp practice in Thousand Oaks, California.
Great practice for Raiders offense
The Raiders offense was hit or miss yesterday against the powerful Rams defense lead by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. However, it seemed they brought the fight in a bigger way Thursday morning.
Derek Carr looked extremely accurate throughout the day, completing at least 75 percent of the passes I saw him throw. What also impressed me is the way he was able to spread the ball around consistently to Darren Waller, Bryan Edwards, Henry Ruggs III and Zay Jones.
Foster Moreau really stole the show at practice today. He looked aggressive and fought through contact every chance he got. His fellow tight ends have taken notice of Moreau's play as of late.
"Foster is making a good play everyday," said Waller. "I've been watching the film and he's deserving of all the opportunities he gets. And we'll get it, so I'm excited to see him continue to develop.
"You can't ever have too many weapons and Foster can definitely be a weapon."
Another facet of the Raiders offense that shined was the blocking upfront.
The young, revamped offensive line held their own against the Rams defense that threw multiple blitz and fronts at them the whole day. Tackle Kolton Miller has been the shining star of the line -- not only during the joint practices, but throughout all of Training Camp. He's helped created big holes alongside Andre James and rookie Alex Leatherwood for running backs Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake to excel.
"It's good to go up against another team and get some good competition," said Miller. "Seeing different moves I think was really good for us. Competition was great. ... Some really good work.
"They brought a different front [today], we had to adjust quicker. Obviously communication is key to get all of our combinations off, but it was really good work."
Tempers flare at practice
So yeah, you've probably already heard.
Thursday's practice against the Rams ended early due to a couple of scuffles that went down. The altercation took place during special teams drills in the next to last period of practice. Things like this have become common in joint practices between teams, as the level of competition raises to another level.
"I thought we had great work today until right at the end of the special teams period," said Head Coach Jon Gruden. "I have no idea what that was, but that's enough of that crap. It's not good for football, that's not good for anything. So, that's the end of that practice session."
After practice, players from both teams acknowledged the competitiveness and tension that brews when going up against another team in practice. However, they also realize that's just the name of the game and are looking forward to their matchup Saturday evening.
"Going up against different teams, different styles, body types, players is always good," Rams' All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey told the media after practice. "Yeah it's definitely disappointing we didn't get to finish, but it is what it is."
The Las Vegas Raiders took the field at California Lutheran University for their last joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) 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 end Yannick Ngakoue (91) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood's (70) cleat 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 Max Richardson (54) 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 offensive coordinator Greg Olson on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) signs an autograph during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
A Las Vegas Raiders fan catches an autographed football during the Raiders' 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 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 guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) 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 guard/tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith (72) 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.
A Las Vegas Raiders fan watches the Raiders' 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 quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jimmy Morrissey (65) 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 running back Trey Ragas (36) and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
A football in the air during the Las Vegas Raiders' joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Matt Bushman (84) 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 wide receiver DJ Turner (19) 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 safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Garrett Groshek (46) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley 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 quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) 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 linebacker Tanner Muse (55) 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 Nate Hobbs (39) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) 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 safety Johnathan Abram (24) 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 Henry Ruggs III (11) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders players 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 Te'von Coney (59) 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 tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) 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 wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) 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 defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (95) 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 Johnathan Hankins (90) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jimmy Morrissey (65) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Darius Stills (56) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Parker Ehinger (62) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Parker Ehinger (62) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Gerri Green (52) 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 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 tackle Quinton Jefferson (97) 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 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) 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 linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) 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 linebacker Max Richardson (54) 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 tight end Alex Ellis (81) 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 end Maxx Crosby (98) 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 quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) 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 linebacker Tanner Muse (55) 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.
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 quarterback Derek Carr (4) in a huddle 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 Hunter Renfrow (13) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Matt Bushman (84) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders punter Corliss Waitman (9) 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 punter AJ Cole (6) and fullback Alec Ingold (45) 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 end Malcolm Koonce (51) on the field for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams at 2021 Training Camp.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Nick Bowers (82) 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 tight end Foster Moreau (87) 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 safety Johnathan Abram (24) 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.
