Raiders get a lot out of Lions’ scraps
Teams manage to stay cool after early scrum
NAPA >> Other than a scrum early in practice that was quickly broken up, the Raiders and Detroit Lions appeared to wrap up two days of practice sessions Wednesday none the worse for wear.
During a team session, guard Jon Feliciano got into it with Detroit defensive end Anthony Zeitel, with Raiders Kelechi Osemele, James Stone and David Sharpe involved to some degree.
It was the closest practice got to getting out of control, which pleased coach Jon Gruden.
“I thought other than one incident early, I thought the teams did a great job showcasing professionalism and etiquette,” Gruden said. “I think we got a lot more out of these two days than we ever could have had we not done this.”
For veteran players, it was considerably more work than they’ll get Friday night in the preseason opener at the Coliseum.
“You saw Derek Carr vs. Matt Stafford, blitz pickup, 9-on-7, the two-minute drill,” Gruden said.
“It’s as close to the real deal as you’re going to get. You get a lot of work done and now you taper it off for the first-team guys, and you get a chance to really isolate who you want to see in the preseason game. I think it’s going to be real beneficial.”
Speaking of Carr vs. Stafford, the Detroit quarterback liked what he saw. Gruden is putting in more plays with Carr on the move in an attempt to utilize his athleticism.
“He’s extremely talented, mentally, physically, all of it,” Stafford said. “Super-quick release. Very strong arm. Really athletic. People don’t give him enough credit for that … he’s more athletic than me. He can run around pretty good.”
Stafford spent time following practice talking with Raiders quarterback coach Brian Callahan. Callahan was Stafford’s quarterbacks coach in Detroit in 2016-17.
• A year after left tackle Donald Penn used leverage to his advantage in securing a new contract following a holdout, the Raiders may be attempting to get some of that money back.
Penn, who remains on the physically unable to perform list following Lisfranc surgery, is being asked to take a pay cut, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie declined comment. Penn, approached by reporters following practice, invoked the team policy of injured players being unavailable to the media but said as he walked to the team hotel, “Y’all have to ask them. You’ll find out before they tell me.”
Gruden said there is no set date for Penn’s return to the field.
• Gruden said some players were “nicked up” during the scrimmage sessions but had no specifics. Defensive end Arden Key was missing from the defense in the latter stages of practice.
• Wide receiver Martavis Bryant made two nice plays on crossing routes, including one tipped ball that he caught in stride and ran with fluidity and explosiveness down the left sideline.
Last weekend, Gruden said he needed to see more out of Bryant in terms of versatility. The Raiders coach warmed up a bit regarding Bryant Wednesday.
“Martavis is not a good talent, he’s a great talent,” Gruden said. “We’re going to continue to work him in to our offense and today showed I think what he’s capable of doing. We have big plans for him.”
Wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett felt Bryant’s preparation resulted in his best day of practice as a Raider.
“He’s putting the time in, he’s putting the work on,” Bennett said. “That’s a big part of it, put the work in and he’ll benefit like he’s doing right now.”
Bennett said Bryant, the fastest receiver, is more than simply a deep threat.
“There’s no limitation to what this kid can do,” Bennett said.
• Tight end Derek Carrier had his second strong straight strong day of practice. He appears entrenched as one of three tight ends to make the 53man roster along with Jared Cook and Lee Smith.
• Outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead made a couple of nice plays breaking up Stafford passes against his former teammates on short throws.
• Right guard Gabe Jackson was back after missing three days of practice for an undisclosed injury. Safety Obi Melinfonwu did not practice.
• Asked if he had spoken to his team about standing for the national anthem, “I have not, yet. I’m proud. I’m excited for the national anthem and I’m excited to play on Friday night.