Some reserves stepping up and proving their worth
But a holdout, injuries and assessing certain players are hot topics
NAPA >> The Raiders have three practices remaining in Napa — today, Wednesday and Thursday after working behind closed doors on Monday — with the team returning to the club facility in Alameda and hosting the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night at the Coliseum.
Lots of starters sat out of a 2010 road loss to Arizona, most notably Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, the middle of the offensive line and wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
Some players who have done well of late — backup quarterback EJ Manuel and defensive end James Cowser among them — backed up their training camp performances with on-field production.
Here are five issues of significance after the loss to the Cardinals:
1. SIGNING DONALD PENN >> General manager Reggie McKenzie remade a Raiders roster that
had been decimated by Al Davis. But in the case of Penn, McKenzie ought to heed Davis’ philosophy of “I’d rather be right than consistent.”
McKenzie might be philosophically opposed to negotiating while Penn is out of camp, but in this case Penn is underpaid, and the Raiders need him in a big way. The only precedent set would be to adjust contracts when 34-year-old players have career years.
Which happens almost never.
2. GETTING GAREON CONLEY
ON THE FIELD >> It has been evident through training camp as well as the early part of the Cardinals game that the Raiders need a playmaker. Conley, taken No. 23 in the first round, was supposed to be that player.
Whether it’s shin splints, super shin splints or superduper shin splints, it’s going to put stress on the secondary if Conley can’t get on the field and make a contribution fairly soon.
Yes, communication in the secondary is still an issue. But the Raiders can communicate all day and it won’t matter if they don’t have an athlete capable of stepping up and making a play.
Conley posted on Instagram Sunday that he’s begun running — eight weeks after he was injured. Next step will be working with trainers and doing cutting and agility drills.
3. GETTING MARQUEL LEE UP
TO SPEED >> The middle linebacker had his head on a swivel defending the pass, got screened aside by Jared Veldheer on one running play and was pushed back six yards when a ball was fumbled directly to him.
The NFL is full of examples where players were a step slow in their first game. Can Lee be ready in less than a month to take on Marcus Mariota, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry of the Tennnessee Titans on Sept. 10?
If not, is Tyrell Adams that man? If he’s not, and Lee isn’t ready, Perry Riley Jr. is waiting at home and arrived on short notice last season to step into the lineup. 4. ASSESSING THE INJURY TO DENVER KIRKLAND >> The Raiders know by now whether what appeared to be a knee injury against Arizona is something that will keep him sidelined for a while.
Kirkland started at left guard as Kelechi Osemele didn’t suit up (along with center Rodney Hudson and guard Gabe Jackson). He performed a valuable role as an extra blocker in selected games last year and was especially impressive in the Raiders’ signature win of the season, a 30-20 bulldozing of Denver.
A gem as an undrafted free agent, Kirkland is the Raiders’ quality depth behind their starting guards.
5. SEEING IF LATROY LEWIS IS
FOR REAL >> Lewis had two sacks and drew a holding penalty against Arizona as a pass-rushing 256-pound outside linebacker.
A defensive end at Tennessee, Lewis had only 3 1/2 sacks in 21 games as a junior and senior, with Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Derek Barnett doing most of the cleaning up. There was nothing to indicate through 11 training camp practices this was coming.
“No one really asked asked me about Lewis during the first two weeks of camp, so we’ll probably be talking about Lewis this week,” Del Rio said. “It was good to see him take advantage of the opportunity and make a couple of plays.”
The same goes for defensive tackle Treyvon Hester, who had two sacks.
Were Lewis and Hester that dominant, or is Arizona’s second- and thirdstring line just substandard? It’s to be determined.