HENDERSON, Nev.—Throughout training camp, much of the focus surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders has centered around players on the cusp of breaking out.
Of course, having the stars around is always going to help, both in terms of opening things up offensively and challenging the defense against elite-level talent.
With Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby both back on the field, the former picked up right where he left off in his connection with Brock Bowers. A recurring theme throughout training camp, Bowers has consistently found ways to get himself open for big gains. However, the responsibilities for the All-Pro-caliber tight end look set to expand in Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme, with he and Michael Mayer on the field at the same time at points to provide different looks.
”It’s a great tandem to have on the field,” tight ends coach Luke Steckel said about having Bowers and Mayer out in 12 personnel.
“I use this word a lot, but they’re both versatile. I don’t think Mike gets enough credit as a receiver, and I don’t think Brock gets enough credit as a blocker. We can really move them around in a lot of different ways and attack defenses in different ways.”
Even with the different looks offensively, it has no longer just been Crosby that the Raiders have had to account for.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tonka Hemingway has made his case to start Week One offensively. The sophomore defensive tackle has consistently applied pressure from the interior throughout training camp, and has even made some nice plays to stuff the run. While having a perennial All-Pro like Crosby on the same defensive line is always going to help, many players and coaches have taken the time to praise Hemingway for his efforts over the summer and beyond to improve.
“He approaches football with a demeanor and disposition that is second to none,” added defensive line coach Travis Smith to Hemingway’s praises. “There’s a physicality with his game. There’s an attacking style to his play which has been really encouraging and exciting to see.”
The improved play on the defensive line can only make life easier for a secondary loaded with promising young talent.
Hezekiah Masses has dominated most of the headlines so far but, on Monday, other players grabbed the spotlight. Darien Porter, who Masses has rotated with on the first-team defense, put together his best day of training camp, while Treydan Stukes and Greedy Vance also made impressive plays. While the Raiders do have veterans like Eric Stokes and Jeremy Chinn to serve as on-field leaders, getting the young players up to NFL speed would go a long way towards stopping the high-powered offenses in the AFC West.
“[We’re] always trying to get the ball back, make plays on the ball because we want the offense on the field as much as possible and put points on the board,” said cornerback Jermod McCoy. “Whatever we can do to get the ball back and help the team do that, that’s what we want to do.”
Starting Tuesday, however, the focus shifts and the reality of life in the NFL will be closer than ever.
Between the practice at Allegiant Stadium and the Raiders’ first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, the team will get to see firsthand how their training has paid off. For McCoy, who had his draft year taken away due to a torn ACL, the feeling of being back on the field is significant on a level that goes beyond his first game action in the NFL.
“There’s definitely going to be some emotions,” said McCoy. “Just look around, take it all in and just remember, at any point, this could be taken away from you. Just always cherishing these moments.”
McCoy is far from the only rookie excited to get his NFL journey started on the right foot.
“I can’t wait to play in the game, get to hit a different color jersey, and just to work with the team and just put our hard work together and put it on the field and get a finished product out there,” said offensive lineman Trey Zuhn. “I’m just excited.”
With 72 hours to go until the preseason kicks off for the Raiders, it will not be long until fans get to see whether the hype transforms into substance.