Levi Edwards
The Las Vegas Raiders escaped the heat Wednesday morning before they step back outside to face an old foe. The former "Battle of the Bay" will be renewed with a joint practice against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, and the Silver and Black are ramping up for the competition.
Read through for notes, quotes and observations from practice.
Offense
- RookieJack Bechhad an exceptional day of practice with three highlight reel grabs in team period and 7-on-7 drills. Like Jakobi Meyers, Bech's ability to be an wideout and a slot receiver has been beneficial for the offense.
- The play of the day was a 60-yard touchdown fromGeno SmithtoTre Tuckerduring team period. The route appeared to be a deep post, leaving two defensive backs in the dust. Their chemistry has grown exponentially since the start of training camp.
- "Tre Tucker with his speed, nobody can catch him," Michael Mayer said of his teammate. "I haven't seen one person catch Tre Tucker in my two and a half, three years here so far."
- After throwing two interceptions in Tuesday's practice,Aidan O'Connellresponded with a good showing. His big targets consisted of Bech,Carter Runyonand new free agent signingMarquez Callaway.
- The offense continues to excel in 12 personnel. With the speed ofDont'e Thornton Jr.and Tucker as wideouts, it's opened up the middle of the field for Mayer and Brock Bowers.
- "I want to help Brock out as much as I can, he wants to help me out," Mayer said. "Geno wants to help us. When your teammate is playing good, you're playing good, the offense is playing good and the team is playing good. So, we're all in this together."
Defense
Kyu Blu Kellycontinues to develop in the secondary. For a second straight practice, he received some first-team reps and recorded a nice pass deflection in team period.
- "The best thing I've done is just take it day by day, not think too far into the future," Kelly said after practice Tuesday. "Put my best foot forward each and every day and wherever they put me ones, twos, threes, whatever reps I get, I'm going to make the most of them, and I think I've done that thus far."
- Along with Kelly,Jeremy Chinnhad a second straight productive practice. Runyon nearly had a big gain in team period, but Chinn used great recovery speed to break it up. He also continues to be used as a box safety, standing out while attacking the run.
Jamal Adamscould be making a legitimate run to be the team's starting WILL linebacker. WhileGermaine Pratthas seen a large majority of the first-team reps throughout camp, the tide may turn in Adams' favor as he takes advantage of his opportunities.
- Another impressive play came fromTommy Eichenberg, who batted down a ball near the line of scrimmage. The second-year player is trying to position himself within the linebacking corps alongside Adams and Pratt.
