The Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up their fourth practice of training camp on Monday as the team prepares for the preseason opener on Saturday, August 10th, versus the Minnesota Vikings.
With media in attendance for practice, we bring you another takeaways article as we gather the best and most relevant information from beat writers.
Monday’s practice was a continuation of last week, as the defense had its way with the offense, and the quarterback competition became even more uncertain. We also got some injury news and an update on a disappointing 2023 draft pick. We bring you this and more in our takeaways from Raiders practice on Monday.
Raiders takeaways from training camp
Who didn’t practice?
Offensive linemen Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson, wide receiver Jalen Guyton, and linebacker Darien Butler remain on the PUP list. Cornerback Brandon Facyson, wide receiver Tulu Griffin, and defensive tackle John Jenkins didn’t practice.
Jenkins has yet to take the field for camp, and Griffin missed his second consecutive practice.
#Raiders not at practice today:
– CB Brandon Facyson
– WR Tulu Griffin— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 29, 2024
Defense dominates
The Raiders’ defense put together another strong day of practice on Monday, as the pass rush led by Maxx Crosby overwhelmed Las Vegas’ offensive line. Along with a terrific performance by the defensive line, rookie safety Trey Taylor snagged an interception during 7-vs-7 work.
Sexy play alert 🚨: Trey Taylor secures an interception in 7-on-7’s, the ball bobbled out of the receiver’s hands and the Jim Thorpe Award winner snatched it in mid air.#Raiders
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) July 29, 2024
Patrick Graham’s unit has dominated training camp thus far and could establish itself as the identity of the team heading into Week 1.
Defense wins another #Raiders training camp practice in Costa Mesa. Pads go on tomorrow and you would expect the offensive line to be looking to dominate
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) July 29, 2024
Offensive line struggles
With two starters out with injury, Las Vegas’ offensive line had a horrendous day. Right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. had a rough time blocking Maxx Crosby, per Vic Tafur of the Athletic, and quarterbacks faced constant pressure.
Full judgments of the unit can’t be made until the pads come on, but James Cregg’s department has a lot of work to do.
As opposed to first week of camp, when the @Raiders worked extensively in the red zone, they went to a full field on Monday. But it was essentially the same theme: The defense got the best of the offense, and QB’s Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell dealtwith a lot of pressure
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) July 29, 2024
More of the same for QBs
Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew have been inconsistent to start camp, and the same happened on Monday.
Neither quarterback stood out and separated themselves from the other, as Gardner Minshew took the majority of first-team reps on Monday, per Tashan Reed of the Athletic, continuing the trend of the quarterbacks rotating.
Both signal callers dealt with a ton of pressure, and neither was able to salvage plays or sustain drives.
There have been four team drills today, two of them scripted and two of them not, and defense is having its way. Both Minshew and O’Connell have struggled under pressure.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) July 29, 2024
Gardner Minshew has taken the majority of the starting snaps at QB for the #Raiders during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills so far today. It’s part of the rotation the coaching staff has had throughout training camp between him and Aidan O’Connell.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 29, 2024
Some love for Byron Young
Young had a disappointing rookie campaign, playing six games and registering just four tackles. With the absence of veteran John Jenkins, Young has been given an increased role at defensive tackle and has taken advantage of his opportunity.
The former Alabama standout was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft and is looking to bounce back in his second season.
DT Byron Young had filled in well for John Jenkins thus far at camp.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) July 29, 2024
Kickoff experiment continues
The NFL’s new kickoff rules have caused teams to try out different players to kick off this season. For Las Vegas, Jack Jones, Tommy Eichenberg, Luke Masterson, and Phalen Sanford took turns kicking off the tee on Monday, per Anthony Bautista of The Sporting Tribune.
#Raiders working on kickoffs now, Jack Jones, Tommy Eichenberg Luke Masterson and Phalen Sanford have each taking turns kicking the ball off the tee.
Jones has actually had some solid kicks with a decent amount of distance and air-time.
— Anthony Bautista (@byanthonyba) July 29, 2024
Jack Jones seemed to have the most success and could be a potential candidate for the position on the kickoff team.
