Silver And Black Pride
Initially, it was the shuffling of defensive backs that merited attention during the offseason.
From OTAs to minicamp and now in training camp, the Las Vegas Raiders deployed a variety of personnel groupings in the secondary which gave the group ample time to impress. Open competition is Pete Carroll’s guiding principal as head coach. And he’s openly said he’s not afraid to play rookies.
And the Raiders lead man provided a succinct summation of why cornerbacks and safeties were getting mixed in from first- and second-team unites as the Silver & Black navigated an integral offseason.
“We’re gathering information really, and I want them to feel what I’m saying. You’re either competing or you’re not, and so I’ve got to give them the opportunity to show what they can do and who they are and how far along they’ve come,” Carroll said of the defensive back rotation. “And I’m not afraid one bit of playing the young guys. If rookies play, I’m fine with that. I’ve been doing that for years. That’s a positive if that can happen. So, we have to give those guys opportunities to show themselves. So that’s really what it is, and if you notice we’re mixing everybody at all spots with that intention.”
Now, all eyes are on a shuffle on the offensive line — one that’s (potentially) shattered the preconceived notions of starting spots, particularly at the pivot. Originally assumed to be held by second-year standout Jackson Powers-Johnson, Jordan Meredith moved into the starting group at center. Powers-Johnson shifted to right guard which pushed veteran Alex Cappa to the second-team grouping.
But the mix-and-match didn’t end there as in training camp sessions, Powers-Johnson was back at the pivot, Meredith to guard. And this past Thursday, in the Raiders preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Meredith was starting at center and it was Powers-Johnson at right guard playing deep into the third quarter.
This of course is a byproduct of open competition and Raiders afforded the opportunity to show Carroll and his coaching staff what they bring to the table. And it isn’t relegated to just the front five on the offensive line.
“Yeah, if you can’t compete, then you don’t belong out here. Everybody’s got to compete. Every position is a competition. It doesn’t matter what position you are, they’re going to play the best guy. So there’s always competition,” Cappa said after one of the Raiders training camp sessions. “But working with the young guys is what I like the most honestly. I love passing along what I’ve learned, trying to help them. We got good young players on the O-line, and it’s been cool seeing them grow already. It really is my favorite part of the job.”
As training camp proceeds, both sides of the ball are getting the mix-and-match treatment, all with the intention Las Vegas can identify the Raiders and groupings that put the team in the best possible position to succeed. The depth chart is long from...
