Oakland Raiders kick off week 2 of OTAs – NFL News
After the successful week 1 of the organised team activities (OTAs), the Oakland Raiders stepped on the field to kick off week 2 of OTAs at the Alameda practice facility on Monday, May 21, 2012.
Many senior and new players participated in the voluntary workout as the Raiders continued learning new system introduced by head coach, Dennis Allen, who has recently joined the team.
Allen is putting special focus on improving the performance of the defensive line, and the head coach is receiving good response from the players who want to learn the new playbook as soon as possible.
According to the details present on the team’s official website, Raiders’ safety, Matt Giordano, said of OTAs:
“They’re going good. Just new defence, new regime, so you’re just trying to get a handle on how things are run, where they want us, where they want me, and just trying to get better as a player day by day.”
Initially, it was anticipated that the players might face difficulties in learning the new playbook, but the players have given a contradictory response so far.
All of them are pleased with the way Allen is leading them during OTAs and the smooth transition has allowed all of them to focus on learning and improving their game-play.
Cornerback, Chimdi Chekwa, is getting into the rhythm gradually and enjoying the offseason workouts. He said of working with the new coach:
“It’s been real smooth. I think they’re really trying to change the culture around here and I think they’re doing a good job.”
Meanwhile, quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, who wants to gain the starting role as soon as possible, is also working hard during OTAs on developing good understanding and chemistry with his receivers.
While asserting that the main focus of these workouts is to get better, the quarterback said:
“We’re working on our timing with the receivers, getting the stuff down with the schemes with the linemen and stuff like that.”
During OTAs, rookies who have joined the team during the 2012 draft or after that as undrafted free agents are also getting an opportunity to train with veterans for the first time.
They participated in the team’s drills earlier, but the initial minicamp was set up to entertain only rookies and veterans were not allowed to train with the new arrivals.
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