Bleachers line both practice fields here at their Napa training camp complex, but they can’t accommodate a huge crowd. Roughly 1,500 season ticket holders can pack into the stands on a given practice – the number’s generally lower than that -- but head coach Jon Gruden wanted a bigger venue to get more people involved.
He set up a practice at Napa’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday that attracted more than 6,000 invited guests to see the session without pads.
The Raiders hadn’t gone off campus for a decade-plus – Gruden spawned the idea during his first stint as Raiders head coach – but sought a way to connect with a large group.
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Gruden played to the crowd on several occasions, including two play calls requiring quarterbacks to throw into the stands. Souvenirs weren’t gracefully earned, with passes from Derek Carr – he threw one into the crowd on his own – and EJ Manuel clanking off hands onto the ground.
Fans got to see a typical Gruden session, with most every rep contextualized. He includes TV timeouts into the script. Most every rep, especially in the passing game, involves a third-down scenario or a time element.
He has quarterbacks audibling like crazy, and even has placards on the sideline with wacky photos to relay signals to the field.
Alumni flock to training camp
NFL
The Raiders hosted their annual alumni weekend at the Napa Valley Marriott, where owner Mark Davis invites anyone who donned silver and black to a weekend in wine country, featuring training camp practices, a luncheon with Jon Gruden and a dinner in the area. More than 100 alumni showed up this year, including Jim Otto, Tom Flores, Ted Hendricks and Daryle LaMonica.
Few teams do something similar each year for their former players, but the annual tradition is always well attended in Napa.
Gare-on the shelf
Raiders second-year cornerback Gareon Conley missed Saturday’s practice for an undisclosed reason. Head coach Jon Gruden wasn’t available after the workout, nor were any other defensive coaches, so the press was unable to ask why he missed practice.
Conley skipped the last two minicamp practices in June with a minor groin strain that didn’t linger into the summer. He has worked hard to rehab from a shin injury that stole most of his rookie season.
Daryl Worley took first-team reps in Conley’s place.
Catch of the day
Martavis Bryan hauled a beauty in during a 7-on-7 session. The speedster created separation from cornerback Dexter McDonald, angled into open space near the sideline and caught the ball with arms outstretched.
Bryant had a few nice grabs on Saturday, including one that required a complete change of direction to catch a ball against his momentum.
This 'n that
Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said the competition to be Derek Carr’s backup is wide open despite EJ Manuel owning the job over Connor Cook last season. Both players have throw too many easy picks, but Manuel has been better thus far. Olson says consistency is missing from Cook’s game, and must be remedied as the competition moves through the preseason. … Ryan Switzer was the first-team slot receiver towards the offseason program’s end, a trend that has continued into training camp. Acquired from Dallas just after the NFL draft for Jihad Ward, Switzer has been productive working in three-receiver sets with Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson. … Weakside linebacker Tahir Whitehead limped away from an early rep and missed some time, but got his ankle/foot taped as was able to return. … The Raiders signed offensive guard Oday Aboushi on Wednesday, his fourth team since 2013. He worked with offensive line coach Tom Cable in Seattle during the 2017 season. A corresponding move wasn’t required. Two spots were available with Khalil Mack and Vadal Alexander placed on the reserve-did not report list.