Highlights From the Raiders' Training Camp So Far
Newsweek · C · trust 33/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Las Vegas Raiders have already provided a lot to keep an eye on during training camp, from a quarterback competition that isn't quite as competitive as it might sound to a fight involving two of the team's biggest names.
Kirk Cousins remains the starter, and at this point, there doesn't seem to be much reason to expect that to change anytime soon. The more interesting quarterback development has been Fernando Mendoza, who bounced back after a rough outing during the first weekend of camp.
That's an important part of the process for a young quarterback. Bad practices are going to happen. The trick is making sure one bad afternoon doesn't turn into three, then four and suddenly become a confidence problem. Mendoza responding well after a difficult showing is a small but encouraging sign.
The more unusual development involved Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby. The two got into a fight during camp and were both held out of Saturday's practice as a result. It's not exactly the kind of chemistry anyone is looking to build, although a little competitive tension isn't necessarily a disaster either. How the relationship develops from here will be worth watching. Crosby, of course, is known for this sort of behavior, but Cousins, not so much.
The Raiders also need to find some help in the middle of their defensive line, and second-year defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway is making a case for himself.
Hemingway is one of those players who might not enter camp with the biggest name, but the Raiders need somebody to emerge up front. If he can take a solid step in his second season, it could give the defense some much-needed stability in the interior.
There's still a long way to go before the Raiders have to worry about playing real football. For now, though, the early signs are encouraging.
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