NAPA – Raiders rookie running back Chris Warren was unproductive on an run early in Tuesday's joint practice with the Lions.
Jon Gruden wasn't thrilled. The head coach was vocal in displeasure, demanding Warren get his pad level down and be aggressive.
Message received. The University of Texas product took the ball next, dipped his should and trucked Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis. Flattened him.
That wasn't the only time Raiders and Lions got aggressive in a padded practice between the teams here at the Silver and Black training camp facility.
Physicality was way up over a normal Raiders practice, as you'd expect when two teams collide. The Raiders will practice with the Lions again Wednesday and play them Friday night in the exhibition opener for both teams.
"It was good work," quarterback Derek Carr said. "The best part about this is you get a different look. You don't know their calls. Facing a different defensive scheme and having to make adjustments to new things is incredibly beneficial."
These practices have as much of an impact on player evaluation, if not more, than the upcoming preseason game.
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Proceedings were charged as all units played ultra aggressive, but they didn't devolve into the fracas common when teams get together during camp.
"We kind of came in knowing it'd be a work day," defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. said. "We knew that we couldn't let our tempers flare."
Sides came close after Dwayne Harris was shoved hard out of bounds near the sideline during a kickoff return drill. Marquel Lee was loudest in Harris' defense, but the sides exercise restraint. The same can be said of an exchange between Bruce Irvin and LaGarrette Blount that bubbled up but did not erupt.
Players kept the focus on work, something stressed by both coaching staffs.
The Raiders rushing attack had a good day across the board, especially rushing on the inside.
Lions quarterback Matt Stafford had some good moments, especially throwing at Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay.
The play of the day came against Stafford. Raiders strongside linebacker Emmanuel Lamur made an excellent interception, fighting against momentum to snatch a fastball behind him at the last possible second.
Carr throws his first pick
Since waived cornerback Shaquille Richardson picked a Derek Carr pass on training camp's first day, but couldn't touch both feet in bounds before hitting the sideline.
Didn't count.
Then Carr went on quite a run playing keep away from the defense. He has looked smooth and efficient in camp, with a complete grasp of Jon Gruden's system.
Elite Lions cornerback Darius Slay snapped the streak. He stepped in front of a pass during a scramble drill where Carr and Ryan Switzer didn't seem to be on the same page.
"It came on a stupid scramble drill, too. That's the easiest time not to get one," Carr said. "I was bummed. But, the fact we haven't had one with the first unit means we're really well prepared. Your decisions are more timely and more accurate. When you play a new defense and get a new look, things like (the interception) can happen."
Backup EJ Manuel threw three picks on the day – one was tipped – against a talent Lions secondary.
Injury update
The safety group was down three members on Monday, but two of them returned in time to face the Lions. Karl Joseph (groin) and Erik Harris (finger) returned to work though Marcus Gilchrist (foot) remains out.
Oft-injured second-year pro Obi Melifonwu saw extensive work Monday with so many sidelined, but wasn't available for the joint practice session.
Running back DeAndre Washington returned to camp after dealing with a personal matter.
Right guard Gabe Jackson also returned, but wasn't active in team drills.
Cornerback Gareon Conley will miss another week at least with a hip issue.
Raiders host HS teams, military groups
High school football teams who participated in offseason passing tournament at the team's facility were invited to watch practice. Several community partners including the American Cancer Society, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and the Oakland Athletic League were also in attendance.
In addition, the Raiders had members of several military branches at practice, from including nearby installations including Travis Air Force Base. Some members of the Coast Guard were also in attendance.
This ‘n that
The Raiders were fairly consistent with defensive line personnel in the first-team base defense and sub packages. Bruce Irvin, Justin Ellis, Maurice Hurst and Tank Carradine were aligned from right to left in the base defense. Irvin, Mario Edwards Jr., P.J. Hall and Arden Key went in the same direction in the nickel package. … Ian Silberman continues to get reps as the first unit right tackle, a spot up for grabs with Brandon Parker and Breno Giacomini out of recent practices. Jordan Simmons took significant first-team reps with Jackson held out of team drills. He's fighting for a roster spot after spending last season on the practice squad. … The teams went live in a goal line drill to end practice. The Raiders kept LaGarrette Blount out of the end zone twice, though Kerryon Johnson scored once in two tries.
