Wednesday 2012: Oakland Raiders Training Camp

The pads are finally on. Because of this, we can now start talking about the Raiders defense. Rookie DE Jack Crawford tore it up today in Training Camp. He dominated the trenches all day long and made the offensive line look confused. MLB Rolando McClain looked like he'd been working on his agility and is blitzed like an All Team Pro today. McClain is also covering well and is showing impressive ball awareness. It's apparent that McClain is adjusting well to the new defense and is blitzing like and animal. OLB Philip Wheeler performed well today and is proving to be an excellent coverage linebacker. CB DeMarcus Van Dyke is playing well and was shutting down wide receivers all day today. It looks like Van Dyke might secure a starting spot. 

 QB Carson Palmer is showing amazing control of his offense. Though it's only his second season as a Raider, it's apparent that he is adapting into being the key leader to the Raiders offense. Palmer looks a little sluggish today, but it’s more than likely due to arm fatigue, which is always prevalent during training camp. QB Matt Leinart looked well today and it looks like he will be locking up the backup QB position. FB Marcel Reece continues to be a dominate force to the offense. Reece practiced phenomenal today and is continuing to blossom into a key offensive threat.