The Las Vegas Raiders took part in their sixth padded practice of training camp on Wednesday and the last practice in Costa Mesa, California. The Silver and Black open the preseason in a couple of days as the team travels to Minneapolis to face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
Wednesday's practice wasn't any different from previous days, as the quarterbacks struggled, and the defense took over practice. Things remain just about dead even between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell as they prepare to see their first game action in preseason Week 1.
"I wasn't going to base everything off practice... A lot of different factors play into it," head coach Antonio Pierce said of his quarterbacks on Wednesday. "Defensive play. Who's going with the ones? Who's going with the twos? This preseason game will be very telling. I want to see these guys take care of the ball, manage the team, take care of situational football."
We go over the quarterbacks and more in our latest edition of takeaways from Raiders training camp based on beat writer observations.
Raiders training camp takeaways
Another letdown from the QBs
The day got off to a good start, as O'Connell and Minshew each threw touchdowns during the red zone drill. However, as practice went on, the same struggles and inconsistencies both signal-callers have displayed in camp popped up.
Two touchdowns in red zone drills today.
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) August 7, 2024
Aidan O’Connell hits a dart over the middle to Tre Tucker. Gardner Minshew rolls out of the pocket and hits DJ Turner by the right pylon.#Raiders
During team drills, both O'Connell and Minshew tossed interceptions and failed to sustain drives and run efficient offenses. As the Raiders prepare to leave Costa Mesa for the preseason opener, the questions around the quarterback situation haven't been answered; they've increased.
Tre'von Moehrig (off a pass by O'Connell) and Pola-Mao (off a pass by Minshew) with interceptions today at @Raiders camp. O'Connell threw into double coverage and Minshew overthrew an open receiver.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 7, 2024
Jalen Guyton sighting
The free-agent acquisition spent most of Las Vegas' Costa Mesa trip on the PUP list, but Guyton impressed on Wednesday, giving hope he can provide adequate depth in the Raiders' offense.
According to Tashan Reed of the Athletic, Guyton was "open often" and made a highlight catch.
#Raiders WR Jalen Guyton made a really nice sideline catch matched up against CB Decamerion Richardson. He's gotten open often and let the rookie hear about it.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 7, 2024
Isaiah Pola-Mao impressing
The third-year safety out of USC has steadily improved since arriving in Las Vegas in 2022 and has continued that trend in training camp. Pola-Mao snagged an interception off Gardner Minshew today and appears to have locked up the third safety role, per Reed.
Pola-Mao has had a really strong camp. He's got that third safety role locked up. I'd expect to see a lot of three safety formations this season #Raiders DC Patrick Graham has used them often in the past. https://t.co/He3Nwc56Hq
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 7, 2024
Divine Deablo appreciation
Deablo is looking to build off a strong 2023 campaign where he totaled 106 tackles and 34 defensive stops. Though he's had a quiet camp, the 25-year-old is still patrolling the middle of the field and looks leaner this season.
Deablo quietly had a good camp. Leaner this year. Just missed a diving interception of O’Connell.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 7, 2024
Moehrig picks him off couple plays later.
Deablo is entering a crucial 2024 campaign, as the former third-round pick is set to hit unrestricted free agency next offseason.
