Since 2019 KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM has been Eastern Utah’s home for Raider’s football. The tradition will continue on Sunday, Sept. 8 when the Raiders travel to Los Angeles to meet the Chargers at So-Fi Stadium.
This summer the Raiders played host to two open practices at Allegiant Stadium. On Tuesday KOAL’s Drive Time Sports had access to both the press box and locker room.
During his first full season as head coach of the team, Antonio Pierce gave the crowd a welcoming message. The team then took the field for a variety of drills, including 7-on-7 work between the first, second and third teams listed through the depth chart. The second hour of practice was geared towards 11-on-11 workouts.
Offensive Recap:
Though stale at times, the offense this season possesses several potential game changers. Absent from practice was rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who has already lined up in a variety of spots. Without a fullback on the roster and the flexibility of the 12 Personnel, the impact of Bowers should have an immense effect on second-year tight end Michael Mayer.
“We’ll find out how the defense is playing us, what kind of plays we will be running, who they have on me and who they have on Brock,” said Mayer. “So far, it’s been awesome being out on the field with him. We’ve helped each other a ton in learning this offense and I’m excited to get him back.”
Gardner Minshew was officially named the starting quarterback on Sunday, bringing clarity to the position battle. Mayer continued by talking about the first-team reps with his new signal caller.
“We have a game on Friday and we’ve already said that we are going to out and throw routes during the next couple days. We are going to gain a bigger connection and so the next few days are absolutely crucial. I’m really proud of Gardner and happy for him. Now it’s time to dig in and really find that connection between us.”
Davonte Adams received a full workout during the two-hour practice.
Defensive Recap:
Defensive end Maxx Crosby brought the crowd to its feet by intercepting a pass from Minshew. The first-team defensive unit continued to put on a show for the crowd, registering back-to-back sacks on Minshew later in the practice.
The second unit on defense continued to give the second-team offense fits. Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s quick slant to Alex Bachman was picked off by undrafted rookie linebacker Jackson Mitchell, who was picked up off waivers on Saturday.
Special Teams Recap:
Special teams appeared to be a bright spot for the team. Kicking off from the 35-yard-line, Daniel Carlson reached the goal line on nearly each of his reps under the league’s new kickoff rule. Carlson also converted several field goals with relative ease, hitting from as far as 57-yards.
Defensive back Jack Jones returned several kick-offs, taking multiple returns the distance. While the idea of using the defensive unit’s top defensive back on special teams comes with risk, the potential for reward is extremely high.
“That’s not up to me about being the primary kick returner,” said Jones. “All I have to do is go out and put my best on the field. As far as playing some offense… we’ll have to see, you just never know.”