The Oakland Raiders have responded well in training camp following their 24-18 loss in the preseason opener to the Arizona Cardinals. Though it was a preseason game, the team seems to have returned to practice with increased spirit and passion.
Sunday showcased one of the most physical practices for the Raiders. With safety Hiram Eugene likely lost for the season with a dislocated hip, a key focus for the day was trying out possible replacements for the punt team. Shawn Bayes, Shaun Bodiford and Chad Jackson all got looks on Sunday, and the Raiders will continue their search over the next few days in hopes of finding Eugene's replacement.
The team then focused in on interception drills with their cornerbacks. The Raiders' enhanced spirit was on full display when rookie Chimdi Chekwa willed himself to practice for the first time since his shoulder popped out on the first day of practice.
Another rookie, Denarius Moore, continues to impress with catch after catch. On Sunday, he brought down three impressive grabs to the tune of applause by Raiders fans. The fifth-round draft pick can't really be considered a one-hit wonder as he was during the first few days of training camp: Moore has continued to produce even as training camp has gone on and even during the first preseason game. He recorded more receptions than any other receiver during Thursday's game against the Cardinals, putting up 37 yards on three receptions.
All in all, the Raiders had one of their more intense practices thus far on Sunday, and they will look to continually make improvements before Saturday's preseason match-up against the San Francisco 49ers.