Quotes help fans and media pass the time before training camp. For the Oakland Raiders, words often carry weight and convey information to the masses. With that said, here are the most memorable quotes from OTA.
Jon Gruden, on Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker
“We like what we see. We like it a lot. Number one, we changed plays, I think, 30 times today. We went with a no-huddle offense, I think 16 times today. We ran numerous gap-blocking plays, zone blocking plays, different protections, so the mental part of it is what’s most exciting. We already know we like them physically. Both of these guys can handle a lot of system football and process information quickly. That was really impressive today.”
Bruce Irvin, on converting to end
“You can ask anybody in the locker room, they’ll tell you I talk smack. It’s what I do. There’s no hard feelings, but you’re going to hear me. The transition from linebacker to end has been very smooth. Seemed like defensive end is more natural to me. A lot of going forward and reacting instead of me dropping in coverage and knowing receiver routes. I think defensive end is a more natural fit. It gets me going and reacting more instead of thinking and covering people.”
Jared Cook, on the coaching staff
“You kind of enter it cautiously a little bit at first. But, I think he definitely has guys buying in. I mean, I bought in for sure, because he knows what he’s talking about and you can tell a difference in a coach that knows what he’s talking about and a coach that does not. He knows what he’s talking about.”
If you look at the comment, it feels like a not-so-subtle jab at Jack Del Rio. Granted, Del Rio’s mismanagement of the offense endeared him to no one.
In Alameda, a sense of true confidence exists. Unlike previous years, where mojo and doubletalk permeated the air, the Raiders believe. Whether their belief manifests into actual success remains to be seen. Yet, the Raiders, from a player standpoint, appear to buy in early. For any successful team, that leads to success.
