The Las Vegas Raiders hosted the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice on Thursday morning, drawing over 2,000 fans to witness the action. The session provided valuable insights into the teams’ dynamics and strategies, ahead of their upcoming preseason matchup in Allegiant Stadium.
During individual drills, Dont’e Thornton Jr. outperformed the 49ers cornerbacks, showcasing his impressive catch radius. Ashton Jeanty made a notable big run, which was part of an offense working on during previous practice. Geno Smith praised Jeanty’s growth and adaptability, stating that he’s getting better by day.
Jakobi Meyers continued to impress with at least five catches from Smith, displaying his sure-handedness and improvisational skills. Carroll noted that Meyers is making plays every day, showcasing his abilities as a slot receiver.
Geno Smith had an encouraging practice, completing passes to both Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers in the red zone period. The duo’s chemistry was evident, with Smith highlighting Brock’s exceptional work ethic and talent.
The starting offensive line performed well, keeping Smith upright throughout the practice. Miller, Parham, Meredith, Powers-Johnson, and DJ Glaze formed a strong unit, showcasing their skills.
Maxx Crosby brought his A-game during one-on-one matchups against Brock Purdy, consistently pressuring him. George Kittle praised Crosby’s abilities, stating it’s always a pleasure to face him. The defensive line saw heavy rotation, with Adam Butler, Tonka Hemingway, and Jonah Laulu contributing alongside Crosby.
Tyree Wilson found success on pass-rushing downs inside at tackle, showing improvement in his approach and work ethic. Jeremy Chinn and Elandon Roberts led the charge on defense, while Kyu Blu Kelly earned first-team reps opposite Eric Stokes for a third consecutive practice.
The special teams unit also saw notable performances from AJ Cole, who provided an edge with exceptional hang time and placement. Dylan Laube made a big punt return during the session, solidifying his position as a contender for one of the team’s returners.
Overall, Thursday’s joint practice offered valuable insights into both teams’ strategies and player development. The Raiders showed promising signs ahead of their preseason matchup, with several players standing out in their performances.
Source: https://www.raiders.com/news/training-camp-notebook-8-14-jakobi-meyers-maxx-crosby-set-the-tone-in-joint-practice-with-49ers