The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 training camp reached a pivotal moment with their highly anticipated mock game, showcasing standout performances across the roster. Geno Smith demonstrated poise under pressure, while Maxx Crosby anchored the defense with his relentless energy.
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers continued to turn heads, solidifying his role as a key offensive weapon. The mock game revealed both promising developments and areas for improvement as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
With the first week in pads complete, the Raiders are now shifting focus to refining their strategies and building chemistry ahead of preseason action.
- Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer showcased their dynamic tight end duo potential, with both players excelling in joint drills and red-zone scenarios during camp.
- Geno Smith is capitalizing on his opportunity as the Raiders’ QB1, demonstrating improved chemistry with receivers and leveraging an upgraded offensive arsenal compared to previous seasons.
- Maxx Crosby continues to dominate defensively, with observers noting his “game-ready” intensity even in non-padded sessions, living up to his All-Pro reputation.
- Position battles are heating up across secondary and offensive line units, with multiple players making strong cases for starting roles during the mock game evaluations.
Community Reactions
コメントはまだありません
Las Vegas Raiders Training Camp Highlights: Who Shined in the Mock Game and What’s Next for Geno Smith, Maxx Crosby, and Brock Bowers?
Did Geno Smith Prove He’s the Raiders’ Franchise QB After Mock Game Performance?
The Raiders’ mock game provided crucial insights into Geno Smith’s adaptation to the team’s system. Reports indicate Smith displayed improved chemistry with tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, connecting on several intermediate routes with precision. His command of the huddle and pre-snap adjustments stood out, suggesting growing comfort with Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme.
However, concerns remain about his deep-ball accuracy, with a couple of underthrown passes to speedy receivers like Tre Tucker. The coaching staff appears to be tailoring the offense to Smith’s strengths – quick releases and play-action concepts – rather than asking him to carry the entire passing game.
The Quarterback Whisperer Effect
Pete Carroll’s history of maximizing quarterback potential (Russell Wilson, Geno’s Seattle resurgence) suggests Smith could deliver his best season yet. The mock game showed deliberate incorporation of bootlegs and half-field reads that play to Smith’s experience.
Is Maxx Crosby Playing Like a DPOY Candidate Already?
Even in controlled scrimmage situations, Crosby dominated the mock game with explosive get-offs that consistently collapsed the pocket. His transition from speed to power moves appears more polished, registering multiple “would-be sacks” against starting tackles. Most impressively, he sniffed out screen passes with uncanny anticipation.
The defensive captain also took younger pass rushers under his wing during drills, demonstrating why his leadership might be as valuable as his All-Pro skills. Teammates report his conditioning is at career-high levels despite the desert heat.
Brock Bowers vs Michael Mayer: Who Won the TE Battle in Pads?
The much-anticipated tight end competition delivered fireworks during the mock game. Bowers showcased his elite after-catch ability, turning short catches into big gains with five broken tackles. Meanwhile, Mayer dominated red zone reps with flawless back-shoulder catches and physical blocking.
Both saw significant snaps in 12 personnel (two-TE sets), suggesting the Raiders may feature this as a base offense. Bowers lined up everywhere – slot, out wide, even backfield – while Mayer handled traditional in-line duties.
Stat Comparison (Mock Game)
| Player | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Broken Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Bowers | 5 | 78 | 1 | 5 |
| Michael Mayer | 4 | 42 | 2 | 1 |
Did Ashton Jeanty Just Become the Raiders’ Secret Weapon?
The rookie running back turned heads with his pass-catching versatility out of the backfield. His 37-yard wheel route touchdown showed effortless acceleration, while his blitz pickup demonstrated unusual polish for a first-year player. Maurice Jones-Drew’s preseason praise appears justified.
5 Things That Must Improve Before Week 1
- Red zone defense allowed 3 TDs in 5 attempts to second-team offense
- Penalties – 8 pre-snap infractions during mock game
- O-line chemistry in silent count situations
- Cornerback depth behind Jack Jones
- Short-yardage run game efficiency (2-of-5 conversions)
Who Got Snubbed from the Initial 53-Man Roster Projection?
Several bubble players made strong cases during the mock game:
- WR DJ Turner – 4 catches, 62 yards against backups
- LB Amari Burney – 2 “sacks” and a forced fumble
- CB Sam Webb – Blanketed starters in nickel packages
