First practice minicamp notes

May 8, 3:39 PMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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The first practice of the 2009 minicamp is now in the books. There was some obvious rust and mistakes, and there were some sterling plays. There is not much that can be gleaned as a portent of what is to come for the full season, but it can be said that the staff will be pushing the team.

From the moment camp that opened with the break chant of hard work, the practice was up tempo, and any time a player was thought to be lagging, he would be chided by his coaches to step it up.

Darrius Heyward-Bey was smooth with his catches. Whilst it is too early to say that the talk about his supposed lack of hands is much ado about nothing, he showed excellent technique on catching the ball when it was thrown in his direction. He beat John Bowie on a deep reception where he had to make adjustments to the ball. Overall, it was a strong showing for the rookie.

During the defensive tackle agility drills, Tommy Kelly was chided for being "two slow on the drill." Earlier in the practice, that same coach admonished the team, "We are about speed. No matter how big you are."

The biggest ongoing problem was the botched snap exchanges. Four times Bruce Gradkowski pulled away from the center without the ball. Garcia had the same thing happen once.er

Nnamdi Asomugha and Kirk Morrison collided on what should have been a clean interception.

Overheard during drills:

• Dwayne Board yelling, "Terdell get in your game stance."
• Nnamdi Asomugha, whilst covering Darrius Heyward-Bey, "You comming to me?" The throw went elsewhere
• To Sam Williams-"You are too slow with your hands"

Injuries:

• Derrick Burgess-Stomach flu (Did not practice)
• Arman Shields-Knee (Did not practice)
• Javon Walker-Knee (Did not practice)
• Oren O'Neal-Knee (Did not practive)
• Louis Murphy-Cramps (left practieearly)

Also check Thoughts from the Dark Side for more on camp.