Oakland Raiders' New Motto—Wanted: 53 Men Committed to One Purpose

What Tom Cable has done in the first four days of the Oakland Raiders training camp has been great. The Raiders are focusing on the mental aspect of the game. Coach Cable has called this, “learning-intensive.” There has been a major focus on the fundamentals, which has turned the practice field into an outdoor classroom. The Raiders have taken a much different approach then the cross-bay rival San Francisco 49ers, who have gone full pads to start their training camp.  Already, the 49ers are seeing the side effects as linebacker Parys Haralson hurt his right hip flexor in their morning practice. However, in Napa, the Raiders have been in full study mode, which in return has allowed the younger players to get the mental reps, before the pads come on. It allows players to think about the task at hand and fully understand their job and role. It has allowed players to focus on doing the right things. Once the pads are on, play...