Koonce's Development is Product of Success in Practice

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce has been one of the team's most pleasant surprises as of late.

Most recently, Koonce had the best game of his career so far, having earned two sacks and a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown in the Raiders' 63-21 blowout against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham told reporters on Tuesday that the development has resulted from Koonce's performance in practice.

"Malcolm -- skilled player in terms of speed, quickness, the ability to bang, plays with his hands, and just the consistency of it showing up," Graham said. "And where did it start? It started in practice.

" ... I mean, I probably pointed it out -- me, myself, Robby, Matt, AP -- we've pointed out how he's been practicing this whole year. And I will say, especially over the last six weeks, it's been impressive. 

"I stopped watching the tape one time for dramatic effect, I guess. And we had gone 20 plays and I said: 'You know, Malcolm's done everything exactly how we want him to do this whole practice.' And I made sure the next day when we got with the players, I made sure I told them that; I said: 'That's why he's getting better.'

"So, again, how we adapt to it, again, it's our job to put him in the right spots and make sure we're teaching him the right things, but I think just what Malcolm's done -- again, I never want to give us too much credit -- it's him making the decision, practice the right way, get better to improve, put in the necessary work. And it's just -- that's what it comes down to in professional football: guys making the decision to improve and then me trying to stay out of the way and not mess them up. 

"And I couldn't be more proud of that guy in terms of I still remember the Zoom call I had with him when he was coming out of college when he was at Buffalo. I liked him then, I like him now. Great player; I mean, he's just improving every day, and it started with practice."