Quarterbacks shining early during Raiders training camp

The Las Vegas Raiders are just getting things rolling during training camp, but the play of their quarterbacks has to be a positive sign.

Sunday’s practice was a showcase of excellent quarterback play from both Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell, as both out on strong performances before pads come out on Monday.

What most impressed about both quarterbacks was their timing and ball placement, showing great chemistry early on with their receivers. It is impressive that Smith has developed a strong connection with his receivers this early on, and O’Connell has had to do so with mostly new weapons. After some struggles at the quarterback position over the last couple of years, it is refreshing to see that such issues might be in the past.

However, the real test will come when the first padded practices begin on Monday, giving players a chance to be more physical against one another.

“Until we start knocking each other around and battling to make each other better, you really don’t know where you are,” Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said Friday. “And so, we can only evaluate what we can, and at this point, we’re in great shape with understanding our players. But this is the next step.”

The players have done their part in stepping up over the past week, but Monday is when they will take the next step as training camp ramps up in intensity.