Training camp report: Day 5

Originally published on SBReport.net on July 30, 2013

The Raiders returned to the practice field in Napa, Calif. for just one more day before their first scheduled day off on Wednesday.

With nearly one week down, Raiders head coach Dennis Allen is pleased with what his team has been able to accomplish in camp so far.

"I think overall, it's been a good week," Allen said. "When you start training camp you're trying to develop a culture of the team. You're trying to develop a a foundation of what you want to be as a football team. I think we're playing a physical brand of football and we're working that way and we're going to continue to do that."

Another day on the field meant another day for the quarterback competition to take place. Flynn had a solid day going for him until he attempted a throw to tight end David Ausberry that was intercepted by safety Tyvon Branch for what would have been a 99-year return for a touchdown. A couple plays before, Flynn found Ausberry streaking down the middle for a big gain.

Pryor was able to lead his team down the field during his turn, finishing the drive off by keeping the ball and taking it into the end zone himself. Pryor has improved on the field but needs to become more consistent as he still has errant throws and some poor technique at times.

"I think it's kind of playing out the way I expected," Allen said of the quarterback competition. "I think Matt Flynn has been pretty consistent. Terrelle Pryor does some really nice things at times. I think he's improved as a football player and as a passer. As well as Tyler Wilson and Matt McGloin's made some plays. I think those guys are doing exactly what we want them to do: just keep competing and keep playing. Don't worry about the depth chart, just worry about getting yourself better."

Tight end David Ausberry was standout player for another practice, showing off his receiving ability on multiple occasions. The Raiders would like to find a reliable tight end heading into the regular season just as they did with Brandon Myers last training camp.

Linebacker Sio Moore was energetic from the very beginning of practice. Moore would had two consecutive plays in which he would have had the tackle of the ball carrier. A couple of plays later, the young linebacker made a nice stunt underneath and would have had the sack on Flynn. Moore did a little dance after the simulated sack.

The Raiders would love to have Moore assist in pass rushing duties as the team lacked a consistent pass rush last season.

The wide receivers built on Monday's practice by having a day with fairly limited drops once again after the drops plagued the receiving squad early on in camp.

Rookie running back Latavius Murray did not practice today but was seen carrying his helmet and pads after practice. Offensive lineman Alex Parsons, defensive tackle Stacy McGee and wide receiver Conner Vernon were unable to finish today's practice due to injury. With injuries building up on the team, the day off will be welcomed. That said, Allen hopes players stay studious.

"I hope they rest and recover their bodies but I hope they stay in the playbook and pay attention to what we're doing," Allen said. "I know we get off a day from practice but really in the National Football League, there are no days off."

An interesting note is the offense was wearing silver jerseys today as opposed to the white ones they were wearing for the first couple of days. Allen has preached "competition" and has used the silver jerseys as another incentive.

"We talk a lot about competition and we're going to compete," Allen said. "There will be practices throughout training camp where we put the [silver] jersey up for grabs. The side of the ball that competes the best, the side of the ball that wins [gets the jersey] - because at the end of the day, we're judged on winning and losing. We had a competition day the other day, the offense won the jersey and the defense is trying to get it back."