Las Vegas is a hot place, but the Raiders see that as an advantage on their way to the 2020 season.
According to website Current Results, Summer days in Las Vegas get hot. “From June to September, temperatures reach into the 90s nearly every day, and often climb above 100 °F.” That kind of weather can be uncomfortable when performing any kind of outdoor activities, and football is no exception.
Different Raiders players have been gathering at a local park to practice as much as they can ahead of training camp. Quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller are some of the ones partaking in these off-the-record practices. Since there won’t be any team in-person minicamps, the bunch is doing what they can with what they have.
The NFL has notified teams the virtual period for offseason work will be extended through June 26, but there will be no in-person minicamps this month, per sources. Expected, and now official.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 11, 2020
Related:Â Henry Ruggs III Receiving Plenty of Praise Ahead of Rookie Season
Raiders: Getting Ready in Las Vegas’ Weather
In a conversation with Vic Tafur of the Athletic, photographer Hoku Curnan talks about how these unofficial workouts have turned out. Waller himself describes these sessions as “real productive.”
“There has been some good competition this last month, with everybody pushing each other,” said the tight end.
Regarding the weather, Waller mentioned Las Vegas’ hot climate can give the Raiders an edge in the long run.
“I feel like that can pay dividends for us in the season, knowing that we can go into any kind of environment, hot or cold, and do our thing.”
At first, Guard Richie Incognito downplayed the conditions, something he surely regretted the following day.
“The first day I went out there, I said this isn’t too bad … and then that night I was hurting. But it’s just about getting the body acclimated.”
The Raiders will benefit from any edge they can find. Working out in hot weather and building rapport ahead of training camp will do nothing but improve their chances to succeed.
You May Also Like: Chopping It Up With Former Scout Jon Kingdon
Top Photo Ethan Miller/Getty Images