The Las Vegas Raiders’ getting blown out this past Sunday has deflated their once promising start. Unfortunately, the team continued taking losses after the Week 14 embarrassment. In fact, apparently, their practice habits are concerning.
Rookie Divine Deablo didn’t pull any punches and wasn’t afraid to point out what he felt should be a concern. Can we blame him? A 5-2 start has faded away amid the turmoil surrounding the team. 2021 has quickly turned ugly for the Silver and Black. Following the fifth loss in six games, Deablo brought into question the practice habits of his fellow Raiders. It’s never a good sign when a rookie is calling out his team when there should be veterans taking the lead.
There are other factors at play here as well, most importantly, the coaching staff. If players aren’t giving it their all in practice, have they given up? Deablo spoke following Sunday’s loss and made his feelings clear on the lack of intensity and focus.
“Personally I feel like a lot of people just, for lack of a better term just ‘fold. They’ll just lay down, come to practice not ready to practice. I know I’m a rookie but I don’t want my teammates to do that. I want to make sure they’re ready to practice and we bring that intensity every day.”
That is a red flag for a team that has lost its way and is spiraling. On the other hand, Deablo is showing leadership qualities even as a rookie. Moving forward, the Raiders have a mature player who will become a leader as his career progresses.
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*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal