ALAMEDA – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the Raiders late this preseason. The veteran defensive back entered a new situation with a short-term plan and long-term vision.
Learn before you lead. Be technically sound while adjusting to a new scheme. Be patient, wait for opportunities and then pounce.
Rodgers-Cromartie got a few in Monday night’s season opener. He played 20 defensive snaps, all at outside cornerback, and allowed zero catches on one target. He got dinged for a 50-yard pass interference call covering speed demon Brandin Cooks – it looked like safety help was too late to assist – by getting a hand in a beat earlier than is legal.