For the first time this week, the Raiders prepared for their upcoming opponent the same way the will when the regular season hits. It’s the next step in preparation for the 2018 season.
This week they prepared to face a familiar foe — the Green Bay Packers. Ever since Reggie McKenzie took over as Raiders GM in 2012, the Packers have been a semi-regular preseason opponent. Others are pretty familiar with the Packers organization too.
Jon Gruden came up with the Packers in the early 90s under then head coach Mike Holmgren.
With his return to the sideline, Gruden brought over former Packers offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett to be his wide receivers coach and Bennett was instrumental in convincing longtime Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson to sign on in Oakland after becoming a cap casualty this offseason.