NAPA – Derek Carr never stood a chance. Eddie Vanderdoes quickly broke through the offensive front, charged into the backfield and reached the Raiders star quarterback before completing his drop. There’s no hitting the signal caller in practice, but a simulated sack was enough.
Khalil Mack was pumped. He let out a roar, rushed toward Vanderdoes and rewarded the rookie with a head butt. Bruce Irvin came around and smacked in the back of Vanderdoes’ helmet.
It was only a practice rep gone right, but it meant something in the moment. Mack and Irvin had 18 sacks between them in 2016, but the Raiders still finished dead last in sacks.