Raiders training camp turns up a notch as Fernando Mendoza bounces back

There was a different feel around Monday’s Las Vegas Raiders training camp practice at the team facility.

A different sound, too.

The first day in pads brought about a more spirited environment that was enhanced by several ultra-competitive one-on-one drills as the pads were popping all over the field.

“That’s what it should look like every day,” coach Klint Kubiak said. “Yesterday it wasn’t good enough, so we’re looking for leaders to drive the energy at practice.”

It’s the kind of natural progression that happens as training camp turns a corner after four ramp-up sessions in helmets.

While the Raiders weren’t tackling to the ground or going fully live throughout the day, a corner was definitely turned on Monday as Kubiak’s coaching staff continues to prepare the team for his first season at the helm.

It was clear the tone they were trying to set early as they ran a special teams drill with one blocker trying to keep a coverage player from getting to a returner.

If they were able to get there, they would go all-out to try to strip the ball.

That was followed by one of the most competitive and entertaining drills of the entire training camp thus far as pass catchers went one-on-one with defensive backs to try to haul in a pass from the quarterback.

On the opening rep, Darien Porter absolutely locked down Tre Tucker before celebrating the pass breakup.

Tone set.

The action got quite competitive and chippy, especially for Tucker who fared quite well in his remaining matchups.

Eric Stokes and Jermod McCoy were both flagged for borderline pass interference penalties during the drill. Stokes was furious with the flag against him and expressed his displeasure.

For McCoy, it was his second consecutive day getting penalized during a drill. Neither penalty was egregious, but these should serve as lessons for him moving forward.

Tight end Brock Bowers was unguardable and rookie safety Treydan Stukes struggled a bit in man coverage, which isn’t necessarily his strong suit.

Here are other observations from Monday’s practice:

■ Mendoza finishes strong: It was a better day for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, though his first few reps of 11-on-11 on Monday looked like his Sunday struggles may continue.

His first throw was a so-called “hospital ball” in traffic that would have put his receiver in position to get laid out by a safety had it been a fully-live scenario. Another incomplete pass followed as Mendoza tried to force one into traffic on a short slant.

Mendoza rebounded, however. He was at his best late in the day in the final 11-on-11 period.

“There’s 60 to 80 plays in a game and there’s going to be ups and downs,” Kubiak said. “So, what quarterback can get the rest of the other 10 players playing at their best. That’s what we’re looking for. There will never be a perfect game or a perfect practice. I think he’s doing a good job. I don’t expect him to be perfect right now.”

■ Tough guy: Tight end Michael Mayer left practice, though Kubiak didn’t sound concerned.

“He busted his nose open,” the coach said. “He’ll be all right.”

■ Rookie loses the ball: Rookie running back Roman Hemby was able to work his way into the rotation during the first 11-on-11 session with some nice reps the last few days.

Mendoza’s college teammate will want one of his carries back, however.

Hemby took a toss to the right and saw the ball knocked out of his hands and up into the air for what would have been a loose ball in a game situation.

The undrafted free agent signing has been making a nice case to be considered for a roster spot. That won’t help his cause.

Veteran running back Dylan Laube had a nice run during the team session that would have gone for a big gain.

One player on the defensive side who saw more first-team reps on Monday was free agent defensive tackle Benito Jones.

Jones has been a bit overlooked in terms of the Raiders offseason acquisitions on defense, but could be a key piece on the interior as a true nose tackle.

■ Snapping issues: There was so much talk this offseason about Mendoza’s need to learn how to take snaps under center.

It was the shotgun that gave his group some issues Monday.

Center Jordan Meredith bounced a shotgun snap to Mendoza, who was able to recover and complete a short pass.

Two other shotgun snaps later in the practice were delivered a bit low, leading to bobbles by Mendoza before he could start the play.

One resulted in another short completion. He took the other and tucked the ball before sprinting left for a big gain. None of them came from starter Tyler Linderbaum.

It was a good sign for Mendoza to be able to overcome the moments, but Kubiak wasn’t pleased with the issues.

“That’s part of playing the position, but we have to get that cleaned up,” Kubiak said. “But that’s why the quarterback’s got to be one of the best athletes on the field. Got to grab a low snap and then be able to jump on it when it’s over his head.”

■ Let them know: Maxx Crosby was a nuisance for the offense, as usual. He was trying to wreck plays he was on the field for and get in heads when he was on the sideline.

Before one rep, he stood on the edge while shouting and gesturing at quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The veteran responded by delivering an absolute dot down the seam for a big play to Jalen Nailor.

Cousins immediately ran down field to find Crosby and jaw right back at him.