OAKLAND -- The
Oakland Raiders might have taken an important step forward in their narrow 31-28 loss to San Diego on Sunday.
Many players/units answered challenges and showed improved play. One of the players who most stood out was rookie cornerback/returner
TJ Carrie. The seventh-round pick was strong in coverage, and he shined after being promoted to the primary kick returner.
Carrie"His impact was in two areas," Oakland interim coach Tony Sparano said. "I thought, obviously, on defense, I felt him challenging the football. I felt TJ out there challenging the football. I felt him around the ball on defense. And, then of course, in the special teams game, we put him back there for kickoffs, which was something we talked about over the bye, and then punt return in there. He helped us shorten the field a little bit, and our offense took advantage in some of those situations, off of those type of deals, which was really good to see, a couple of phases working together. I thought TJ, for a young guy coming into that situation, really did a nice job."
