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Oakland Raiders getting new RB Marshawn Lynch immersed in offensive system

By The Sports Xchange
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch runs away from Carolina Panthers defensive end Ryan Delaire (91) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. File photo by Jim Bryant/UPI
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch runs away from Carolina Panthers defensive end Ryan Delaire (91) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. File photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders got back to the business of football with their first on-field team session with coaches Tuesday with the hope of building on the success of a 12-win season.

"It's really about building a base right now, trying to install our system in all three phases," head coach Jack Del Rio said. "Trying to bring the young guys up to speed, the new veterans up to speed. And tweaks that we've done with our system to make sure we tighten things up."

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For a non-contact organized team activity, the Raiders weren't short on spirit, so much so that there were two scuffles -- including one with left tackle Donald Penn and second-year defensive lineman Jihad Ward.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Penn said.

The best news the Raiders could have manifested itself early, as quarterback Derek Carr practiced with no restrictions after breaking his right fibula in Week 16 -- an injury that was followed by consecutive losses to Denver in the regular-season finale and Houston in the wild-card round.

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Carr was moving freely, throwing well, showing no sign of being affected in any way.

"He's healthy now," wide receiver Amari Cooper said. "He looks great. He looks normal."

If Carr wasn't the center of attention, then it was running back Marshawn Lynch, who came out of retirement to play for his hometown team and was acquired by trade from Seattle.

Lynch was present and went through warmups, but never put on a helmet as other running backs got the work. Del Rio said it was all according to plan.

"He's doing great," Del Rio said. "He'll continue to do the things that we're asking him to do. He's really soaking up the system. He's doing a great job fitting in ... we have no issues there. He's been here like he said he'd be here. Really committed, excited to be a Raider. We're excited to have him."

Lynch seems to have made a quick impression on his teammates.

"He's a good spirit, good to have around," Cooper said. "A real cool person."

Defensive tackle Mario Edwards had a recent sit-down with Lynch and came away impressed.

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"On camera he may not talk as much, but you know, once you get to know him, he opens up to you," Edwards said.

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