CLICK HERE if you’re viewing on a mobile device.
Two days after coach Jon Gruden dubbed left guard Denzelle Good as the Raiders’ “unsung hero,” quarterback Derek Carr upped the ante.
“He’s the team MVP right now,” Carr said Wednesday during his weekly teleconference. “What he’s been able to do for us has been unbelievable.”
As Carr left the podium and gave way to Good, he told him of his MVP boast.
“DC informed me of that on my way in,” Good said. “I’m glad to be able to be able to step up for the team as needed. That’s been my role for the last two years here, and I embrace it.”
There’s some hyperbole in claiming a 29-year-old journeyman guard from Mars Hill University in North Carolina to be the Raiders’ Most Valuable Player, but not as much as you might think.
Good (6-foot-4, 321 pounds) has filled in both at right tackle in place of Trent Brown and left guard for the injured Richie Incognito. He hadn’t played tackle since 2017 other than the occasional practice snaps when line coach Tom Cable shuffles linemen to have them prepared in case of an emergency. When veteran Sam Young returned from a groin injury, Good was back at left guard for Incognito, who went out in Week 2 with an Achilles.
And Good has done more than simply be a place holder. He is coming off a game in Cleveland in which he rated 90.8 according to Profootballfocus.com, the highest mark of his career. He didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure and has surrendered just one sack.
Good wouldn’t mind a few more games like the Browns game, during which the Raiders ran the ball 45 times for 209 yards. The wind, snow and rain took its toll on the passing game, but the conditions were nirvana for an offensive lineman in terms of imposing his will on the defense.
“If we can hand the ball of 45 times a game, every game, I would vote for that,” Good said with a laugh. “For sure. But that’s not always realistic. It was great to have that kind of game and have the offense have that kind of impact. Love it.”
Gruden was still singing Good’s praises Wednesday.
“He’s been sensational. Denzelle could probably play four of five positions,” Gruden said. “He might be able to play two at a time if we need him to. But he’s been great. Doesn’t say a word, low maintenance or no maintenance, a real pro’s pro.”
Good is an example of how key players can arrive in unexpected ways. He was a waiver claim by the Raiders on Dec. 3, 2018 after being released by the Indianapolis Colts and ended up playing in four games with three starts in Gruden’s first year with the Raiders.
The Raiders signed Good to an extension worth up to $1.8 million this season, with the idea of having a capable veteran just in case and not having any idea how much they’d be needing him.
“I feel like I’m a respected part of this team,” Good said. “The coaches know what to expect out of me. They know what kind of player I am and what I bring to the table.”
To go from left guard to right tackle is more dramatic than it seems. The footwork is different, and instead of playing inside a phone booth, the right tackle depending on the formation is exposed on an island against speed rushers. Asked how he could do it so seamlessly, Brown said, “for the most part because it’s necessary. You really ain’t got no choice. Guard is kind of what I am naturally now. Going back to tackle was an adventure. I’ll do it again if I have to but I don’t want to do it too often.”
ARNETTE TO PRACTICE THURSDAY
Rookie cornerback Damon Arnette, who started the first three games, was with his teammates during warmups but not wearing a helmet, sporting a protective red cast on his right wrist.
Arnette wore a cast all through training camp but aggravated the injury against New England and required surgery. He was in Houston seeing a specialist Tuesday to monitor his progress.
“The evaluation went well, and I think he’ll be able to start practicing again tomorrow,” Gruden said.
TRENT BROWN REJOINS TEAM
Brown didn’t practice but Gruden said the right tackle was back at the facility. After reports Brown was hospitalized because of a mishap during an IV procedure before the Tampa game which left air in his bloodstream and that the NFL Players’ Association is investigating, Gruden wasn’t eager to get into details.
When the Raiders returned home Sunday night, Brown remained in Cleveland for more tests. He departed Monday and was in the building with the team Wednesday.
“Trent is here today. I’m not going to get into everything,” Gruden said. “There have been some reports out there. I’m not going to cover Trent Brown until he’s back on the field with us. But he’s in good spirits. I’m told everything’s fine. But right now I’ll just leave it at that.”
Brown was listed as being out with an “illness,” as was safety Johnathan Abram. Also not practicing was left tackle Kolton Miller (ankle) and defensive end Arden Key (foot). Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and center Rodney Hudson were rested. Those who were limited included guard Gabe Jackson (back), tackle Sam Young (knee) and wide receiver Bryan Edwards (foot/ankle).
JACOBS LEADING THE WAY
Running back Josh Jacobs apparently was none the worse for wear after 31 carries for 128 yards, both career highs, in Cleveland. Jacobs said after the game he was trying to take on more of a leadership role in his second season, and Gruden seconded the notion.
“I wish you could see him practice. He’s a great finisher,” Gruden said. “He’s got great stamina. He carries 31 times, a lot of backs would come out Wednesday on a hot day and take the day off. He led our team in terms of effort again today. He sits up in the meeting room. He asks great questions, takes notes. He’s the real, real deal. I could not be more proud of Josh Jacobs.”
