Las Vegas Raiders DB Coach Chris Ash on the state of the Silver and Black defensive backfield.
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00:00 I mean, it's been one that's, you started the season and
00:03 it's kind of been a thing since then.
00:05 What do you guys think of his overall ability this season?
00:09 >> I think he's done a really nice job in the things that we've asked him to do.
00:14 He's really learning the game to kind of slow down for him.
00:17 There's a lot that a young player has to learn when you come from college to the NFL.
00:23 But I think he's doing a nice job with the transition and
00:25 every day he's just working to get better.
00:27 I mean, that's really what his focus is and that's what he's trying to do.
00:29 >> In the last couple of weeks, also kind of injury,
00:31 Isaiah Polamau has gotten involved in safety as well.
00:35 I mean, if he plays interception, it's a dolphin.
00:37 What are you seeing for him just kind of as he's settling into-
00:40 >> Well, he's really trying to become
00:41 a pro.
00:42 He's watching guys like Marcus Epps study and practice.
00:47 Trayvon's done a really nice job trying to mentor him as well.
00:50 I think he's really kind of getting into his own rhythm and
00:53 groove about how he has to take care of his body, how he's prepared,
00:57 the mental reps he has to take at practice.
00:59 And whenever his opportunity is given, he's gotta take advantage of it.
01:02 I think that's what you've seen from him, especially in the Miami game.
01:05 He was thrust out there, not getting a lot of reps at practice,
01:08 as to what it is at this time of year.
01:10 But he took advantage of the mental reps and the opportunities he had.
01:12 And he went out there and played a really good game against Miami.
01:15 And he just continues to try to improve every week.
01:18 >> You mentioned Trayvon Merrick.
01:20 He's been a guy that's really taking a step forward this year.
01:22 What do you think has clicked for him, just kind of near to the system, and
01:25 helped his play improve?
01:26 >> Well, I think just year three in the National Football League,
01:30 he gets it more.
01:32 The second year, in the same, or not the same, but a similar system.
01:36 So there's some consistency there.
01:38 And again, I think last year he had De'Ron Harmon.
01:41 This year he's got Marcus Epps.
01:42 He's got two other veteran safeties that have really kind of helped him as well.
01:47 But Trayvon is pretty serious about what he's doing.
01:50 And I think earlier this year, I was asked about the development of Trayvon.
01:55 And a lot of things that we've done schematically have been for
01:59 him to try to be consistent, fit his skill set, and help him improve.
02:04 I think we've been able to do that.
02:05 >> Coach, it feels like Amik is an example for
02:08 young players to stick with it, stay with it.
02:11 He's kind of forced your guys' hand a little bit, like don't take me off the field.
02:15 When there's special teams or playing quarterback,
02:18 what kind of lesson is that for a young player to follow?
02:22 >> Well, I think it's just control what you can control.
02:25 And go out every single day and make it hard for people not to play.
02:29 He's a guy that just works.
02:30 He loves ball.
02:31 And one of the things that he does all the time is he gets his hands on balls.
02:34 Whether it's interceptions, PBUs, knocking the ball out for fumbles.
02:37 And when you got a player that does that, that's got that ball production,
02:40 you're gonna have to find a way to play.
02:42 >> We haven't seen Chris Smith too much, but
02:44 obviously you've got him practicing, but you haven't been able to see practice anymore.
02:47 What have you seen from him in terms of his growth and practice?
02:50 >> He's just getting better.
02:52 He's working, still trying to learn the ins and
02:55 outs of the National Football League in the long season.
02:58 And find his role and things like that.
03:00 But I've been really pleased with how he's developed here,
03:04 more so mentally than anything.
03:05 Again, taking advantage of the mental reps that he gets.
03:09 He's really taking great notes in meetings.
03:12 And I really like the path that he's on right now.
03:15 He's doing some more on special teams right now.
03:17 So we'll see where it goes from there.
03:18 But he's a mature kid.
03:20 He cares a lot about his performance.
03:23 Takes great notes, asks really good questions, pays attention to practice.
03:27 And all those things are making him better.
03:29 >> You mentioned Trayvon being in his third year, Nate Hobbs as well in his third year.
03:33 What's the next step for Nate Hobbs in his direction?
03:36 >> I think for all of them, it's just consistency.
03:40 It's not about one big play here, one big play there.
03:42 It's about consistently doing your job, doing it with proper fundamentals,
03:46 doing it with a great effort.
03:48 And that's really what will help all these guys take the next step.
03:52 >> Chris, what would you like to see from your position group moving forward?
03:54 >> It's just like I mentioned, consistency.
04:00 I really think that they're coming together as a group.
04:03 I think the chemistry is great.
04:05 They really do a great job at communicating with each other.
04:08 And it's just about being consistent and
04:10 playing at a high level every single play for four quarters.