Coach Jack Del Rio’s energy fuels Raiders

NAPA - First off, Jack Del Rio could’ve come up with a better name than “leadership council.” A band of leaders in a football locker room shouldn’t sound like a body of high school student government.

But even that is an example of what’s brewing at Raiders training camp. Things feel different this year. There is a liveliness in atmosphere. A noted buzz.

At the epicenter of it is Del Rio, a geyser of energy that splashes every room he’s in. It’s a stark contrast from last year’s camp leader, Dennis Allen, who reeked of insecurity as his job hung in the balance. Del Rio’s energy feeds the ambition that comes with the start of every new season.

It feels as if the Raiders, drunk off their new coaches’ zeal, really believe that this year will be different.

The Raiders had the day off Tuesday, but they were singing the praises of Del Rio after practice Monday.

“He is a guy who played the game so his energy is what a football player would want it to be,” running back Latavius Murray said. “He knows how to push us. He knows how to bring energy to the practice field every day, knows what football players want to hear. He’s been in our shoes so we love the energy he brings.”

Of course, it’s always positive in August. The season is anew. Everyone’s batteries are fully charged. Adversity has yet to arrive. This is one of the peak times of the Raiders season, when hope isn’t a marker for delusion.

We don’t yet know if the good vibe will last or, assuming it does last, if it will make a difference. But something is being injected into the Raiders. Call it passion.

A foam-at-the-mouth frenzy has marked the first week of practices.

It’s not just Del Rio. New defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. is just as hyped. He doesn’t move as quickly as he did when he was linebacking the Cowboys and 49ers to Super Bowl titles, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t jumping around as if he still wears pads, risking a muscle strain on those nearly 49-year-old legs.

“Never seen coaches so excited,” tight end Mychal Rivera said. “Especially watching the defensive coaches. Those guys are loud all day.”

You’d think these prototype veteran players would take it easy in August, realizing how long the season is for a good team. But maybe they know the Raiders aren’t in position to flip a switch.

“I just love ball and I just know how to do it one way: a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” Norton said. “If you love what you do, it’s not work. You just wake up clapping and you go to work.This is what we do. If you don’t enjoy being here, you’re in the wrong place. We love ball.”

Something is being injected into the Raiders. Call it professionalism.

The eight-player “leadership council” instituted by Del Rio puts an emphasis on accountability. The eight, who were voted in by their teammates, need to be on their game to prove worthy of the position and to use their voice. And the others need to be on their game or they’ll have to hear it from the eight.

The group deserves a better handle. Raiders of the Lost Season would be one of the few things worse than calling it a leadership council.

Still, the idea is noble. maybe a higher bar is being set. Maybe Del Rio knows this team has to make up for limited talent with exceptional discipline and work ethic. Maybe this is the foundation for being disciplined and resilient - and fast.

“I like the way the players are responding to the coaches,” said Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie. “The energy is off the chain. It’s looking the way I like it to look.”

Something is being injected into the Raiders. But call it meaningless until it translates to wins.