Carroll's aura bled into the defensive showing from the team Wednesday. They snatched away four interceptions, thanks to linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and safety trio Jeremy Chinn, Chris Smith II and Lonnie Johnson Jr.
The Raiders head coach praised the performance of the secondary, stating he wanted to give the offense a few looks they haven't seen yet. The defense certainly took advantage of the given circumstances, especially Maxx Crosby, whose motor never seems to stop. Like Bowers, the edge rusher has been responsive to his new coach's energy and acknowledges the positive affect it's had on the team throughout the offseason program.
"Coach Carroll, he's been amazing," Crosby said. "He's hilarious. He loves the game of football; he's obsessed with it. Makes it fun, makes it enjoyable every day you show up in the building and that's all you can ask for. He's a legendary coach, résumé speaks for itself, and I'm just trying to learn as much as I possibly can from him."
"I would just say, it starts when you walk in the building," Crosby added, "and I feel like Pete just does such a good job of creating a culture and an environment where you're looking forward to being here."
This early in the year, everyone is excited just to be back on the football field. But the task for Carroll and his team is maintaining this level of energy as they creep into training camp and the regular season.
Even that dry desert heat can't ruin their parade.
"I didn't think this was hot yet," Carroll joked. "Yeah, so I'm not complaining about the heat at all."