ALAMEDA – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the Raiders late this preseason. The veteran defensive back entered a new situation with a short-term plan and long-term vision.
Learn before you lead. Be technically sound while adjusting to a new scheme. Be patient, wait for opportunities and then pounce.
Rodgers-Cromartie got a few in Monday night’s season opener. He played 20 defensive snaps, all at outside cornerback, and allowed zero catches on one target. He got dinged for a 50-yard pass interference call covering speed demon Brandin Cooks – it looked like safety help was too late to assist – by getting a hand in a beat earlier than is legal.
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The Raiders coaching staff has been impressed by Rodgers-Cromartie since signing him on Aug. 23. Rodgers-Cromartie has picked up the scheme fast, and adjusted well enough to play two series against the Los Angeles Rams.
“The corner position is a little more in-depth than say, the nose tackle, in our scheme, just the learning of the coverages,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “He’s gotten that pretty good. We’ll continue to roll him through with the two other guys this week. I think he’s got a lot of juice left in him. He can run and he’s big and long, which I like.”
Rodgers-Cromartie has ideal size at 6-feet-2, 203 pounds. The 32-year-old can still run, and is set to prove he can still play at a high level. He hasn’t walked in demanding playing time or to move directly atop the depth chart, even with two Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro honor in his pocket.
The ultimate goal, for every player, is to earn steady playing time. Rodgers-Cromartie won’t be demanding in that quest.
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“I know we have a couple guys who are younger, and they’ll look at me and want to push themselves,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “The competition pushes everybody further. I know everybody wants to be on the field, making plays. I have to sit back and wait for my opportunities.”
Rodgers-Cromartie should get a few more Sunday in Denver. He took a series each from starters Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin against the Rams. Conley has played well, but Melvin has shown some vulnerabilities he'll need to strength to secure a three-down role.
Now in his 11th season, Rodgers-Cromartie could continue taking snaps from the top two as coaches continue to evaluate his progress at ability in his 11th season.
“He has a real big history in this league,” head coach Jon Gruden said. “He’s had a lot of production in a lot of different cities and for different defenses. I think he’s picking up the system and he’s going earn the right to be on the field more if he continues to pick it up.”
He’ll try to do that in Oakland after spending most of the offseason on the open market. He got cut by the New York Giants in March after failing to re-work his contract. He didn’t have a pick in 2017, and allowed the highest passer rating against of his career.
Rodgers-Cromartie made a few visits before signing with the Raiders, and believes this Silver and Black squad fits him well.
“We’ve spent a lot of time watching film and hanging out off the field,” he said. “It’s a good group of guys. Everybody respects each other and we’re quickly getting on the same page. The more camaraderie we have, the better we’ll gel on the field.
“Since I’ve been here, it’s been a lot of love and respect from everybody in the locker room and the entire organization. The guys have accepted me quickly. I would definitely say this is a good fit.”