Raiders' Investment in Thayer Munford Is Paying Off
Las Vegas Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels made it a point to have as many players who could play multiple positions as possible on the roster heading into this season.
That was especially the case on the offensive and defensive lines.
Second-year offensive tackle Thayer Munford was one of the young linemen Las Vegas' coaching staff knew would have an important role on the offensive line this season.
"He played a lot of tackle the other day," McDaniels said. "He's a really bright young man, tough, durable, has learned multiple roles because we've played him at tight end some, and at tackle obviously, and he does whatever he's asked. He studies, knows his assignments, is working on his technique like all younger guys are."
"But there's an element of youthful exuberance, energy with Thayer [Munford] that you really enjoy being around. You can feel it on the field, too. He does that during the course of the game. He wants to play and he wants to be physical, all the rest of that."
Munford spoke about the maturation process he's experienced since he's been in the league and what the biggest difference has been for him from year one to year two.
"I'm not really caring who I go against," Munford told Sports Illustrated. "If I spend time worrying about who I'm going against, I'm going to be off my game. I've brought more energy. That was a big thing, bringing more energy to the team, bringing energy to other players who I know could be better."
Munford, like a few of the other offensive linemen, can play multiple positions. He has played tackle and even some plays at tight end.
"I like it a lot [playing tight end] but at the same time, I want to do what is best for the team," Munford said. "Especially from the tackle position to tight end. I'm going to work to be a better tackle and a better teammate for my team."
Munford shared the offensive line's mindset heading into Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.
"Our mindset is, have the same energy that we did the last game but more and to score a lot too because if we don't have that, it will be a close game that we don't want," Munford said
"We all know they're a good team and well coached team. We have all types of respect for them but all we have to be ourselves. Our mindset is basically, let's go out there and win this game."
The Raiders find themselves a game away from .500 and right in the thick of the early season playoff hunt. A good game from the offensive line will be key to Las Vegas' success against a desperate Patriots team.
The Silver and Black will stay home at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT.
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