ALAMEDA -- Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan spoke with the media following Friday's practice.
He's had the misfortune of being on the podium after the Buffalo and New England games -- the two worst defensive showings of the season.
Bresnahan said tackling was a major emphasis this week:
"There's a lot to do with just the technique of tackling. There's tackling circuit drills you do - and a lot of teams do this, not every team -- that we do once or twice a week, and if you have a poor tackling week you come back and hit it every day in your pads. Well now, you only get the one day a week in pads so you gotta take great advantage of it. Without having the offseason, with having the one padded day, tackling is a major emphasis for us. It's critical."
Most teams weren't in full pads all season in prior seasons, but now that the number of full-contact passes is limited, teams struggling to tackle have little time to work on it.
The Raiders probably could use as much practice as possible tackling, but that's not going to happen.
Even with the limitations, Bresnahan believes he has the personnel in place to stop the run, the biggest problem the Raiders have on defense"
"No doubt in my mind whatsoever. No doubt in my mind. And the way we practiced today, if we carry that to the field Sunday, I will be excited. Because I'm telling you, the resolve of these players and the commitment they have right now is impressive."
*Raiders head coach Hue Jackson confirmed the team met with veteran defensive lineman Trevor Pryce Thursday. Pryce, 36, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
Jackson knows Pryce because they were both in Baltimore at the same time. Jackson said speaking with Pryce does not mean defensive end Matt Shaughnessy will be out a lot longer with a shoulder injury.
*Shaughnessy is out Sunday against Houston and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Cornerback Chris Johnson (hamstring) and tight end Richard Gordon (hand) are also out.
Gordon had been playing fullback with Marcel Reece (ankle) injured. Reece is questionable, but also hasn't played since being injured Week 3.
Practice squad fullback Manase Tonga traveled with the Raiders to Houston but has not been promoted to the active roster yet. The Raiders would have to release or place a player on injured reserve before promoting Tonga.
*Richard Seymour was fined $15,000 for his two personal foul penalties against New England. One was unnecessary roughness on Tom Brady and the other was a facemask penalty.
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