Passing game coordinator Scott Turner notes learning new offense is like learning new language, but there’s commonalities in it all
A full gamut install.
That’s how the Las Vegas Raiders coaching staff approached new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s scheme during the early portions of the offseason.
The offensive staff didn’t hold back and threw the installation of the philosophy and plays right at players in OTAs, rookie and mandatory minicamps, to see how the team responds as it’s the opportune time to learn it and make mistakes — with eyes on alleviating inefficiencies when the team reconvenes for training camp in late July and beyond.
Not holding back and giving the offense a full-course taste of things to come is a good way to break ground on the offense Getsy intends to run. Especially considering its that side of the Raiders football that’s behind the proverbial eight ball compared to its counterparts on defense and special teams.
For Raiders coaches who remain from the previous regime and players alike, a new install is like learning a new language, however, for passing game coordinator Scott Turner, the way the team is going about it is proper. And even differences in language have commonalities.
“I always have equated it to like learning a new language — a lot of times, it’s the same thing that you’ve done in the past, it’s just called something different. So yeah, you just have to really attack it,” Turner began when asked about the new system after the Raiders’ mandatory minicamp session earlier this month. “You have to force yourself to speak in the new language. And a lot of times, I’ll go back to what I used to call it, however many years ago, and you have to make yourself talk the other way.”
“And a lot of times, I’ll go back to what I used to call it, however many years ago, and you have to make yourself talk the other way,” Turner added. “And then inside of that, we might call it differently, it’s the same play, but there’s a couple different coaching points that are different, and so you have to emphasize exactly how you want it done in this scheme. So, learning that as part of it, it takes work, and it takes time; it’s not just magic, you don’t just translate it right away.
“But that’s where this offseason is so important, and the more time we have together, the better.”
The Raiders get more of that valuable time together when the team reconvenes for training camp in Costa Mesa, Calif. Rookies report on July 21 with veterans slated to follow on July 23. From there, the team will engage in full prep for preseason action that begins with Las Vegas at the Minnesota Vikings on August 10.
Chief among the laundry list of items for the offense is Las Vegas identifying and naming the starting quarterback. Incumbent Aidan O’Connell and veteran Gardner Minshew are battling for that role and the victor will establish the hierarchy at the all-important position. There’s also identifying the starting five on the offensive line. That group will be the lifeblood of the offense. As well as incorporating the talented the Raiders added in the draft and free agency both in this most recent offseason and years past.
Learning Tree
As an incumbent coach on offense, Turner was rightfully asked about adjustment he’s making as a pass game coordinator for new play caller Getsy. The 41-year-old Turner, who served as the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022 before landing a role in Las Vegas — admits his 13-year career as an NFL coach has provided him the insight that every year is going to be different. And this 2024 campaign will be no different.
Turned did note the relationship he built with Antonio Pierce last season parlayed itself into a continued role with the Raiders and Getsy and the new coaches on offense have come in and assimilated well.
“I think it’s been a really good transition; guys have really bought in to what we’re trying to do. We’ve had a lot of good attendance, and guys are really working hard and trying to get better and that’s really what’s important this time of year,” Turner said. “Obviously, you’re going for results and that’s what ultimately matters, but just focusing on the process, and getting one day better, I know I’m speaking cliches. But it’s true. There’s a reason that people say that because that’s what you’re trying to do day in and day out, and that ultimately gets you where you want to be.”
While specifics have been few and far between on the Raiders offense this coming year — the team is expected to incorporate more zone blocking concepts, namely a wide zone in the running game — how the Silver & Black operate offensively will be put under the spotlight soon enough. Turned added the install is leaning towards things he’s done in the past (or his roots) but flexibility remains key.
Coaches and players alike are under the learning tree.
“But I think in this league, a lot of times you get the best players you possibly can, so you have to be able to adapt your scheme. So I’ve been a part of a lot of different types of offense. And this this offense has some elements of things I’ve been around in the past,” Turner noted. “And I think that that’s what we’re doing. Coach Getsy is doing a great job of learning our personnel, doing a lot of different stuff and then as we get closer to the season, we’re going to hone in on what it is exactly that these guys are good at and what they can execute and do together and then you’ll see it really kind of take shape for what it is.”
What’s In a Title?
What does Turner exactly do as the pass game coordinator?
To hear him tell it: What ever is needed of him.
There’s not one particular cookie cutter defined role as one pass game coordinator on one NFL team can vastly differ from a counterpart on another squad.
There’s formulating concepts and schemes with wide receivers, tight ends, running backs (basically anyone who could be involved in a passing attack) and quarterbacks for certain situations (such as down and distance). Or against a specific opponent.
But again, that varies. And Turner provided some more insight into his role.
“It’s very fluid. I mean, I have the same title this year as I did last year. I wouldn’t say my job is necessarily the same. To me, it’s all about the leadership and the structure and ultimately, I’m here to help coach Pierce and coach Getsy be successful. So, if there’s something that I can do, whether it’s meet with a group of players, whether it’s do some research on a certain offense, whether it’s looking at a certain area of the field, how can we get better, if it’s install in front of the group, those are a lot of different things that I’ll do,” Turner expanded. “And just with my experience, I’ve been in this league, I’ve called plays in this league, I’ve been part of different players on offense, being able to offer when they need advice or just something like, ‘Hey, maybe you haven’t seen this before I have.’ That’s just kind of my role and to me, that’s what’s important.
“I think we talk about a lot like, ‘Guys, what’s your role? How can you help and excel in that role?’ And that’s just what I try to do to help us ultimately win football games, because I think if that happens, everyone’s happy.”