Raiders' Hayden isn't worried about making mistakes anymore
D.J. Hayden was just inches away from a tipped ball at Raiders camp. Michael Crabtree caught the touchdown on him, anyway.
That's life in the NFL for a pass defender. The third-year cornerback finally understands that now.
“My mind-set this year I am just going full-force,” Hayden told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Whether I make a mistake or not, I am going to do it full speed. Last year, I was hesitant about making mistakes. This year, I don’t give a damn.”
In his previous two seasons, Hayden admitted he took injuries and big plays too seriously. The former first-round pick has developed a short memory as he enters his third year.
It's an enviable trait -- and Hayden needs it now more than ever. He'll face skilled receivers all year on the field, and the looming possibility of job loss off it.
That competition is just fine with Hayden. As he said, he doesn't give a damn.
“They’re great players and we’re just making each other better.” Hayden said. “I’m just looking forward to our next practice.”
-
NFL Week 1 odds, predictions, best bets: Lines for all 16 games
2024 NFL strength of schedule: Ranking every team's slate
2024 NFL schedule release: Win-loss predictions, analysis for every team
-
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Arizona Cardinals on the move after schedule release
Super Bowl locations, dates for 2025, 2026, 2027
2024 NFL Thanksgiving Games: Schedule, teams, how to watch
-
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL schedule released, full slate for every team revealed
2023 NFL WR rankings: Justin Jefferson leads loaded list of top 10 receivers
-
NFL Week 1 odds, predictions, best bets: Lines for all 16 games
2024 NFL strength of schedule: Ranking every team's slate
2024 NFL schedule release: Win-loss predictions, analysis for every team
-
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Arizona Cardinals on the move after schedule release
Super Bowl locations, dates for 2025, 2026, 2027
2024 NFL Thanksgiving Games: Schedule, teams, how to watch
-
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL schedule released, full slate for every team revealed
2023 NFL WR rankings: Justin Jefferson leads loaded list of top 10 receivers