Encouraging signs from Raiders' quarterbacks

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A year ago in Napa, on Day 2 or 3 of training camp, Raiders coaches and players started to notice a lack of zip in Matt Flynn's passes. Then he came out a few days later wrapped nearly head to toe in ice. The confidence, and months later Flynn himself, followed his arm strength out the door.

The early returns this year have been much better. Second-round pick Derek Carr is zipping passes, not looking like a rookie. And the guy that general manager Reggie McKenzie traded for this year to be the starter, Matt Schaub, looks the part.

"Matt's our quarterback and he's done a great job ever since he got here," head coach Dennis Allen said.

Schaub lost his starting job last season in Houston, and threw interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in a record four straight games. Defensive tackle Antonio Smith was there, and now he is here after signing with the Raiders.

"Schaubby's getting his mojo back," Smith said. "He's getting his confidence back. He's starting to believe in himself again. He is starting to throw with confidence. You would be surprised just how much your mind-set is important in this league."

Schaub is looking forward to some increased responsibility at the line of scrimmage changing plays.

"We're still trying to mold what our offense is going to be," Schaub said. "Find out what guys do well."

Briefly: Smith had offseason sports hernia surgery but said he is "rolling now like my favorite CD." ... Fullback Marcel Reece said he lost 17 pounds, down to 238, to give opponents another dimension to worry about. ... Linebacker Kaluka Maiava missed Day 2 with a tweaked hamstring and cornerback Tarell Brown was ill.