The Raiders second preseason game wasn’t as good as the first as the silver and black fell to the Minnesota Vikings 20-12. Not only did they show some struggles on the field, but there was a lengthy weather delay due to close thunder and lightning.
After a strong showing in their first preseason game, the Raiders showed early signs of struggle offensively after being pinned back at their own two yard line. The drive was doomed from the start, but the defense held it down with the Vikings receiving good field position.
The Raiders struck first as Raider Nation rejoiced with their first look at a deep pass from Derek Carr to Amari Cooper, picking up 40 yards on the play. Running back Latavius Murray took over from there punching it in the endzone from two yards out. After a failed two-point conversion, the Raiders led 6-0, but that lead didn’t hold for long.
The Vikings tied it up in the second quarter following a touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Charles Johnson, but due to a missed field goal and failed PAT attempt by Blair Walsh, the Raiders were still in good standing.
After two second quarter drives, Carr and the starting offense took a seat and Christian Ponder took over at quarterback.
Carr completed four of eight passes for 78 yards, and Cooper who was targeted twice had the one reception for 40 yards.
Taking a look at the starting offense’s performance, they had one good drive highlighted by Carr, Cooper, and Murray; all three the vital pieces to this offensive puzzle that has been seeking leadership and playmakers.
There have been quite a few position battles throughout training camp, including within the running back group; and while Murray is the clear leader for the starting role, there are a few players who have had strong performances this preseason as they seek playing time in 2015.
One of those backs is Michael Dyer, who had 12 carries for 48 yards this past week.
Receiving wise, Cooper was the highlight of the game, but there are several players battling for a spot on the roster.
Seth Roberts had a nice 39-yard reception, but Brice Butler continues to impress as he makes his case for playing time. The wide receiver had three catches for 26 yards averaging 8.7 yards per reception.
Defensively, Ben Heeney continues to impress with seven tackles in his second preseason game. The rookie is a defensive force, stuffing the run and making a name for himself in this league.
Cornerback D.J. Hayden continues to show struggles in his third season with the silver and black, and the expectations are only getting higher.
The Raiders also had 13 penalties this week against the Vikings for 106 yards, compared to last week against the Rams when they had only two penalties for 22 yards.
Last season, the Raiders looked like a completely different team on the road compared to their performance at home. Granted it is only preseason, but the difference in penalties is something that can’t happen during the regular season. The Raiders have been one of the highest penalized teams in the league for some time, but with their young and developing roster, there is little room for error.
Overall, the Raiders starters continue to show promise with the time they are given in these preseason games. And while they didn’t perform as well as they did against the Rams in their Week 1 game, Carr and company look good as they head into the regular season.