The Las Vegas Raiders suffered their first loss of 2024 on Saturday, falling to the Minnesota Vikings 24-23 in their first preseason game. The Silver and Black held a commanding 20-7 lead at halftime but completely collapsed in the second half.
The preseason is not about winning or losing. It is about evaluating each position group on the roster and identifying the team’s biggest strengths and weaknesses heading into the regular season.
With that in mind, we’ll evaluate the performance of each position group in the Raiders’ first game in seven months.
Raiders’ report card for the preseason
Quarterbacks: A
Although Anthony Brown underperformed in the second half, Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew were fantastic in the first half.
O’Connell started Las Vegas’ first offensive drive, completed several high-level passes and converted a few third down attempts. The 25-year-old’s only attack ended in a field goal due to a sack on third down, which was not his fault.
Minshew played the entire second quarter, running the offense efficiently and effectively. The 28-year-old led two touchdown drives, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to DJ Turner and a deep pass to Tre Tucker that set up a short rushing touchdown.
Due to Brown’s incompetent performance, an A+ grade is not enough, but Saturday’s game was a positive sign for the Raiders’ playmakers.
Running backs: C+
It wasn’t all their fault, but every Raiders running back except Alexander Mattison averaged less than four yards per carry. Presumed starter Zamir White found the end zone, but otherwise it was a quiet game for the rushing attack.
Width receiver: B
The starting wide receivers had big performances on Saturday. Jakobi Meyers made some great catches on the opening drive and Tre Tucker showed his versatility with passes of 44 and 29 yards and a decent punt return. DJ Turner caught the only touchdown and Jalen Guyton caught the only pass from Anthony Brown, which went for 24 yards.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, but the wide receivers took advantage of most of their opportunities.
Tight Ends: B+
Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer both caught balls on the opening drive, with Bowers catching two. The No. 13 pick posted the team’s best passing percentage at 79.3 on Saturday, according to Pro Football Focus, and Mayer also posted a solid 70.4 passing percentage.
Cole Fotheringham also saw action in the second quarter with an 11-yard pass, while Harrison Bryant was unable to catch a ball. Although the tight ends left a lot to be desired in the running game, it was a decent first game for the group.
Attack line: C-
Aside from a crucial third down sack by Andrus Peat, the first and second team offensive lines held up well and made few mistakes. When the third team took the field, the game turned in Minnesota’s favor.
Brown and the running backs didn’t play winning football in the second half, but the atrocious performance of the offensive line made it impossible to move the football. There were numerous pass protection breakdowns and few running routes for the tailbacks.
Defensive Tackles/Ends: D
After an impressive training camp in Costa Mesa, the Raiders’ defensive line disappointed in the first preseason game as the unit struggled to fend off blocks in the running game and put pressure on the passer.
The Vikings rushed for 142 yards, averaged 6.5 yards per carry, and easily overran the defense. Rob Leonard’s unit also dominated the pass rush and failed to sack a single Minnesota quarterback.
Linebackers: C
The linebackers are also responsible for the Vikings’ explosion in the running attack. Robert Spillane earned a miserable PFF rating of 26.3 in his limited playing time, and the other backers weren’t much better.
Secondary: C-
Aside from an early interception by Jack Jones, the secondary struggled to contain the Vikings’ passing attack as JJ McCarthy dominated the second half. Rookie cornerback MJ Devonshire allowed an explosive touchdown to Trishton Jackson, while the other young cornerbacks didn’t flash much talent.
Specialists: A+
Daniel Carlson made three of three field goals, including a longest of 56 yards, and AJ Cole sank punts worth 52 yards per punt and a length value of 60 yards.
