A to Z Sports

Raiders vs. Vikings First Half Observations: Aidan O'Connell gets the start in the Silver and Black

By Justin Churchill,

5 hours ago

The Las Vegas Raiders open up their preseason with a game against the Minnesota Vikings. They lead at the half 20-7.

This team has shown a lot in just two quarters of play. They are executing on both sides of the ball, and just getting things started. Next, we will see the depth of this team.

But first, let's talk about some observations from the first half.

Raiders first team defense almost gives up TD

The Minnesota Vikings are not playing every starter on the offensive side of the ball. That's not to say they won't be a good offense, but the Raiders, with a great defense and all their starters, had trouble giving up huge chunk pass plays on the first drive. The first pass play of the game was a 19-yard play by the Vikings.

The defense continued to be knocked back after big play over big play, with Sam Darnold executing some pretty nice throws. Ultimately, the Vikings got into a fourth-down situation with two yards to go for a touchdown. They went for it, but the Raiders broke the pass up and got away unscathed. The defense started to get better towards the end of the drive. But, remember folks, it's early. Don't freak out just yet.

Jakorian Bennett made the best play of the first quarter

Remember earlier how I was just talking about the defense nearly giving up a touchdown on their first drive? Well, they almost did. As I said, the Vikings got into a fourth-down situation with two yards to go for a touchdown, and they went for it, but the Raiders broke the pass up. That play was made by none other than second-year player Jakorian Bennett.

Bennett had a quiet first year with the Raiders last season. But, this training camp, his teammates have let the media know that Bennett is a great player, and will show that in 2024. Sure, it's just the preseason, but the pass breakup here shows some of the work he has put in.

Jack Jones is picking up where he left off

The Las Vegas Raiders didn't take a rookie quarterback in the draft. But, the Vikings did in J.J. McCarthy. Well, on McCarthy's first pass of the game, he ended up throwing an interception to Jack Jones.

Jones intercepted more passes in training camp than any other player, and really it wasn't close. It seemed like every practice he was picking something off. And, he had two pick-sixes last season against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers. He is picking up where he left off with the elite ball hawk skills once again, as he jumped a route there.

Brock Bowers is being utilized so much already

We know Brock Bowers will be used as more than just a tight end. His first catch he lined up as a tight end and got a gain of 15 yards. His second big play was as a full back and a lead blocker getting a nice little six-yard run to go for the RB.

On the last play he was majorly involved in, Bowers lines up as a fullback and swings to the flat to pick up a first down catch. He is so dynamic, and in the 12-personnel offense, he will be used so much.

Gardner comes in and shines

This quarterback battle may very well go down to the wire. Aidan O'Connell made some great plays on his first drive and led the team to a field goal. he hit Jakobi Meyers a few times and even showed his great pocket awareness. But, what Minshew did was better, just against lesser talent on the opposite side.

Minshew came in and hit Tre Tucker for 29 yards to pick up a big first down. Then, on a third and five situation, Minshew scrambled for a first down. After that, he drops a floater in the pocket of D.J. Turner for a 20-yard touchdown. On the next drive, Minshew had a big 44-yard pass to Tre Tucker on a third and 11 play. This battle is going to be fun.

Special teams close out strong

Let's start with the special teams defense who blocked a field goal. International Pathway Program player David Agoha blocked the field goal, proving that he deserves a spot on the roster.

Then, Daniel Carlson goes and knocks down a 56-yarder like it's nothing. Tre Tucker then proceeds to return one for at least 40 yards with 40 seconds left in the half. The Raiders seem to have a solid group in the third phase, which will become very important in 2024.