Las Vegas Raiders winners and losers from preseason Week 1 loss

The Las Vegas Raiders played a football game for the first time in seven months on Saturday as the team took the field for the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Unfortunately, Saturday's preseason opener didn't go Las Vegas' way, as the team lost 24-23 on a game-winning field goal by the Vikings.

Though losing any football game is disappointing, the preseason isn't judged by wins or losses. It's really about evaluating players who are trying to earn a roster spot and/or role on the team.

In preseason Week 1, the Raiders saw several players help their stock, but others no doubt hurt theirs. With that being said, here are the biggest winners and losers from the game.

Raiders winners, losers from preseason Week 1

Winner: The QBs

After an underwhelming training camp in Costa Mesa, Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew impressed on Saturday.

O'Connell played just one series due to a lengthy opening drive by the Vikings, but the 25-year-old was near perfect in his only opportunity, completing seven of his nine passes for 76 yards.

Las Vegas did have to settle for a field goal on O'Connell's lone drive, but the second-year signal caller drove the team down the field and made multiple high-level throws before the drive stalled inside the red zone due to a sack.

Gardner Minshew played the entire second quarter for the Silver and Black, leading two touchdown drives that featured a 20-yard touchdown pass to DJ Turner and a 44-yard deep ball to Tre Tucker on his second series.

The 28-year-old commanded the offense admirably, tossing for 117 yards with a 50% completion rate.

Despite an inconsistent and frustrating training camp, O'Connell and Minshew flourished on Saturday, and their performances should instill some confidence within the Raiders' organization.

Loser: Run Defense

Though it slightly improved in the second half, Las Vegas' atrocious run defense was a primary reason for the defeat. The Raiders allowed 142 rushing yards on the day and an abysmal 6.5 yards per carry. The Vikings' offensive line controlled the game, and the defensive line had no answers until it was too late.

Winner: WR Tre Tucker

The third-year receiver out of Cincinnati had an up-and-down training camp but made a few explosive plays during Saturday's game. The 23-year-old hauled in a deep ball from Gardner Minshew in the second quarter, making an exceptional adjustment to reel in the football.

Tucker also had a 29-yard reception and an impressive 23-yard punt return in the second quarter. The former third-round pick showcased his big play ability and versatility on Saturday.

Loser: The entire third team

Las Vegas started the second half incredibly slow, as the third-team offense and defense struggled and blew the Raiders' 13-point halftime lead. The offensive line surrendered multiple sacks in the second half and failed to create consistent running lanes for the tailbacks.

The defense tightened up the poor first-half run defense but got completely exposed in the passing game. Rookie cornerback MJ Devonshire got got beat by Trishton Jackson on a long touchdown towards the end of the third quarter, and just minutes later, JJ McCarthy found Trent Sherfield for a 33-yard touchdown pass due to busted coverage by the secondary.

Quarterback Anthony Brown didn't put together his best performance, either, completing just one pass for 24 yards on a 33% completion rate. It was a rough second half for the Silver and Black.

Winner: WR DJ Turner

Turner was on the receiving end of a Minshew touchdown in the second quarter, running a beautiful crossing route before finding the end zone.

The 27-year-old's efficient performance on Saturday puts him in the driving seat to be Las Vegas' top depth receiver.

Loser: LT Andrus Peat

Peat started at left tackle on Saturday, filling in for the injured Kolton Miller. The 30-year-old struggled in pass protection, allowing multiple pressures and a crucial third-down sack in the first quarter while the offense was in the red zone.

The former Saint will bring an outstanding veteran presence and depth option to the offensive line, but it's clear that his best playing days are behind him.

Winner: Brock Bowers

The No.13 overall pick played just one drive but showcased why he was considered one of the greatest tight-end prospects of all time. The 21-year-old hauled in two catches for 25 on the Raiders' opening drive, including a crucial third-down conversion in Vikings territory.