The Las Vegas Raiders suffered their first loss of 2024 on Saturday, as the team fell to the Minnesota Vikings 24-23 in the preseason opener. The Silver and Black took a commanding 20-7 lead at halftime but completely imploded in the second half.
The preseason isn't about wins or losses; it's more about evaluating each position group on the roster and determining the team's biggest strengths and weaknesses heading into the regular season.
With that being said, we are going to grade each position group's performance in the Raiders' first game action in seven months.
Raiders preseason report card
Quarterbacks: A
Though Anthony Brown had a subpar performance in the second half, Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew were fantastic in the first half.
O'Connell started Las Vegas' first offensive drive, completing multiple high-level passes and converting a few third downs. The 25-year-old's lone drive resulted in a field goal due to a third-and-goal sack, which wasn't his fault.
Minshew played the entire second quarter and commanded 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 completion to Tre Tucker that set up a short rushing touchdown.
Brown's incompetent performance prevents this grade from being an A+, but Saturday's game was a positive sign for the Raiders' signal-callers.
Running Backs: C+
It wasn't all their fault, but every Raiders running back outside of Alexander Mattison averaged under four yards per carry. Projected starter Zamir White did find the end zone, but other than that, it was a quiet game for the rushing attack.
Wide Receivers: B
The starting wide receivers impressed on Saturday, as Jakobi Meyers made some big catches on the opening drive, and Tre Tucker showcased his versatility with a 44-yard and 29-yard reception, along with a decent punt return. DJ Turner caught the lone touchdown, and Jalen Guyton hauled in the only completion thrown by Anthony Brown, which went for 24 yards.
It wasn't a perfect outing, but the wide receivers room took advantage of most of its opportunities.
Tight Ends: B+
Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer both snagged catches on the opening drive, with Bowers hauling in two. The No. 13 overall pick scored the highest receiving grade on the team on Saturday with a 79.3, according to Pro Football Focus , and Mayer also posted a solid 70.4 receiving grade.
Cole Fotheringham also got in the action with an 11-yard reception in the second quarter, while Harrison Bryant failed to haul in a catch. Though the tight ends left much to be desired in the run game, it was an adequate first game for the group.
Offensive Line: C-
Outside of a crucial third-down sack surrendered by Andrus Peat, the first- and second-team offensive line held their own and limited mistakes. Once the third-team line took the field, the game flipped 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 minimal running lanes for the tailbacks to utilize.
Defensive Tackles/Ends: D
After an impressive training camp in Costa Mesa, the Raiders' defensive line was disappointing in the first preseason game, as the unit struggled to shed blocks in the run game and pressure the passer.
The Vikings rushed for 142 yards, averaged 6.5 yards per carry, and effortlessly ran all over the defense. Rob Leonard's unit also got dominated in the pass-rush and failed to sack any Minnesota quarterback.
Linebackers: C
The linebackers are also to blame for the Vikings' explosion in the rushing attack. Robert Spillane posted an abysmal 26.3 PFF grade in limited action, and the other backers weren't much better.
Secondary: C-
Outside of an early interception by Jack Jones, the secondary struggled to contain the Vikings' passing attack, as J.J. McCarthy dominated in the second half. Rookie cornerback M.J. Devonshire gave up an explosive touchdown to Trishton Jackson, while the other young depth corners didn't flash much talent.
Specialists: A+
Daniel Carlson was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals, with a long of 56, and AJ Cole was nuking punts to the tune of 52 yards per and a 60-yard long.
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