The Las Vegas Raiders will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 of the preseason. On Saturday, the offense needs to build chemistry, and the defense must establish a standard.
In their preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, the Raiders had a slow start, but they ramped up the intensity in the second half and rallied to finish in a 23-23 tie.
Even though scores in exhibition games are inconsequential, the Raiders can take some positives from battling back from a 16-3 deficit. They also have to tighten up in areas before those issues become regular-season problems.
Here are the biggest Raiders storylines ahead of their preseason matchup with the 49ers.
Will offensive starters get more playing time?
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith
Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
In the Raiders’ Week 1 preseason game, most of their first-team offense took the field for just one four-play drive that ended with a punt near midfield. That’s not enough time for an offense with new veterans and rookies set to take on prominent roles to establish rhythm.
Jordan Meredith and Jackson Powers-Johnson were the only two potential starters who played beyond the first quarter, which made sense as the Raiders sort out the interior of their offensive line.
Last week, several teams played their starting offense for multiple drives to avoid a slow regular-season start. Because of the youth on the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders should follow suit in Saturday’s game against the 49ers.
The 49ers defense will be a good test for rookies who are trying to grasp the speed of the pro game and Chip Kelly’s system.
Will run defense raise more concerns?
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders
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The Seahawks ran all over the Raiders defense to the tune of 170 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that the team hadn’t tackled anybody until that game.
With Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce and Adam Butler on the field for their normal workloads, you’ll see better tackling up front from this unit. However, the coaching staff could employ a deep rotation on the interior after the club released Christian Wilkins.
The Raiders’ second- and third-stringers must do a better job in run pursuit and tackling because they will likely see the field in rotational roles.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan is known for his run-oriented offenses. The 49ers are banged up, but they will test the Raiders’ run defense on early downs. Carroll better have his guys ready to stop the ground attack on Saturday.
Which unheralded players stack standout performances?
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Raiders have a slew of young, unproven players who put themselves on the radar to make the 53-man roster in a couple of weeks.
Former rugby player Laki Tasi had a strong debut in his first football game at right guard. He’s a 6-foot-6, 373-pounder who can bring more nastiness to the run game.
If the team is set on starting Powers-Johnson at guard, a long-term combination that features him and Tasi on the interior can spring running back Ashton Jeanty for big gains.
Wide receiver Shedrick Jackson had an impressive showing against the Seahawks, hauling in four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Because of his 4.31 speed, he’s in play for a special teams role that could eventually lead to opportunities in the passing game.
Kyu Blu Kelly cracked the rotation of starting cornerbacks in recent weeks, and he’s made several plays on the ball, coming up with three interceptions last Tuesday alone, per Raiders.com reporter Levi Edwards.
Las Vegas traded Jakorian Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles, which opens up a roster spot for a player like Kelly, who can add depth at a position with question marks.
Maurice Moton is our Sr. NFL columnist and co-host of Silver and Black Tonight on Southern California's The Mightier ... More about Moe Moton