Las Vegas still need a preseason win.
The Las Vegas Raiders are winless after two preseason games, after a tie with the Seattle Seahawks and loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Results – as the cliché goes – mean nothing in preseason, but what does the eyeball test say?
Here are the biggest talking points out of Raiders camp.
Back-up quarterback battle
Cam Miller, drafted in the sixth round this year, impressed during the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
He completed 6-of-7 passes for 76 yards, sparking a fourth-quarter comeback to tie the game 23–23.
But in the second game against the 49ers, Cam Miller and Aidan O’Connell both didn’t look great both throwing an interception.
The performance raises a big question about the back-up role, with Geno Smith locked in as the starter.
Should the Raiders trade Aidan O’Connell and roll with Miller, or keep O’Connell’s limited NFL experience on the roster?
Secondary shortcomings
If there is one thing keeping fans up at night, it is the secondary.
Cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. suffered a broken leg in a mock game, leaving the unit dangerously thin.
Veteran additions Jamal Adams and J.T. Woods bring toughness and experience but not elite coverage skills.
Behind them are mostly rookies and free agents, leaving little depth against talented receivers.
Stopping capable passing attacks could prove extremely difficult.
Coaching confidence
New head coach Pete Carroll is already giving the team a clear identity on both sides of the ball.
On offense, he wants a stronger balance between passing and running. First-round pick Ashton Jeanty is expected to feature heavily.
The defense is shifting to a press-heavy style, with the line asked to dictate tempo and the backfield told to attack downhill.
Carroll has a proven history of developing defensive backs. Raiders fans hope he can shape the young corners and safeties quickly.
Wide receiver Jack Bech has also continued to shine throughout camp, showing steady growth and consistency in his routes.
So… is this a rebuild year? Or can Carroll’s Raiders surprise everyone in the AFC West?
I am hoping for the latter. Honestly, I might be the only one in the HuddleUK not picking us to finish dead last.
