The first two preseason games for the Las Vegas Raiders have been solid, but yesterday’s matchup was far from it. The flaws were seen in the previous games, but against the Miami Dolphins, they were front and center. There were three groups and individuals in particular that laid some duds, and questions remain going forward.
How about that Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line…
Personally speaking, I apologize, but the offensive line was actually offensive. There were too many times when the quarterbacks were running around as if pressure was on them. There were four sacks given up, and to be fair, one of them was on Chase Garbers for holding the ball too long. The O-line is going to be a big issue going forward (particularly the right side), and it seems like two spots are solidified, but the rest seems to be a question. The money spent on the skill position is going to require the line to improve, but will it?
The secondary in the second half
The biggest questions surrounding the team this year are the offensive line and the secondary, and for good reason. The secondary gave up over a hundred and fifty passing yards in the second half, all while making third-string Skylar Thompson look like a prime Tom Brady going up and down the field. The defensive line was key in keeping the Dolphins to seven second-half points, but the secondary was putting them in bad positions.
On one crucial second and 18 play, Thompson completed a pass with ease to pick up the first down. Being that these are mostly second and third stringers, if an injury happens to the starters, this game did not build confidence going forward.
And Nick Mullens?
Nick Mullens was in a battle for the second string, but I think that battle is done. The follow-up to a good performance against the Minnesota Vikings was regrettably a dud. The former Niners starter threw for 39 yards and had nothing to write home about. His worst pass came in the second quarter when he threw over the middle but was mere inches away from throwing an interception. Mullens has been outplayed by Jarrett Stidham and may be looking at a new home before the season opener.
[pickup_prop id=”26873″]
*Top Photo: Scott Winters/Icon Sports Wire via Getty Images