Raiders Reflection: Quiet Preseason Spurs High Hopes

The Raiders emerged from their second preseason game victorious. More importantly, they were able to see extensive work from their depth chart.

While winning versus the Minnesota Vikings may matter to those with day gave the Las Vegas Raiders were able to look deep with their roster. With few, if any, major starters suiting up, Last Saturday, in concert with the previous preseason effort helps the coaching staff iron out the back-of-the-roster wrinkles.

The Fly In The Ointment

Austin Walter will not stay silent with his play. In fact, the more he makes plays, the more difficult decision hovers over Josh McDaniels. In two games, the back showed what he can do in small doses. Granted, the competition isn’t elite. However, with three backs ahead of him on the depth chart, would the Raiders try and stash him? Now, this remains second-game speculation. However, McDaniels learned from a man that plucked Jonas Gray from obscurity. As a result, running back may not be the settled situation that many initially envisioned.

Steady Stidham

In order to lock down the backup spot and impress coaches, all Jarett Stidham must do is not mess up. Means that, if Stidham plays effective, albeit unflashy football, and that backup spot remains his. In the last game, Stidham accomplished just that. By finishing ten of fifteen for sixty-eight yards, Stidham calmly moved the ball. Decisiveness and purposes keep flowing into my mind. Heaven help the Raiders if they lose Derek Carr. Yet, Stidham alleviates that fear.

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Leatherwood Struggles

With the sincerest hope, this team really needs Alex leatherwood to show substantial improvement. Once again, he looked a step behind and looked heavy-armed. Not, heavy-handed. In that case, the second-year lineman did not look crisp out of his stance and his handplay looked slow. For a player that many touted his athleticism, Leatherwood looks particularly out of place. Meanwhile, all isn’t quite lost. At 23 and under a team contract for two more seasons, the Raiders will give him every chance.

Overview

After two preseason games, the Las Vegas Raiders look rather centered. That is to say, without controversy or swarming press, the team looks focused. From the franchise quarterback to the last roster spot, the mood appears calmer. Granted, we expected that with a Belichick disciple. Yet, the absence of drama, whether real or contrived feels refreshing.