Raiders Chill After Strong Opening: Key Takeaways from Preseason Finale Loss to Cardinals

The Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up their preseason with a 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. This game marked the third consecutive outing where the starting offense and defense took the field together.

Right from the start, the Raiders’ defense shined. They forced a quick three-and-out, showcasing strong performances from the defensive line. Adam Butler knocked down a pass, while Maxx Crosby tackled for a loss. Tyree Wilson also pressured Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune, leading to an incompletion.

Postgame, Coach Pete Carroll praised the defense. “They’ve started all three games strong. They’ve done everything we’ve asked of them. There were turnovers in the first two games, and this week they really pressured on the edges,” he said.

On offense, the Raiders showed promise as they methodically drove down the field on their first possession. Zamir White rushed for 19 yards on four carries, setting the tone. Quarterback Geno Smith impressed with two key completions. The first was a scramble to find tight end Michael Mayer, and the second was a perfectly placed back shoulder throw to rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr., who caught it for a 17-yard touchdown.

“I was really fired up for Dont’e,” Carroll mentioned. “His catches were beautiful—great throw, great catch, and he showed amazing body control to score the touchdown.” This play highlighted the potential of the Raiders’ young talent as they readied themselves for the regular season.

Statistically, the Raiders have shown improvement this preseason, with an average of over 300 yards of offense in their games. This reflects their commitment to refining their strategies both on offense and defense. Analysts believe that solid preseason performance is critical, as teams often ride this momentum into the regular season.

Looking ahead, the Raiders face significant challenges, including tough opponents in the AFC West. Comparatively, in past seasons, teams who excelled in preseason often found themselves performing better during the regular season. Only time will tell if this year’s Raiders can break the trend and compete at a higher level.

In fan circles, social media buzzes with excitement over draft picks like Thornton. Many fans share clips of his plays, celebrating the energy he brings to the team. The focus on nurturing young talent could be a crucial factor in the Raiders’ strategy going forward. As the season approaches, both fans and analysts are eager to see if these promising signs translate into on-field success.

For more about the Raiders’ journey and the upcoming NFL season, check out [NFL.com](https://www.nfl.com). This site offers in-depth analyses and updates on team performance and player stats.

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