The Las Vegas Raiders completed the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in a 18-12 lost in which all the scoring came on field goals. The Raiders ended the preseason 1-2: Here are some highlights:
In a bit of a surprise, most of the Raiders’ starters played in this preseason finale. They played a series in the opener at Arizona, but didn’t play last week at Houston. The 49ers didn’t play their starters, which is the usual approach around the league for the final preseason game.
Jackson Powers-Johnson behind before Caleb Rogers in a battle head coach Klint Kubiak said was crucial to their battle. Rookie Mike Washington started in place of Ashton Jeanty, who is dealing with a reported sprained ankle he suffered Sunday. Washington had five carries on the first drive for 20 yards.
The Raiders’ first-team offense managed a field goal on their first series against the 49ers’ backups to give them 10 points on their first two series in the preseason.
In another surprise, the Raiders’ starters played a second series in this game. Rogers took over for Jackson-Powers. Washington looked good again on the second drive, with some nice holes created by Rogers, and the Raiders managed another field goal against the backups. Matt Gay connected from 53 yards and there is little doubt he will win the kicking job. Powers-Johnson didn’t play in the second half, but Rogers did.
The Raiders’ first team offense scored on all three of its preseason drives for a total of 13 points.
Washington had eight carries for 49 yards and he looks ready to be the starter if Jeanty misses time to start the regular season. Washington had 168 yards rushing on 23 carries (a 7.3 yard per carry average) in the preseason.
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took over late in the first quarter on the Raiders’ third drive. He played with mostly starting linemen. Rookie Trey Zuhn was the center. The Raiders clearly were trying to keep Mendoza as projected as possibe after he got hit often in the first two preseason game.
With most of the starters on the field, Mendoza threw an interception on a high pass that was deflected multiple teams deep in the Raiders’ territory. It came a play after Jalen Nailor had a great catch. Mendoza threw a Pick Six last week at Houston.
Mendoza was playing with the backup offensive lineman after his first drive. He got sacked on third down (he had no chance) to force a punt. He was sacked again on the next drive and the Raiders were forced to punt again. Fueled by a pass interference call, the Raiders scored a field goal on Mendoza’s fourth series of the first half, a 45-yarder by Gay, to take a 9-6 lead at halftime. Mendoza was five of nine for 39 yards in the first half.
Mendoza started the second half and was playing with Jordan Meredith at center. Zuhn moved to right tackle. Mendoza was replaced by Aidan O’Connell to start the fourth quarter. The rookie went 7 of 14 for 57 yards with an interception and two sacks. It wasn’t a great night, but he didn’t get much help. For the preseason, Mendoza went 25 of 45 for 240 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and he was sacked four times, though he was pressured often. The next time we see Mendoza will be in the regular season whenever that may be.
As expected, star defensive end Maxx Crosby did not plan. He missed the entire preseason as he recovers from knee surgery. But he has been practicing daily and is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins in 17 days.
The Raiders’ first-unit defense, which also featured rookie safety Treydan Stukes, made the 49ers’ backups go three and out on their first drive. The 49ers’ backups went three-and-out on a second drive against the Raiders’ starting defense.
The 49ers’ third-string offense scored a field goal against the Raiders’ second-team defense to make a 6-3 game early in the second quarter after Mendoza’s interception.
Third-round Keyron Crawford had a sack, but he had to limp off the field in the third quarter and he had to be taken off on a cart with an ankle injury.
Defensive end Patrick Johnson continued to stand out and he is making a big case to the make the 53-man roster when it is initially set Sunday afternoon.
Newly signed defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi showed up again and could be a factor in the regular-season rotation.
O’Connell wasn’t great a week after leading a comeback win at Houston. He was three of nine for 32 yards. Undrafted rookie Jacob Clark was inserted for the final eight seconds of the game, his first action.
The Raiders’ defense played most of the game against lesser units, but the defense did have its best performance of the preseason. It played well on third down, which was a nice improvement.
The Raiders only had two penalties after committing 17 penalties in the first two games. So, that’s nice progress.
Cousins, linebacker Quay Walker and wide receiver/special teamer Dareke Yung were the captains. That could be a sign Young is making the 53-man roster. The Raiders used different captain combinations each preseason game.
In the end, it was another ugly preseason game. But that’s what the preseason is. Onto the season.
