The Las Vegas Raiders play at the Houston Texans on Thursday night in their second preseason game. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. PT. Here are five things to watch for:
Improved defense:
The Raiders’ defense stunk against the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason opener last week and the unit struggled in a joint practice with the Texans on Tuesday. The Raiders are having big issues against the run and in the secondary. They need a bounce-back performance in this game under new coordinator Rob Leonard.
First-team
offense:
Raiders’ coach Klint Kubiak wouldn’t say if Kirk Cousins and the first-unit offense will play in this game. It did play one series against the Cardinals and looked great, scoring a touchdown. The unit wasn’t so good in Tuesday’s practice, though. So, it could use the extra work in this game. The Texans, by the way, reportedly will rest many starters.
Young defensive backs:
Rookie cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Zeke Masses were worked a bit by the Cardinals. They need to finish plays. So, they must bounce back and get some confidence in this game.
Third-down offense:
The Raiders were 7 of 14 on third down against Arizona and second-year wide receiver Jack Bech converted three times on third down. That is a sign of winning, efficient offense. Let’s see this this promising trend can continue in this game under new head coach and playcaller Klint Kubiak.
Play clean:
The Raiders were pretty sloppy in the preseason opener. They committed eight penalties for 75 yards. They need to clean that up this week.
