{"id":296004,"date":"2025-08-17T18:20:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-17T18:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/296004\/"},"modified":"2025-08-17T18:20:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T18:20:10","slug":"raiders-drop-preseason-week-2-to-san-francisco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/296004\/","title":{"rendered":"Raiders Drop Preseason Week 2 To San Francisco"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oof, that was a tough loss, especially against the San Francisco 49ers. The Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> had the opportunity to march down the field for a game-winning field goal but wound up giving one up instead. While the loss may not hold any tangible significance, it is undoubtedly disheartening, particularly given the coaching staff\u2019s apparent determination to win.<\/p>\n

With all of that said, let\u2019s look at some \u201coverreactions\u201d following Saturday\u2019s action.<\/p>\n

No. 1: We\u2019ve seen enough of the Raiders\u2019 starters<\/p>\n

Just like last week, the Raiders kept the bulk of their starters in for several series<\/a>. Most importantly, on both occasions, Las Vegas seemed to keep their first team out well after their opponents had begun bringing on their \u2018twos.\u2019 At some point, one has to wonder about the efficacy of doing that. Like many new coaches, Pete Carroll clearly aims to build momentum as the regular season approaches. He likely also wants to gain an insightful perspective on his new team.<\/p>\n

But does that momentum matter if the majority of the team\u2019s success comes against backups? Conversely, how much meaningful insight can we genuinely gain from these mismatched situations? Yes, of course the offensive and defensive play-calling was pretty vanilla, which could explain why the Raiders have not looked better against their opponents\u2019 starters<\/a>. If that is indeed the case, could we consider the purpose of keeping them out there for such an extended period?<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, I think all of Raider Nation cringed when they saw Ashton Jeanty go into the injury tent. Yes, it was a relief to see that he was okay, but then they sent him back out there again. The news comes after guard Jackson Powers-Johnson had to miss some practice time<\/a> this past week due to getting beat up in the three quarters he played in the preseason opener.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, it feels as if key players\u2019 health is being put at risk simply because a new coaching staff wants to generate some positive buzz. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be working. The Raiders remain 0-1-1 after two preseason games.<\/p>\n

However, all is not lost in Sin City.<\/p>\n

No. 2: Dont\u2019e Thornton is special\u2026<\/p>\n

It may seem strange to speak so positively about a player who had no catches on two targets during the game<\/a>. However, as they say, \u201cthe tape doesn\u2019t lie.\u201d All you have to do is watch Thornton for a handful of snaps to realize that his combination of size and speed is a problem for NFL cornerbacks. On top of that, his fundamentals are already excellent enough to utilize those physical traits.<\/p>\n

The rookie still has areas to improve. He needs to develop a deeper understanding of the precision required in the NFL game. Additionally, it\u2019s evident that he and quarterback Geno Smith will require time to establish their chemistry. Those things will eventually start to come together. Once that happens, the rest of the league will be in trouble.<\/p>\n

Speaking of trouble, the Raiders are already giving opposing defenses plenty of it at another position.<\/p>\n

No. 3: The Raiders have the best tight end room in the NFL<\/p>\n

Las Vegas\u2019 deep arsenal of dynamic tight ends was on full display this week. It started with an incredible catch by Brock Bowers. The second-year star climbed the ladder for a 28-yard reception on the Raiders\u2019 opening offensive play. Later on, it was Michael Mayer\u2019s turn. He had a nice 11-yard reception to go along with some tough blocking.<\/p>\n

However, it is not just about the top two. Qadir Ismail is quickly emerging as a talented third tight end. He has now caught all four of his preseason targets for over 40 receiving yards. The 6\u20196\u2033 tight end spent most of his first year in the league on the Baltimore Ravens\u2019 practice squad. Could he be the next Darren Waller? Hopefully, he is not pursuing a career in music.<\/p>\n

The duo at the top is likely the best in the league. The closest competition comes from Buffalo\u2019s pairing of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox<\/a>. However, neither of them matches Bowers\u2019 dynamic receiving ability or possesses Mayer\u2019s exceptional blocking skills. And compared to Jackson Hawes, the Bills\u2019 less nimble rookie, Ismail appears to be a bigger red zone threat. Overall, Las Vegas stands out at the top of the league in this position.<\/p>\n

Related: Marcus Allen Pumps The Brakes On Ashton Jeanty Hype<\/a><\/p>\n

*Top Photo: Getty Images<\/p>\n

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