{"id":315371,"date":"2025-08-25T03:33:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T03:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/315371\/"},"modified":"2025-08-25T03:33:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T03:33:09","slug":"raiders-go-winless-in-2025-preseason-3-overreactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/315371\/","title":{"rendered":"Raiders Go Winless In 2025 Preseason: 3 Overreactions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preseason has officially concluded, bringing us closer to the games that truly matter. This preseason has provided valuable insights. Below are some overreactions (or are they?) to the Las Vegas Raiders\u2019 loss to the Arizona Cardinals<\/a> on Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Brace yourself for mediocrity\u2026<\/p>\n

The current vibes are not great. Even if you overlook the game scores, this team does not feel poised to make a significant impact this season.<\/p>\n

Typically, strong teams do not need to play their starters in the preseason finale. When they do, their offensive lines should dominate against the opposing backups. Additionally, successful teams possess depth. Unfortunately, the Raiders have struggled this preseason when their reserves are on the field.<\/p>\n

While this team is notably better than last season, expecting more than eight wins seems unrealistic. Ideally, Las Vegas should have average talent on both sides of the ball, which is a positive outcome.<\/p>\n

Regarding the lack of depth and talent, the Raiders could certainly use improvements at the game\u2019s most critical position\u2026<\/p>\n

The Raiders need a QB2\u2026<\/p>\n

Even before news of Aidan O\u2019Connell\u2019s injury broke<\/a>, it was evident that he was not the solution. The third-year quarterback from Purdue is simply a poor fit for this offense. He appears to lack significant command on the field, and his limited arm talent makes it difficult for Las Vegas to fully utilize their dynamic weapons in the passing game.<\/p>\n

Regarding arm talent, rookie Cam Miller possesses a lot of it. However, he is far from ready to take meaningful NFL snaps. He still needs improvement in accuracy, offensive management, and the ability to read opposing defenses before the Raiders can trust him.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, O\u2019Connell\u2019s injury may prove convenient. It compels the organization to make a decision without the immediate pressure of evaluating a player who has made substantial contributions over the past two seasons. Currently, the player to watch is Dorian Thompson-Robinson<\/a>, who was recently waived by the Philadelphia Eagles and played under Chip Kelly at UCLA.<\/p>\n

While discussing tough decisions, the Raiders must also determine how to handle one of their rookie receivers.<\/p>\n

Jack Bech looks like a wasted pick\u2026<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s premature to make any assumptions, Bech\u2019s performance hasn\u2019t been stellar thus far. After being selected in the second round, the rookie seemed poised to step in as the team\u2019s number two receiver. However, it is now looking more like he will be fourth, or even fifth if you (rightfully) count Brock Bowers<\/a> as a de facto wide receiver.<\/p>\n

Part of this shift is due to the emergence of Dont\u2019e Thornton<\/a>, who has been way better out of the gate than anyone expected. Furthermore, having competent quarterback play seems to be unlocking a lot of Tre Tucker\u2019s potential. These are both good things.<\/p>\n

However, it is concerning that Bech has not been more noticeable this preseason. He may need more time to make an impact, but that\u2019s not what you\u2019d expect from a top 60 pick. At this point, that selection feels like it could have been better utilized to acquire more value than a player who may see fewer than 15 snaps per game this year.<\/p>\n

Related: Don\u2019t Miss Our AFC West Preseason Position Power Rankings!<\/a><\/p>\n

*Top Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie\/Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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