Week 1 of the preseason is over, and the Oakland Raiders are now gearing up to face the Cardinals on Thursday night. To get you prepared for the game, here are five players, both starters and reserves, to keep an eye on during this week’s game on ESPN.
1. RB Josh Jacobs
The rookie running back from Alabama did not suit up in Week 1 of the preseason as most of the first team did not play. But with Derek Carr expected to play at least a drive or two, the No. 24 pick in the 2019 draft should join him on the field.
While Jacobs won’t receive many touches tonight, look to see how he is used. Are they taking him off the field on third downs in favor of Jalen Richard or are they leaving the rookie on the field? If he is on passing downs, is Jacobs blocking or is he out on pass routes? Jacobs’ debut should be a fun one to watch against Arizona’s talented defense.
2. RT Trent Brown
Tonight will likely be our first look at the Raiders’ biggest addition during free agency as Brown is expected to start at right tackle. Throughout camp, Brown has been dominant. He has been everything the Raiders could have ever asked for.
Against the Cardinals, he will likely be facing Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs. It will be fascinating to see how he holds up against those two All-Pro rushers. Look for Brown to play a drive or two against Arizona as he looks to prove he was worth the massive investment by the Raiders.
3. WR Hunter Renfrow
In his first preseason game, fifth-round pick Hunter Renfrow was shutout, receiving just one target all game long. He failed to have a catch and was out-played by other receivers on the roster, such as J.J. Nelson and Keelan Doss.
However, expect that to change this week. With more of the first-team offense playing, Renfrow should have a better chance at making a splash with Derek Carr behind center. Look for the two-time national champion to make a few big plays on national TV like he has done in the past.
4. DE Arden Key
With Maxx Crosby out of the lineup due to a broken hand, second-year defensive end Arden Key is likely to play significantly more snaps with the first team tonight. While that may seem like a good thing for Key, the Raiders have repeatedly said they would like to keep him in a designated pass-rushing role.
In Week 1 of the preseason, Key thrived in that role, recording an impressive sack in the second quarter of the game. But will he be able to keep up that pressure on the edge with a higher snap count total? This will be an excellent test for the former LSU defensive end as he will have the opportunity to show the league he is more than just a pass rusher.
5. CB Trayvon Mullen
In the first game of his career, the former Clemson Tiger’s play was up and down. The Rams made it a point to target him, and they had some success doing so. But the point of the preseason is to see how these players respond to adversity and show signs of improvement.
Isaiah Johnson is out with a concussion and Nevin Lawson is suspended for four games, so the Raiders will need their second-round pick to play right away, possibly opposite Gareon Conley.
Against Kliff Kingsbury’s Air-Raid offense, it will be fascinating to see how Mullen responds to only a so-so debut. Look for the rookie to play most of the first half tonight against Arizona.
