The preseason is finally over after the Raiders lost to the Seahawks, 17-15 in Seattle. It was a slow-pacing game that didn’t involve much action in the first place with barely anyone who will make the roster.
The Raiders offense struggled to finish drives and had to settle for field goals on too many occasions. The defense struggled in the first half but bounced back with excellent play in the second. Let’s look at the winners and losers from Week 4 of the preseason.
Winner: RB Mack Brown
One of the standout players from Thursday night was running Mack Brown. He displayed enough talent to land him a job on any practice squad in the NFL.
Brown finished the night with 79 yards on 15 carries for 5.3 YPC average. His longest run was 22 yards, showing off his burst that we have not seen all preseason. While Brown won’t make this roster with the crowded running back room, Thursday night proved he is an NFL player with room to grow.
Winner: P A.J. Cole
After beating out Johnny Townsend for the starting punter job, Cole solidified his coach’s choice with a big game punting the football. The Raiders were one of the worst teams when it came to field position last year, and Cole looks like he can help in that department immediately.
Cole finished the night with a 48.8 net average with two punts inside the 20. His best punt of the night was the 61-yard bomb that reminded Raider fans of Shane Lechler. Yes, punting is a boring part of the game, but after watching Townsend kick the ball the 30 yards at a time last year, Cole is a godsend.
Winner: DT Anthony Rush
Rush just keeps on winning, and he didn’t disappoint again in preseason action. Rush will get snaps next week after putting in another excellent performance as a 1-technique.
Rush had two more defensive stops in the backfield, but his impact is more than just tackles. Rush repeatedly open space for his linebackers with great hands that help him push offensive lineman backward. Rush made this roster along time ago, and he made it clear to the Raiders coaching staff he is here to stay.
Loser: Jon Gruden’s red zone play calling
One of the issues the Raiders had last season was finishing drives. They could not turn red zone opportunities into touchdowns, which led to field goals with an awful defense. Thursday night’s red zone play calling brought back nightmares of the previous season.
The Raiders moved the ball consistently against the Seahawks but ended up short most of the time, leading to four field goal attempts by Daniel Carlson. These players aren’t the starters, and there could be mistakes made by the backups. It still reminded fans of their red-zone struggles and how Gruden still must improve.
Loser: DE Josh Mauro
Mauro was projected to be the starting defensive end all offseason. He got injured in camp, and this allowed second-year player Arden Key to start, and he made the most of his opportunity. Mauro playing in the fourth preseason game might mean he is on the way out.
A few beat writers are saying he needed the reps, but when Keisean Nixon is sitting out, and he is playing significant snaps, it must be a cause of concern for Mauro. I know the Raiders are high on his veteran presence on the defensive line, but with the emergence of Key’s play against the run, he might be on his way out.
Loser: TE Luke Willson
Willson’s struggles were highlighted on Hard Knocks on Tuesday, and it continued into Thursday night. Willson suited up for the final game and was outplayed by second-year player Paul Butler.
Willson will be a long shot to make the 53-man roster after not displaying any upside during all of training camp. The veteran tight end never made his presence felt during his time with the Raiders. The close end group is deep already for the Raiders, and Willson didn’t show enough this preseason to stand out amongst his peers.
