The long NFL off-season is finally over, and the Raider nation got its first taste of football. The Raiders beat the Rams 14-3 with excellent showing that displays the depth this team has over last season.
The defense dominated holding the Rams offense to 190 total yards. The players on the field were to able to play tight coverage and created pressure consistently on the quarterback.
Even with the win preseason is more about the evaluation than the result. Let’s take a look at the winner and losers from preseason Week 1.Winners
WINNER: DE Arden Key
Arden Key has been designated a situational pass rusher since camp has started by coaches. His camp, however, has led to him gaining steam towards the starting position. The first preseason game added more to fuel to the fire with a stand out performance by Key.
Key was dominant throughout the game, making plenty of plays against the run and the pass. The pass rush has always been Key’s specialty, but his play against the run is what stood out during this performance.
Key displayed enhanced play strength and better hand usage to help make plays in the backfield. If he continues on this path, he might make his way into the starting line up.
WINNER: WR Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant had to be hearing the media’s love for new rookie Hunter Renfrow. Grant came out blazing with a significant impact on the game in limited snaps proving he still could be the starting slot receiver.
Grant started the game off displaying his route running ability with a quick route on a slant for good yardage. He then followed it up with a big catch down the sideline on a corner route from Mike Glennon. Grant route running and catching ability should earn him a roster spot with him adding confidence after having a good outing in the first game.
WINNER: DL Anthony Rush
Who is Anthony Rush? Rush introduced himself to Raider Nation on Saturday. The undrafted free agent out of UAB displayed a player who might sneak in and earn a roster spot on the final 53.
Rush’s power stood out as he was able to move players with ease and make plays in the backfield. He accumulated three defensive stops and made mincemeat of the offensive lineman in front of him.
Rush might be one of those under the radar players who the Raiders might have to stash on the practice squad, but he is for sure an NFL player.
LOSER: FB Keith Smith
How can you be a loser and not play a down? Keith Smith achieved that on Saturday by watching Alec Ingold do everything he does at a cheaper value. Smith, on the other hand, saw his value drop.
Ingold was impressive catching the football. He finished the game with four receptions for 22 yards with a few first downs. Gruden loves fullbacks, and after Smith disappointed last season, Ingold is exhibiting the type of play the coach wants at the position. Smith absence is hurting him in the worst way as he watches on the sideline, and the younger player takes his job.
LOSER: RB James Butler
James Butler was a late addition to training camp after the release of Chris Warren. With three running backs sitting out the first preseason game Butler was earned plenty of snaps to attempt to win a roster spot. He did not make the most of his opportunities.
Butler struggled on his 11 carries only gaining 29 yards and 2.6 yards per carry. He lacked the vision to find holes consistently and didn’t have any burst or the ability to make people miss.
It is going to be hard for Butler to make this team after the steady performance of DeAndre Washington and him not capitalizing on his opportunity.
LOSER: The Raiders Chances if Derek Carr Gets Hurt
If people ever wondered how secure Derek Carr’s place is in the Raider organization Saturday for sure let us know. Mike Glennon and Nathan Petermen both shared the snaps Saturday, and both struggled to prove that either should be the backup.
Glennon threw for good yardage on the stat sheet, but his big-play to JJ Nelson was severely under-thrown. He then threw two egregious interceptions with one of them in the red zone. Petermen only big play was his long run in the third quarter that led to a score.
Other than that he finished the game with a YPA of 5.5 and was not able to move the football. Don’t expect Carr to play much in the preseason and the backups proved why.
