Las Vegas Raiders fans probably didn't want the Klint Kubiak era to start with a two-score loss to the Arizona Cardinals. But it is just the preseason, so there is no need to panic. The final results of these games aren't as important as what the team can learn about itself during these exhibition matches.
And there is a lot for this young Raiders team and coaching staff to improve upon. No, the starters didn't get a ton of snaps out there, and Maxx Crosby didn't play at all, but Las Vegas has a lot to feel good about despite the 27-14 loss. They also have a ton that they need to work on.
It seems like the Silver and Black came out of the game fairly healthy, which is always a good thing, too. But before we get into the hard-hitting analysis, let's just go through some instant takeaways from opening night. A few knee-jerk reactions, if you will.
Instant takeaways from Raiders' up-and-down showing in the preseason opener
1. Fernando Mendoza looked good. He wasn't perfect on the night, as the rookie had some plays that he would surely like back, but he did enough tonight to get Raider Nation's juices flowing. Tight-window throws, using his legs, and good composure were all put on display. A great start.
2. Kirk Cousins and the first-team offense performed well. Kubiak didn't pull out all the tricks, and Brock Bowers never touched the ball, but still, the top group marched down the field for a score. The offense looked much stronger up front, and Cousins spread the ball around very well.
3. Jack Bech made a statement. After a quiet training camp, the second-year wideout had a solid showing in the opener, catching all three of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown. He was available on third downs and in the red zone, which is pivotal.
4. Michael Mayer finally got involved. He caught both passes thrown his way for a total of 19 yards, and Mayer made a nice move after the catch to punch his second reception in for a score. He looked like the guy that the Raiders made a second-round pick a few years ago.
5. Aidan O'Connell struggled with the third-team offense. Getting thrown into the game so late is always difficult, but O'Connell just couldn't move the ball all that effectively, outside a big play or two, and the unit looked disjointed at times. 4-for-13 passing just isn't going to get it done.
6. Mike Washington Jr. looked like an animal. The fourth-round rookie had the play of the night, as he took a great Charles Grant block and ran 53 yards down the field. He also caught a nice dump down that was called back, and he converted on a crucial short-yardage play near the goal line.
7. Rob Leonard's defense was a mess. Without Crosby out there, the unit failed to generate any pressure, couldn't stop the run, and got gashed through the air. On their three first-half drives, Arizona scored three touchdowns, converted on every third down and threw 0 incompletions. Rough outing.
8. Jermod McCoy and the young corners struggled. McCoy gave up two touchdowns in the first half on practically the same route and relinquished a few other catches. Darien Porter was responsible for the other score, and Zeke Masses gave up several catches and whiffed on a few tackle attempts.
9. Kansei Matsuzawa didn't get the job done. The IPP kicker, affectionately known as "The Tokyo Toe," kicked it short of the landing zone and out of bounds on his lone kickoff attempt, and he missed a 38-yard field goal a bit to the right.
10. Discipline was lacking overall. It got better in the second half, but the Raiders still finished with 8 penalties for 75 yards, and they got flagged in all three phases of the game. It kept them behind the sticks and behind the 8-Ball all night.
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