Oakland Raiders 2015 Preview: Playmakers forming defensive identity

August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) rushes against Arizona Cardinals tight end Ifeanyi Momah (80) during the third quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In the third preseason game, the dress rehearsal, the identity of an NFL team that year is revealed. The starters play into the third quarter which is usually longer than they play all preseason long. I’m not sure how much game-planning goes on but more of the regular season playbook is installed.

Coaches want to see their starters running their bread-and-butter plays to get the execution down. And as they run these plays, you can see who the playmakers on the team are going to be. Some of them are playmakers from the previous year while others are newly signed free agents or draft picks.

And ultimately, how they play off of each other is what forms the identity and success of the team.

Turn the page for a look at the Oakland Raiders’ playmakers.

Next: Raiders Defensive Playmakers: TJ Carrie