Las Vegas Raiders: 5 things to watch for against San Francisco

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Cornerback Nate Hobbs #39, defensive back Johnathan Abram #24, and cornerback Amik Robertson #21 of the Las Vegas Raiders react after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Cornerback Nate Hobbs #39, defensive back Johnathan Abram #24, and cornerback Amik Robertson #21 of the Las Vegas Raiders react after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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Jul 28, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) is pictured during a team practice at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 things to watch for against San Francisco

The continued growth of Alex Leatherwood and John Simpson

Ahead of the preseason matchup against the LA Rams, we expected the Raiders to roll out most of their starting offensive line to help them build chemistry and continuity. Instead, we got the surprise that center Andre James would sit out the game along with Richie Incognito and Kolton Miller.

As a result of playing with mostly backups and 3rd stringers, the offensive line struggled to protect Nathan Peterman and was on the wrong end of some highlight plays by Rams defenders. Despite the overall struggles of the unit, two players stood out with some highlight plays of their own in Alex Leatherwood and John Simpson.

Simpson and Leatherwood, along with Andre James, are spearheading the youth movement on the Raiders offensive line and have gotten better every week of the preseason so far. Both Simpson and Leatherwood were highlighted for some pancake blocks and overall improvements from Week 1 to Week 2.

Leatherwood in particular has shown improvement between the two matchups and we should see that continue against San Francisco. Many critics lambasted the selection of Leatherwood but given the struggles of some other top tackles to stay healthy, this pick is looking better by the day.

He was handed the starting right tackle job as soon as camp began and has shown no reason why he can’t handle the position.

Next. Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that can earn a spot against San Francisco. dark

John Simpson is still listed as a backup guard but Richie Incognito is dealing with a calf strain and could be sidelined for some time. If that is the case, the Raiders have an excellent replacement in Simpson ready to go who has played very well this preseason and we should see more of his mauling pancakes this weekend.