Raiders 2022 preseason: Players whose stock increased vs Vikings

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: A detailed view of an Oakland Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: A detailed view of an Oakland Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Quarterback Nick Mullens #9 of the Las Vegas Raiders signals at the line of scrimmage during the second half of a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Quarterback Nick Mullens #9 of the Las Vegas Raiders signals at the line of scrimmage during the second half of a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 preseason: Players whose stock increased vs Vikings

Nick Mullens

The truth is, it may be too late for Mullens in the battle for QB2. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham looked magical in the annual Hall of Fame game against Jacksonville, and continued his sharp play in the duel with Minnesota. On top of this, the Raiders traded for Stidham for a reason – Josh McDaniels trusts him.

All that said, Nick Mullens was masterful on Sunday afternoon.

The former 49er didn’t look flustered under pressure like he did against the Jaguars. He was focused, made the right reads, had good touch and seemed to be in control at every point. After all, Mullens only posted two incompletions, connecting on 7 of his 9 attempts. The Raiders’ quarterback logged 94 yards and a touchdown as well.

Even when drives looked dead in the water, Mullens wasn’t phased. On 2nd and 9, Hroniss Grasu, who was playing center for the Raiders at the time, snapped the ball well over his quarterback’s head. Mullens chased the ball down and fell on it, ultimately resulting in a loss of 15. With his back against the wall on 3rd and 24, Mullens delivered a 23-yard strike to Demarcus Robinson to keep the possession alive.

Thanks to Mullens’ spectacular play on 3rd and forever, the Raiders were able to end the drive with six when rookie running back Brittain Brown crossed the plane a handful of plays later.

If Las Vegas hasn’t already cemented Stidham as the QB2, the race just became much closer. Luckily for Stidham, he’s been sharp in both preseason contests, as opposed to Mullens who looked lost against Jacksonville. Nevertheless, Mullens stock is on the rise moving forward.