The Raiders offense clicked in preseason win against Vikings
 |
The Raiders offense clicked in preseason win against Vikings |
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 26-20 in their first preseason game of 2022 inside Allegiant Stadium. Sunday's game marked the first time many of the Raiders' new players congregated inside their new stadium. The consensus in the locker room was overwhelmed by the energy of the building, including Coach McDaniels.
"I've been to a lot of preseason games in 22 years and I don't remember feeling that way," McDaniels said after the game. "I'll just say the reception from our fans, Raider Nation as you see them now, is different... It's the best atmosphere in a preseason game I've ever been a part of. And that's easy to say frankly.
"I can't wait to play here again and then get into the regular season and get a chance to do it in a regular game."
The Raiders' victory was fueled by the success of the offense. The unit compiled 300 yards of total offense and the Vikings had another eight minutes of possession.
The team got two strong performances from quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Nick Mullens, who are actively competing for the backup quarterback job. Stidham finished the game with 68 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while Mullens completed nearly 80 percent of his passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
 |
The Raiders offense clicked in preseason win against Vikings |
"I thought all the quarterbacks did well. I really did," McDaniels said. "Jarrett led a couple of scoring drives, and then Nick came in and did the same thing... I think Jarrett has really grown over time. One thing that makes me really happy is that there were no turnovers. Before we could win, you have to learn not to lose".
"All the quarterbacks came out and generally took care of the ball, made good decisions," McDaniels continued. "Sometimes the best decisions are the ones that no one in the ballpark can immediately tell was a good choice: throw the ball or sometimes take a sack."
All the quarterbacks have developed strong chemistry with each other at the locker, including UDFA Chase Gerbers. Although there is healthy competition in the room, "we're all working hard to get better every day," Stidham said.
As reps progress through training camp, their comfort with the playbook develops.
"I feel really good," Mullens said after the win."Every day is a new day, I'm trying to learn as much as I can and that's the most important thing. Learn and produce and I'll be good."
Among the rookies, one standout was Raiders seventh-round pick Britten Brown. He finished the game as the game's leading rusher with 14 carries, 54 yards and a trip to the end zone.
Despite being a preseason game, scoring a touchdown in an NFL game is a feat a rookie running back can always be proud of.
"It's unbelievable. It's a dream come true," Brown said. "It's something I've wanted to do for a while. It was nice to be out there and celebrate in the end zone with my teammates."
The team will have plenty of video to remember this week as they prepare to travel to South Florida to face the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.