The Las Vegas Raiders opened their preseason with a dramatic 23–23 tie against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field, and we learned a lot about their position heading into the season and their looming showdown against the 49ers.
This sends signals to teams that think the Raiders will be a pushover during the regular season. Ignore them at your peril because they have the potential to derail the campaigns of many teams.
Grit and Resolve Define the Raiders
The Raiders demonstrate that they are a competitive team from the first offensive drive. Geno Smith, a new face under center, delivers a 15-yard completion to Tre Tucker on his first throw as a Raider, signaling a readiness to lead this young team. Despite Seattle dominating much of the game, Las Vegas never folds. They mounted a strong second-half comeback, positioning themselves for a potential win, until a blocked field goal ended their rally. This steadfast resilience under pressure exemplifies the mental toughness instilled by Pete Carroll.
One of the most impressive characteristics on display is the Raiders’ refusal to back down. The team rallies with poise and purpose while trailing by double digits late in the game. That second-half surge, powered by clutch throws and decisive play-calling, demonstrates a locker room culture grounded in resilience. Against a 49ers team known for physicality and consistency, the ability to claw back into a game rather than collapse under pressure will be critical.
Interest in this team is growing, from fans in the stands to chatter across sports media platforms. That momentum is visible even in engagement trends on platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook, where fan enthusiasm often manifests through preseason lines and futures markets. It’s worth noting how excitement is building ahead of the regular season, signaling a fan base and a franchise preparing to reintroduce themselves as contenders.
Offensive Depth Strengthens Confidence
The offense flashes versatility across multiple quarterbacks. Aidan O’Connell completes 18 of 30 passes for 205 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Rookie Cam Miller stunned with a near-perfect line: 6 of 7 for 76 yards, including an explosive 41-yard touchdown to Shedrick Jackson. Geno Smith looks poised and effective on his first drive. This performance highlights that the Raiders possess trustworthy depth at quarterback and a balanced aerial attack.
Las Vegas showcases something many NFL teams envy: depth and competency at the quarterback position. While throwing two interceptions, Aidan O’Connell still completes 60% of his passes for over 200 yards and a touchdown, showing confidence in leading multiple drives. Rookie Cam Miller looks poised, accurate, and fearless, making the most of limited snaps by delivering a 41-yard touchdown strike. Geno Smith starts strong, with early completions and field vision. This trio gives the Raiders flexibility and peace of mind, especially with a long season ahead.
Special Teams: Strength & Fragility
Daniel Carlson showcases his range by drilling two long field goals, from 56 to 51 yards, keeping Las Vegas in the game until the end. Las Vegas Raiders. Yet, the final 55-yarder gets blocked by rookie linebacker Jalan Gaines, denying the Raiders a hard-fought win. This apparent dichotomy highlights that special teams can significantly swing momentum, but even a slight miss can dramatically alter outcomes.
Daniel Carlson is as reliable as ever, hitting field goals from 56 and 51 yards, each one a momentum-changer. His leg gives the Raiders a scoring threat from nearly anywhere beyond midfield. However, the special teams unit also exposed a vulnerability when a potential game-winning 55-yard field goal attempt was blocked in the final seconds. Against high-level competition like the 49ers, where games can hinge on special teams margins, clean execution will be non-negotiable.
Defense Faces Youthful Energy
Seattle relies heavily on younger contributors throughout the game, and those players thrive early on. The Raiders’ defense must adapt to dynamic, hungry talent that operates with energy and urgency. Meeting that challenge will be essential against the 49ers’ disciplined, well-coached offense.
Seattle’s young roster moves the ball effectively in the first half, exposing gaps in the Raiders’ defensive reads and reactions. While the unit tightens up late, it’s clear the defense must be quicker to adjust and more disruptive up front. The 49ers bring a balanced offense and a layered play design. Las Vegas must be prepared to dictate the tempo and disrupt the rhythm early to avoid falling behind again.
Building Momentum and Buzz, Heading into the 49ers Clash
As the preseason unfolds, anticipation steadily builds among Raider Nation and across the broader NFL fan base. Platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook reflect growing public interest, as betting activity often mirrors collective excitement. While respecting editorial guidelines, we note this indicator of rising buzz without delving into gambling content.
It captures how the market senses a competitive team emerging under Carroll’s leadership. The preseason may not count toward the win column, but it undeniably influences perception, and right now, the Raiders are turning heads.
Raiders Ready to Compete
The Raiders emerge from their preseason opener as a team that blends aggressive game plans, resilient character, and emerging talent across key positions. Their ability to fight back under pressure, offensive versatility and special teams potential, positions them well heading into their matchup versus the 49ers.
What truly stands out is the mentality: they don’t just play, they compete. That mindset, combined with real depth and a rising wave of fan excitement, gives Las Vegas every reason to head into Week 2 with belief and momentum.
The post What We Learn From Raiders vs. Seahawks Ahead of 49ers appeared first on Raiders Newswire.