Cornerback TJ Carrie
Thursday night, the Oakland Raiders played host to the Seattle Seahawks at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Although the preseason doesn't hold any weight, the Raiders hold a record of 1-2 and the Seahawks sit at 2-1, going into the finale. Although the starting unit didn't take the field for the Raiders, it should be interesting to watch the backups get some reps.
At the end of the first half the Raiders lead 2-0, let's get you caught up on the action so far.
The Seahawks won the coin toss and elected to kick, with Raiders running back Jalen Richard back to receive.
Fourth-year quarterback Matt McGloin got the start for the Silver and Black this evening and got the game underway with a completion to wide receiver Seth Roberts. McGloin has been solid through training camp and preseason, with a possible chance to be the team's primary backup to Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr.
On defense, the second unit saw work immediately as Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll went with the decision to put the starting offensive unit on the field.
Quarterback Russell Wilson got the Hawks started with a handoff to running back Thomas Rawls. The Raiders defense stuffed Rawls at the line of scrimmage for a loss of two yards. The first drive for the opposing team would be cut short, as the Raiders defense forced a three and out.
The Seattle first unit didn't remain in the game too long, putting in rookie quarterback Trevone Boykin and crew.
Raiders rookie running back DeAndré Washington has been a bright spot in preseason so far. The former Texas Tech-product has shown on a consistent basis his ability to be shifty in the open field, and is also a strong pass catcher. He demonstrated his elusiveness after hauling in a short pass from McGloin for a first down, shaking a couple defenders in the process.
Fellow Raiders rookie running back Jalen Richard has a similar skill set and body type to Washington. The team has utilized both players nicely, incorporating each of them into passing game equally. McGloin has found them open on several occasions, thus resulting in dump off passes for short gains.
At the end of the first quarter the score was tied 0-0, the majority of the game has been a defensive battle between Oakland and Seattle.
To enter the second quarter, Raiders rookie quarterback Connor Cook was subbed in for McGloin. McGloin exits the game 4 of 6 passes completed for 37 yards and a 13-yard rush. It's unclear whether or not the two quarterbacks will continue to split time the rest of the game.
Undrafted free agent rookie K.J. Brent has made good use of his time on the field during the preseason. Cook connected with Brent for an 11-yard gain, the wide out made a nice play on the ball, preventing a potential interception.
Raiders right tackle Austin Howard came up from a play hobbled, with what appeared to be a lower leg injury. Howard was assisted by the training staff, but was able to walk off the field on his own. The injury doesn't appear to be serious, but went to the locker room.
On the ensuing Seahawks drive, rookie linebacker Shilique Calhoun and Co. got after Boykin. Calhoun rounded the outside edge, bursting into the backfield and sacking Boykin for a seven-yard loss. Seattle was forced to punt after the Raiders held them to a 4th and 25.
Oddly enough, the first score of the game came on a safety forced by defensive ends Denico Autry and James Cowser. The Seahawks were lined up on their own four-yard line when Autry pressured Boykin into Cowser, resulting in him throwing the ball away, and causing an intentional grounding penalty for a safety.
