While the Las Vegas Raiders left a lot to be desired in their preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the same can't be said of Tre Tucker.
The second-year receiver got to work on the Cowboys defense as soon as he hit the field. All within the first quarter of action, he had three receptions for 66 yards, including the most explosive play of the game for the Raiders offense. With 9:44 left in the first quarter, Gardner Minshew II froze the defense with a fake handoff to Zamir White. This gave Tucker more than enough time to slip past his assignment on a go-route and come away with a 48-yard gain.
The playmaking didn't end in the first quarter. He continued to light up Allegiant Stadium on special teams, returning a punt for 43 yards in the second quarter to put the offense in scoring position.
"Obviously going into Year 2, I think things are different," Tucker said following the game. "[I'm] way more relaxed and more understanding that when the ball goes in the air, just come down with it. I'm a big play guy so just continuing to do that and do it really well."
Tucker's refinements have come from having a season of NFL play under his belt, but also the decision to get LASIK eye surgery this offseason, which he says has improved his depth perception in tracking balls in the air.
Another grand factor is the man a few lockers next to him, Davante Adams.
Being teammates with Adams is still surreal for the young receiver. It was only a little over a year ago that he was in the Cincinnati Bearcats film room studying Adams' route concepts and techniques.
Over time, the All-Pro receiver has become a big brother figure and a mentor.
"When you really get to know Tae and who he is, I guess you could [say] we think the same way," Tucker said. "For me and him, we instantly clicked. I came in as a rookie and we valued the same things. When that happens, you normally become really close. ... We just really hit it off. Last year we got closer as the year went, but this year we've gotten really close."
Tucker has made it a point to ask Adams a question every day – whether it's football or life related. While Adams is still considered one of the premier receivers in the NFL, the 11-year vet is putting more emphasis on paying it forward to future generation of his position.
"To watch the evolution of him and know is mentality, his aim going out there, he's a very driven young player," Adams said of Tucker. "He's doing all the right things right now to put himself in position to keep getting better. I feel like I got a son on the team in the most brotherly way. ... I love nothing more here but to help anybody, but especially that kid."
Tucker and Adams could see a lot of time on the field together as outside receivers. Adams' impeccable route running and sure-fire hands will draw multiple defenders through the course of the season, which could open things up for Tucker on the other side of the field
Needless to say, Tucker hasn't taken Adams' leadership for granted. It could play a big part in a breakout sophomore campaign.
"That's what I'm excited to show this year, the complete route tree," Tucker said. "Running the routes very well, not just being a deep ball guy. Pretty soon everybody will want to play off or play deep, so then what can I do underneath?
"I'm very excited to show that and continue to work at it. Luckily I got big bro, No. 17, the 'Route God,' I would say. He's put a lot of things in my toolbox and I'm just continuing to learn each and every day."
View director of photography Michael Clemens' top picks of black and white photos from the Raiders' Preseason Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo's (5) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson's (59) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers' (16) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
A pair of pants hang in a locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Woo Governor's (44) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers' (89) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) arrives to the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard arrives to the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Caldwell arrives to the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) arrives to the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Noah Shannon (62) arrives to the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) arrives to the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (70) on the bench before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Fans before the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end TJ Franklin (57) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback M.J. Devonshire (26) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) warming up before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders signage around Allegiant Stadium before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) signs autographs for fans before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) waits for the team to be introduced onto the field before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) waits to be introduced onto the field before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) waits to be introduced onto the field before the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) on the sidelines during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Raiderette Kylie on the sidelines during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) on the bench during the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
