Wide Receiver Johnny Holton
The Raiders started their preseason slate of games Friday night, suiting up and taking on the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Let's take a look at the highlights from the first quarter:
It didn't take much time for rookie running back [DeAndré Washington! to get involved in his first NFL game. The Texas Tech-product started as the teams kick returner, taking the opening kickoff from the end zone back to the 26 yard line.
On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Derek Carr dropped back to deliver a well-placed pass to veteran wide receiver [Michael Crabtree! for a gain of 16 yards.
After punting the ball away on the team's opening drive, the Raiders defense appeared to be in good form as linebacker [Ben Heeney" title="Sean Smith" />!.
Rookie safety [Karl Joseph! started his first NFL game for the Raiders, and completed his first tackle by preventing running back Duke Johnson from a potential touchdown run.
The Raiders haven't shied away from the passing game thus far. Carr has been targeting wide receiver [Amari Cooper!, and Crabtree to move the chains. On a 3rd and 6, Carr threw a lob down the sideline to Crabtree, who made a beautiful one-handed catch for the first down. The play would be challenged by the Cardinals, but after being reviewed the play was upheld as a catch.
Entering his 17th season, kicker [Sebastian Janikowski! capped off the Raiders second drive of the game with a 53-yard field goal.
Quarterback [Matt McGloin! entered the game with 3:43 left in the first quarter. His first play was a hand off to Murray up the middle for a nice gain.
The Raiders capitalized on two Arizona turnovers, the Cardinals fumbled a kickoff and quarterback Drew Stanton threw an interception to safety [Nate Allen" title="Clive Walford" />
" title="Andre Holmes" />! for his second of the quarter.
The Raiders lead lead the Cardinals 17-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Glendale, Arizona — The Raiders started their first preseason game Friday night suiting up against the Arizona Cardinals.
Let's take a look at the highlights from the first half:
Wide receiver Jaydon Mickens got his first opportunity as a punt returner this evening. He was able to create some separation by making the opposing team miss in the open field. The rookie has a lot of speed and took advantage of his chances in training camp.
Rookie running back DeAndré Washington continues to impress in his first game. After flashing his speed on the opening kickoff, he took a run up field in the second quarter for a large gain. His size plays to his advantage, standing at 5'8", he's able to hide behind the offensive line and burst through a hole.
Defensive end James Cowser has been a noteworthy player during training camp and has shown his talent so far in the second quarter. Cowser flashed his speed around the edge and pressured the quarterback on multiple occasions.
The Raiders defense maintained their touchdown lead with 3:42 seconds left in the first half. Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed a field goal that would've put Arizona within four points of the Raiders.
One thing worth noting has been the presence of Raider Nation, the Silver and Black's fan-base has let their voice be heard during this game.
As a whole, the Raiders' offensive line has been strong in the trenches. They provided quarterbacks Derek Carr and Matt McGloin with ample time in the pocket to survey the field.
Raiders hold a 17-10 lead going into the second half.
