Quarterback Derek Carr
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 ran up the middle to lay a hit on Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. Heeney's pressure caused Palmer to throw a nearly-intercepted pass by cornerback 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. McGloin would find tight end Clive Walford for a touchdown, and then connected with Andre Holmes for his second of the quarter. The Raiders lead lead the Cardinals 17-3 at the end of the first quarter.
