The new offense Josh McDaniels has brought to the desert kept rolling Sunday afternoon.
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 26-20 in their first 2022 preseason game action inside Allegiant Stadium. Sunday's game was the first time many of the Raiders' new players been inside their new home stadium with a crowd surrounding them. The consensus of the locker room was overwhelmed by the energy of the building, including Coach McDaniels.
"I've been around a lot of preseason games over 22 years, and I don't remember one feeling like this," McDaniels said postgame. "I would just say that the reception from our fans, getting to know Raider Nation the way that you see them now, it's just different. … That is the best atmosphere in a preseason game that I've ever been a part of. And that's easy to say that, clearly.
"I can't wait to play another time in here, and then get to the regular season and have the opportunity to do it for real in the regular games."
The victory for the Raiders was driven by the success of the offense. The unit compiled 300 total yards of offense, and had eight more minutes in time of possession over the Vikings.
The team got two good showings from quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Nick Mullens, who are actively competing for the backup quarterback job. Stidham ended the game with 68 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while Mullens completed nearly 80 percent of his passes with 94 yards and a touchdown.
"I thought all the quarterbacks did well. I really did," said McDaniels. "Jarrett led a couple scoring drives, and then Nick came in and did the same thing. ... I think Jarrett has really grown over time. One of the things that keeps showing up that I'm really happy about is that there's no turnovers. Before we can win, we have to learn how to not lose."
"All the quarterbacks went in there and generally took care of the ball, made good decisions," continued McDaniels. "Sometimes the best decisions are the ones that nobody can tell in the stadium right away that it was a good choice – throwing the ball away or sometimes taking a sack."
All of the quarterbacks, with UDFA Chase Garbers included, have developed a solid chemistry with each other in the locker. While there's a healthy competition in the room "we're all working hard to improve everyday," Stidham said.
With the Training Camp reps being taken, their comfortability in the playbook is developing.
"I feel really good," Mullens said following the victory. "Every day is a new day, just trying to learn as much as I can and that's the biggest thing. Learn and produce, and I'll be good."
Of the rookies, a standout was the Raiders' seventh-round selection Brittain Brown. He finished the game as the games leading rusher with 14 carries, 54 yards and a trip to the end zone.
Despite it being a preseason game, scoring a touchdown in the NFL is a feat the rookie running back can always be proud of.
"It's amazing. It's a dream come true," said Brown. "It's something I've wanted to do for awhile now. It felt good getting in there with my teammates and celebrating in the end zone."
The team will have a lot of film to look back over this week as they prepare to travel to South Florida to face the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 1 preseason matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) celebrates after rushing for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is congratulated by wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) after rushing for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is congratulated by running back Brandon Bolden (34) after rushing for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is congratulated by quarterback Derek Carr (4) after rushing for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) and guard John Simpson (76) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) and running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 23-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) and wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72), guard John Simpson (76), center Andre James (68), guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) and tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi on the sidelines during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Gerri Green (56) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (48) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) on the sidelines during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. (93) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster (63) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) heads to the end zone on a 34-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) heads to the end zone on a 34-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates with tight end Jesper Horsted (80) after making a 34-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates with wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) after making a 34-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates with quarterback Nick Mullens (9) after making a 34-yard touchdown catch during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Austin Walter (32) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) and quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Nick Bowers (82) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (73) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Vernon Butler (94) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Austin Walter (32) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Austin Walter (32) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) and running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Jackson Barton (78) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isiah Brown (46), running back Austin Walter (32), running back Brittain Brown (38) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (69) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Bryce Cosby (44) and wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Justin Hall (12) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 47-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and long snapper Trent Sieg (47) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Brooks (18) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. (93) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Brooks (18) and linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Nick Bowers (82) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) and quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) and Head Coach Josh McDaniels during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) and quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium.
