Quarterback Derek Carr, Defensive End Khalil Mack, and Long Snapper Jon Condo
The wait finally ended Friday night as the Oakland Raiders hit the field to open their 2016 preseason slate of games against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Silver and Black took care of business, convincingly beating the Cardinals 31-10 at University of Phoenix Stadium, and while a win is always cause for celebration, the importance of Friday's game isn't necessarily tied to the final score.
Head Coach Jack Del Rio and the Raiders will hit the road again in a few short days to take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, but before we shift our focus ahead to Aaron Rodgers and Co., let's take a closer look back at the playtime percentages from Friday night, and see what we can learn from looking at the numbers.
Offense
Derek Carr Gets His Feet Wet– The Raiders starting quarterback played just 12 offensive snaps (22%) Friday night against the Cardinals. He finished the game 3 of 7 for 44 yards, and while his performance wasn't perfect, he stayed upright and left the game healthy, which is a huge win for the opening preseason game.
DeAndré Washington Makes His NFL Debut– Washington led all the Raiders running backs in playing time Friday, playing 18 offensive snaps (33%), while also adding three special teams snaps (9%) too.
In total, Washington's NFL debut was solid; he carried the ball eight times for 42 yards, caught one pass for 32 yards, and also added one kickoff return for 31 yards.
While his fellow running back George Atkinson III stole the show in the latter stages of Friday's game, Washington definitely delivered a quality performance in his first live action as a Raider.
Short And Sweet For Michael Crabtree– The veteran wide receiver played only 10 snaps (18%) against the Cardinals Friday night, but Crabtree no doubt made the most of them.
In his abbreviated evening, Crabtree hauled in two passes for 38 yards, including an impressive sideline catch from Carr that was good for a gain of 22 yards.
Crabtree might have only seen the field for a pair of series, but he was certainly efficient, and looked to be in good form.
Defense
Mario Edwards Jr. Leaves Early– Perhaps the only negative that came from Friday's win over the Cardinals, was the injury sustained by defensive end Mario Edwards Jr.
The imposing defensive end played just 10 snaps (12%) before leaving the game in the first quarter with what was later confirmed to be a hip injury.
As of now, the severity of Edwards' injury is unknown, as is his status for the team's Thursday matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Korey Toomer Paces The Defense– Toomer played 28 defensive snaps (35%) Friday night, and finished the game with a team-high seven tackles.
In addition to his work on the defensive side of the football, Toomer also played eight special teams snaps (25%), adding another pair of tackles, in addition to forcing a fumble.
Nate Allen Secures An Interception– The Raiders safety played 34 defensive snaps (42%) in Friday's win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Allen appeared to be in good form too, notching his first interception of the preseason, while also totaling a pair of passes defensed, and two tackles – quite the start for the veteran safety in 2016.
