There wasn’t much to cheer about in the Raiders second preseason matchup of 2024. But there were some bright spots here and there. And since these games don’t count, it’s easier to celebrate the small victories.
Ballers
WR Tre Tucker
This game was the Tre Tucker show. He had another long ball in this game, just as he did in the preseason opener. This one went for 48 yards and set up the Raiders’ first score. He might have had one on the first drive of the game had Minshew seen him break open. He would finish the game with three catches for 66 yards.
Tucker also did work in the return game, running a punt back 42 yards to put the Raiders at the Dallas 28 and setting up their second score of the game.
WR DJ Turner
The man who was to be Tucker’s primary competition at slot receiver has the Raiders thinking of ways to get both players on the field.
The Raiders had one touchdown drive in the game. It was their lone third down drive. And it was all Turner. He caught a short dump pass and turned it into 12 yards to put the Raiders in scoring range. Then on fourth and two, he made the catch for a seven-yard gain. A few plays later, on third and five, Turner made an outstanding grab, reaching around the outstretched arm of a defender to pull it in and put the Raiders in first and goal at the eight.
CB Jack Jones
Jones pass breakups ended the Cowboys’ first two drives. He also tied for the team lead with six tackles.
DE Elerson Smith
Smith blew up a run for a loss to end the Cowboys’ first possession of the third quarter. Then on the Cowboys’ final drive, he forced a holding penalty and on the next play got a pressure leading to an incompletion.