In the first preseason game of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders took on the San Francisco 49ers, winning 34-7 after controlling the game from the start.
Aidan O’Connell, a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start—albeit in the preseason—put out a fantastic performance for the Silver and Black.
Zamir White, a second-year player from Georgia, started at running back. Since Josh Jacobs is still not with the team, White will be expected to handle the load.
This summer, the organization awarded Jacobs the franchise tag; however, he declined to sign it and is not currently under contract with the team.
There are many positive things about this roster, especially considering how impressive the Raiders were on Sunday, but the offense might suffer greatly without Jacobs.
When it comes to Jacobs rejoining the team, general manager Dave Ziegler has recently presented a more optimistic image, informing the public and media that a deal might be imminent.
Ziegler expressed further optimism in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio over the prospect of seeing his All-Pro running back in camp shortly.
Before the team’s Sunday preseason game, Ziegler was also seen on camera promising supporters they will close the deal. On Sunday, 8 News Now’s Giberto Obregon tweeted this:
Even though it was just a preseason game and the majority of the starting lineup was missing on Sunday, the Raiders appeared to be far more skilled and well-rounded than their previous Bay Area rivals.
Under center, O’Connell was unflappable, and White rushed the ball with strength, carrying it 13 times for more than 40 yards and a touchdown.