As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, excitement is palpable among players and coaching staff alike. This highly anticipated matchup marks the culmination of weeks spent analyzing film, honing skills during training camp, and preparing for the rigors of an NFL game day.
On Tuesday, the Raiders conducted a practice session at Allegiant Stadium, giving players a taste of what to expect when the Cardinals arrive for Thursday's game. For head coach Klint Kubiak, this moment represents a significant milestone in his coaching career, as he takes the reins of a team he can call his own after years of preparation.
“I think the thing I appreciate the most is the coaches I get to work with because it is a group effort and we work a lot of long hours together,” Kubiak shared before the practice. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among his coaching staff, many of whom have head coaching experience in their respective positions. This allows him to focus on his strengths while delegating tasks in areas where he may not excel.
While Kubiak has not disclosed how many series the starting unit will play, he assured fans that the coaching staff has a plan in place to ensure the players receive valuable game experience. This preseason opener is particularly crucial for the Raiders' rookie class, led by first overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza. These young players have exhibited flashes of brilliance throughout the summer, but Thursday’s game will be their first opportunity to perform in a live game environment.
For rookies like wide receiver Malik Benson and cornerback Hezekiah Masses, the preseason opener serves as a chance to validate the excitement surrounding their potential. Benson recalled advice from his former coach, Nick Saban, during his time at Alabama: “Whether it’s game or practice, you just got to take it one day at a time and just don’t let the moment get too big.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the importance of treating the game as just another practice.
Fortunately for Benson, he has been performing well in practice, and he is not alone in his success. The quarterbacks have shown promise, with Kirk Cousins standing out during team drills. Meanwhile, defensive players like Maxx Crosby, Tonka Hemingway, and Keyron Crawford have consistently applied pressure, allowing the running backs to showcase their skills beyond just rushing the ball.
Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. have emerged as a dynamic duo in the backfield, both eager to make their mark in the preseason. Washington expressed the collective excitement among the team, stating, “It’s going to be an exciting moment, I believe, for everybody. It’s our first preseason game, first game we get to show the world what we’re capable of. I’m just…going to be excited.”
With the preseason opener just around the corner, all eyes will be on the new-look Raiders as they take the field against the Cardinals. Fans are eager to see how the team translates their hard work and preparation into performance at game speed.
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