The Raiders’ new regime had its first test in the NFL’s first preseason game of the year, and coach Josh McDaniels’ squad passed with flying colors.
Las Vegas beat the Jaguars in the Hall of Fame Game, 27-11 on Thursday, displaying team-wide grit and execution. It was just one preseason game, played without the Raiders’ stars, but everyone who wore silver and black played hard nonetheless and dominated.
Still, some played better than others. Here are this week’s winners and losers, as some positions are still up for grabs before the regular season kicks off.
Winner: OL Jermaine Eluemunor
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Offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor entered the game after the first-string line had a decent start, and he played a role in the Raiders’ first touchdown. He pulled to the right and cleared a path for running back Ameer Abdullah, who celebrated in stylish fashion.
Pass protection is vital, of course, but that run block looked like it came from a starting right tackle. Competition is fierce at that spot, with Alex Leatherwood and Brandon Parker solidly in the hunt, but Eluemunor helped his cause on Thursday.
Winner: DE Malcolm Koonce
The Raiders are also looking for pass rushers to back up superstars Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. Defensive end Malcolm Koonce appears to fit the bill.
Koonce made multiple appearances in the Jaguars’ backfield. He batted down a pass as he forced Jacksonville’s quarterback to throw on the run, and he was a factor in the Raiders’ only QB sack of the game, working in tandem with Kendal Vickers.
It also looked like Koonce drew a holding penalty late in the first half. In year No. 2, it appears he can be a factor for Las Vegas this season, especially in the versatile scheme of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Winner: RB Ameer Abdullah
Running back Ameer Abdullah had a night to remember. He can say he scored the first touchdown of the 2022 NFL campaign, and he celebrated with flair, performing a nice karate-style kick in the end zone.
He also had two receptions on two targets for 23 yards. That should help his cause in McDaniels’ loaded backfield. And while Abdullah is already penciled in as the starting kick returner, he had a 13-yard punt return in the first half.
Winner: RB Zamir White
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