The Las Vegas Raiders are finally hitting the field for their first preseason game of the Pete Carroll era, as
The Las Vegas Raiders are finally hitting the field for their first preseason game of the Pete Carroll era, as the legendary coach returns to Seattle for the first time since retiring as coach to take on the Seahawks Thursday night.
While the honeymoon with Carroll and the 2025 Raiders team is still in its early stages, it presents a critical opportunity for the coach and his staff to assess where Las Vegas’ roster stands and answer key questions at positions of need. With a new offensive scheme under coordinator Chip Kelly and recent roster additions, there’s plenty to watch.
Also Read:: Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty’s Preparation Compared to NFL Star
So what do you need to pay attention to during tonight’s Raiders preseason game? Here are three key areas of focus so you don’t get bored watching the first opening act to the 2025 NFL season:
The Offensive Line Shuffle
Perhaps the most intriguing camp development is the offensive line. Jordan Meredith has surprisingly emerged as the first-team center, ahead of presumed starter Jackson Powers-Johnson. While Powers-Johnson is a co-starter at right guard with Alex Cappa, the staff is intrigued by Meredith’s center potential, despite him playing guard previously. Carroll said earlier this week he sees something “special” with the new combination and they’re going to evaluate it after this first game. The Seahawks game will offer the first real look at how this new alignment performs, which is crucial for building chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith and Kelly’s new offensive scheme.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll gets chippy with Jackson Powers Johnson during training camp and coaches up a few key players during warm ups.
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) July 31, 2025
🎥: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today#RaiderNationpic.twitter.com/xZYR0Jieuv
Check out Sportsnaut’s Scott Gulbransen & Raiders columnist Moe Moton on a brand new Silver & Black Today as they break down tonight’s game vs. Seahawks and all the latest from training camp.
Third-Year Leaps and Rookie Flash
Keep a close eye on the young skill position players. Third-year wide receiver Tre Tucker, whom I had to admit I listed as a possible camp cut on my radio show and podcast, is poised for a breakout year, having impressed in training camp thus far. Quarterback Geno Smith has been developing a strong rapport with Tucker, even comparing him to former All-Pro Santana Moss. Smith lauded Tucker’s work ethic, calling him a “spitting image of Santana Moss.” Moss exploded in his third year, and Tucker has already surpassed Moss’s early career receiving numbers. Alongside Tucker, expect rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty to solidify their potential starting roles.
Breakout candidate: #Raiders 3rd-year WR Tre Tucker ⚡️
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) August 5, 2025
The former 💯th pick made 14 starts last season, totaling 583 yards and 4 scores. Showing flashes tied to Geno Smith, the shifty 5'9 big play threat is cementing himself as WR2 behind Jakobi Meyers. pic.twitter.com/4iTwab5weK
Defensive Front Development
On defense, focus on the talent surrounding Adam Butler, the Raiders’ best defensive tackle. Jonah Laulu is currently projected as a starter, but he’s fending off competition from new additions Thomas Booker and Keondre Coburn, along with veterans Leki Fotu (who is nursing a foot injury) and rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. This game is crucial for determining the rotation up front. Additionally, the development of young cornerbacks, such as rookie Darien Porter, a college wide receiver convert, and second-year player Decamerion Richardson, is key. Porter’s size and speed suit Carroll’s defense, and the team is keen to see if these young players can contribute immediately.
The preseason, although not particularly exciting for fans to watch, provides invaluable live-game evaluations for players competing for roles and for the team to gel under a new coaching staff. It’s also vital for this new-look Raiders squad to become familiar with the new offensive scheme and evaluate where GM John Spytek and his front office may need to do more work.
Read More: Three Raiders Training Camp Surprises That Could Reshape Roster
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