The Las Vegas Raiders fell to 0-2 in the 2024 preseason on Saturday night after losing to the Dallas Cowboys, 27-12. Thankfully, preseason record means nothing and what players put on tape is most important.
Unlike last week, neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O'Connell was particularly impressive, but one did manage to do enough to secure the starting job. We also saw two receivers who stood out last week cement their spots on the depth chart.
We'll talk about all that and more as we take a look at the biggest takeaways from the Raiders' preseason Week 2 loss to the Cowboys.
Raiders takeaways from preseason Week 2
Aidan O'Connell locks up QB1
Yes, O'Connell threw a pick-six, but he also led the Raiders' lone touchdown drive of the game, going 13 plays and 57 yards to find pay dirt on a pass to tight end Harrison Bryant.
He looked better overall than Minshew, who had more issues with accuracy and should have been picked on multiple throws. O'Connell ended up completing 14-of-20 passes for 96 yards with the one touchdown to one pick, while Minshew finished 10-of-21 for 95 yards and didn't lead a touchdown drive.
If the decision is made after this game, O'Connell will be the choice, but by no means is the Purdue product locked in for the entire season.
Tre Tucker is electric
Tucker continues to look like he's primed for a breakout season. The second-year receiver tallied three catches for 66 yards, including a long of 48 on a pass from Minshew, and he broke loose for a 43-yard punt return. Lock Tucker in as the WR3 after two impressive preseason showings that featured big plays.
DJ Turner locks up WR4
Turner was impressive once again, finishing third on the team with 31 receiving yards. He chipped-in on special teams, as well, with a 13-yard punt return and a fumble recovery. He is comfortably the No. 4 wide receiver on the depth chart.
Bubble standouts
Kristian Wilkerson had the best night of the other wide receivers not named Turner and Tucker, reeling in three catches for 35 yards, the third-most on the team. Tulu Griffin also flashed some kick return skills with gains of 30 and 28 yards.
Cornerback M.J. Devonshire and defensive end Elerson Smith each had a tackle for loss, and safety Chris Smith and defensive end Amari Gainer had one pass defensed each.