Despite Losing to The Dallas Cowboys 27-12, The Las Vegas Raiders Have Built a Playoff Team

Las Vegas Raiders #15 Gardner Minshew (QB) is throwing a pass downfield to an open receiver. Photo by Omer Khan/TGSportstv1.

LAS VEGAS, NV - The Las Vegas Raiders used the first three-quarters of their second preseason game to resolve the quarterback battle between Aiden O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, which resulted in a 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Although Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and star wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb did not play, the Cowboys provided a good measuring stick because they have amassed three consecutive 12-win seasons. The Dallas faithful also brought adversity and energy to the stadium. This game felt real and not just an inconsequential preseason game.

Both Minshew and O'Connell put their team and fans on an emotional rollercoaster. Minshew started the game, improvised, and some good passes to get first downs. However, he was errant on too many throws, which negated Redzone scoring opportunities. The Raiders settled for two field goals and passed on a 3rd field goal to allow Minshew to extend the drive.

Las Vegas even went for it twice on 4th down to allow Minshew to succeed under pressure, but Minshew went 0-of-2. O'Connell played two quarters and started accurately by completing his first 6 passes and a touchdown to tight end Harrison Bryant. However, O'Connell's last pass was intercepted and returned 69 yards for a touchdown by Dallas Nickle-cornerback Kemon Hall.

 Dallas Cowboys #43 Kemon Hall (NCB) intercepted Aidan O'Connell pass and returned it for a 69-yard touchdown. Photo by Omer Khan/TGSportstv1

Minshew went 10-of-21 with 95 passing yards. O'Connell went 14-of-20 with 96 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, and 1 interception. When asked about announcing the starting quarterback, Head Coach Antonio Pierce said in the postgame, "The final decision will be made soon. They both had opportunities. Aidan had 20 attempts, and Minshew had 21…about as balanced as you could. Obviously, you saw what our plan was tonight, throw the ball around and let these guys showcase what they can do."

There were two stars, that shined brightly in the contest. The Raiders wide receiver and punt return specialist is Tre Tucker. Tucker was unstoppable and averaged 22 yards per catch. He also had a 43-yard punt return. The Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance's athleticism wreaked havoc on the Raiders' defense. Lance executed two final drives against the majority of the Raiders starters.

Dallas went 14 plays for 76 yards, ending in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Flournoy. Just before the first half ended, Trey Young scrambled for 20 yards and saved three seconds on the clock. Kicker Brandon Aubrey for the Cowboys completed the longest field goal in NFL history, a 66-yard field goal to give them a 13-6 lead to end the first half. Lance went 15-of-23 with 151 passing yards, 34 rushing yards, passed for 1 touchdown, and ran for a touchdown.

Las Vegas Raiders #12 Aidan O'Connell (QB) looking downfield for an open receiver downfield against the Dallas Cowboys defense. Photo by Omer Khan/TGSportstv1.

The Silver and Black starters demonstrated that making the playoffs is realistic. The Raiders have a top-10 NFL defense anchored by perennial pro-bowlers Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. The Raiders finally have depth at the offensive line. Even with Kolton Miller and second-round draft pick Jackson Powers-Johson being sidelined for training camp with injury, acquired 13 veteran free agents and rookie DJ Glaze has emerged as a force.

Las Vegas has the best combined special teams duo in the NFL, kicker Daniel Carson and pro-bowl punter AJ Cole. The Raiders receiving core will be potent. When you add emerging wideout Tre Tucker to Davante Adams and Jacoby Myers, you have the best-receiving core in the AFC. If you combine all these attributes and limit the penalties, you have a recipe for the playoffs.

None of the Raiders will play next week in the final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. The world will have to wait to see if the Raiders are for real when they open the season on September 7th against the Los Angeles Chargers.