The 2026 NFL preseason ended for the (1-3) Las Vegas Raiders with an 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Over the course of three preseason games, we have seen enough of a sample size to get a decent idea of who they are. What they do well and where they will struggle.
Who are the Raiders
The Raiders are a run heavy team and will go as far as their run game will take them. In the offseason a commitment was made to improving the offensive line and so far they have received a legitimate return. Rick Dennison and his staff have improved the run blocking significantly from top to bottom.
Lanes to run not only exist, but have led to Mike Washington Jr amassing an impressive seven yards per carry throughout the entire preseason. Great downfield blocking from receivers has allowed the run game to move the ball up and down the field.
The passing game remains a work in progress. The Raiders excel in the short passing game and have sparingly had some success in the intermediate. Throwing the ball downfield has only been attempted a handful of times and worked a couple times.
What can you expect on defense
Schematically, a more aggressive defense is what defensive coordinator Rob Leonard is bringing to the table. Lots of disguise in coverages and surely his blitz package is extensive based off the alignments and personnel. Better tackling and fundamentals will be a benchmark to keep watch for.
Maxx Crosby has yet to take the field against an opponent in 2026. All accounts suggest the burst is back and he is every bit the menace and defensive edge force we know him to be. His impact will be a massive help to the entire defense and take pressure off the young guys.
The young defensive backs are going to be really good once the game slows down and they lock in. As a whole, the defensive backfield appears to have recovered and grown from a horrendous showing against the Cardinals in Week 1. Eric Stokes, Taron Johnson and Darian Porter appear very comfortable in the scheme. With a pass rush and provided they locate the football when thrown, they will get their hands on the ball.
Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker are going to make plays for this defense. When they finally get a chance to work with Crosby on a play-by-play basis good things are going to happen.
Where they stand in week 1
Heading into the regular season the Raiders are a work in progress. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will this roster be built in one offseason. Progress has certainly been achieved and better days are on the horizon.
The possibility of going worst to first appears slightly outside the range of an ICBM, but still exists should things begin to click. Consistency is king for a reason, usually a team needs around half to three quarters of a season to gel completely. For a team with as much turnover as the Raiders, that's not conducive to winning.
