The Las Vegas Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers Saturday at Allegiant Stadium at 1 p.m. PT in Week 2 of the preseason schedule.
The Raiders have some improving to do after their 23-23 tie at the Seattle Seahawks last week. Here are five things to watch for Las Vegas against the 49ers:
Tackle better:
The Raiders’ tackling was abysmal in a Week 1 2-23 tie at the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle ran for 170 yards and the Raiders just couldn’t wrap up. Raiders coach Pete Carroll said the issue was “concerning” and it “stunk.” Yet, the team’s first-year coach is hopeful that the tackling issues was a byproduct of the team not tackling in training camp. So, improvement is needed this week.
Better in trenches:
Most of the Raiders’ starters on both sides of the ball played at Seattle, while the Seahawks’ backups played. And the Seahawks were the better team early in the game. Both the Raiders’ offensive and defensive lines were beaten soundly in Week 1. Las Vegas must show improvement in both areas. A particular area to watch is at defensive tackle, where Las Vegas is thin. If we don’t see improvements, the team may need to seek more help there.
Better play by starters:
Carroll said the Raiders’ starters will play extensively in this game. They must put forward a better showing, because they may not play in the preseason finale at Arizona next week. The New England season-opener looms in three weeks. We need to see a better showing by Las Vegas’ best players this week.
Cut down on penalties:
The Raiders were penalized 10 times for 80 yards last week. It was way too much and Carroll was not happy about it. Hey, the preseason is all about cleaning up messes and this major area that needs to be fixed.
Stay healthy:
Ultimately, staying healthy is the primary objective of every preseason game. the fact that we will see starters play extensively against the 49ers, health is even more important this week.
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