49ers game pumps the brakes on Raiders quarterback hype

The overall mood around the Las Vegas Raiders is different than it was after the game against the Seattle Seahawks last week.

Some position battles are beginning to have some clarity about who is currently leading. Other players, particularly running back Ashton Jeanty have completely changed the narrative with their performances in the second game. Two preseason games might not be the most ideal sample size, but the Raiders now have an idea of what their strengths and weaknesses are.

Unfortunately, not all of the news that came out of the San Francisco 49ers game was of the positive variety.

Struggles during the 49ers game have firmly answered a quarterback question for the Raiders.

Despite having serious momentum from his performance against the Seahawks, Cam Miller struggled when called upon against the 49ers.

Miller looked good on his first drive to get the Raiders in for a field goal, but imploded on the team’s final drive of the game. Two sacks from the 49ers and an interception on his final play of the game put San Francisco in range for what was ultimately a game-winning 59-yard field goal.

Miller was gaining ground in the race with Aidan O’Connell to be Geno Smith’s backup, but Saturday was a massive step back for him.

Granted, O’Connell did not necessarily light the world on fire either, throwing for 138 yards and an interception. That said, he was the favorite heading into the position battle and, barring a turnaround from Miller in the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, it appears that O’Connell will hold on to his spot.

Miller’s strong performance against the Seahawks should at least clinch him a roster spot, but the 49ers showed that he might not be ready for playing duty quite yet.