Raiders-Jaguars: What to watch for in first preseason game of 2022

Davante Adams in Silver and Black

The NFL was put on notice when the Raiders made a blockbuster trade with Green Bay, acquiring arguably the league’s best WR in Adams. The All-Pro, reuniting with best friend and college teammate Derek Carr, will wear Raiders colors for the first time in a televised game. Adams, who had a monster season in Green Bay in 2021 (123 catches, 1,553 yards, 11 TDs), forms a “Big Three” with WR Hunter Renfrow and TE Darren Waller. 

Josh McDaniels' homecoming

Las Vegas has a new play-caller. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels debuts as the Raiders’ head coach in his hometown of Canton. Fans should pay attention to his offensive schemes and decision-making. The new head coach played high school football on the same field the preseason game will be played on. 

Alex Leatherwood must step up

Right tackle Alex Leatherwood, a 2021 first-round pick from Alabama, must produce a solid performance. He had a disappointing rookie season and was getting third-team reps in practice recently. 

Leatherwood is competing against Brandon Parker and Thayer Munford. A successful Thursday night would be a big step for Leatherwood. 

“Just me being at Bama, I’m no stranger to competition,” he said during a recent news conference. 

Backup QB situation

Behind Derek Carr, the Raiders have an interesting quarterback room. Backup Jarrett Stidham will get most of the reps. Stidham, who followed McDaniels from New England, offers familiarity and stability for the head coach if Carr misses time with an injury. 

Veteran Nick Mullens and undrafted rookie Chase Garbers are fighting for spots on the roster. Mullens has amassed 17 starts in the league but has only a 5-12 record. He lit up the Raiders in 2018 when he was with the 49ers, 34-3, but his hold on a roster spot may be tenuous.

The Raiders defense

The Raiders may be at least average on defense, which would be an improvement on their performance over the past decade. 

“The Raiders have rebuilt their linebacker corps and secondary to enter the '20s,” ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez wrote. 

Keep an eye on struggling starter Johnathan Abram (safety) and practice-squad hustler Curtis Bolton (linebacker). New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who worked with McDaniels in New England from 2012-15, must decide whom to place alongside defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. Neither star is expected to see much, if any, playing time.