The Hall of Fame Game means football is officially back. For the Raiders and new Head Coach Josh McDaniels it’s an extra game to sort out positions on the roster. Most if not all the starters will sit but that doesn’t mean the game isn’t important. For players looking to win a job or make a practice squad this is the first chance to impress an new coaching staff. Now let’s take a look at areas worth focusing on with a Hall of Fame Game preview for Thursday Night from Canton Ohio.
OL
The biggest off-season question mark for the Raiders has been the offensive line. Thursday night will be the first look at how improved the unit is under new coach Carmen Bricillo. The right tackle spot has generated most of the buzz during camp. Alex Leatherwood and Brandon Parker seem to be locked in a tight battle for the job. Putting a solid performance on film and limiting penalties is the first step. Rookie Thayer Munford Jr should also see a good deal of playing time as he tries to solidify his spot on the 53 man roster.
The two guard spots also remain open and an area to focus on. Lester Cotton Sr has been one of the biggest stores of camp. It will be interesting to see if his march towards the starting RG position continues. Rookie Dylan Parham is expected to have a big impact his rookie year. It will be interesting to see if he gets snaps at guard or center. The new staff values versatility so he might see time at both either Thursday or throughout the preseason .
Running Game
Coach Josh McDaniels wants a strong running game to control his offense. The Raiders have a variety of RB to get the job job done. Now it is time to see how the running attack has gelled early in training camp. Las Vegas improved down the stretch last year but they need to take the next step. A power running game to pick up short yardage and goal situations is the next step.
Rookies Zamir White and Brittain Brown should make their Raiders debut. The key for the backs especially the younger ones will be pass protection. In this offense if you can’t block from the RB position you won’t play. The focus will also be on running lanes and situational football. The offense needs a solid rushing attack to create the balance McDaniels prefers. Thursday will be the first look at how it is all coming together for the silver and black.
OLB
After two early injuries in camp the Raiders are thin at the outside linebacker position. In Patrick Graham’s defense position names don’t mean much as he employs a myriad of looks and disguises. However the defense needs to see where that extra pass Rush can come from whether it’s a traditional OLB or a roamer/blitzer in a 4-2-5 look. They obviously won’t be dialing up exotic coverages or blitz looks Thursday but it’ll be interesting to see who is lining up where when they take the field.
Rookie undrafted LB Darin Butler is a name to watch as he has been making plays in camp according to the teams beat writers. Can he or new added Curtis Bolton provide a spark to add much needed depth? Also, is Jonathan Abram going to get some playing time early in the game? The former first round pick is looking to make an impact after having his 5th year option declined in May.
The Hall of Fame is officially the start of the 2022 season and it means we finally made through the off-season. The Raiders are looking to take advantage of the extra game and try to establish solid depth for the upcoming season . The stars won’t be playing but football is back and that’s what matters.
Thank you for your time reading my article. For more Raiders talk follow me on Twitter http://@BrianRobert85 and check out my previous article here Depth Issues Concerning For Raiders. Also, check back Friday where I will have my game review. I’ll be at the game Thursday and I will provide my insights what stood out for the silver and black.
