It's just the preseason, but it felt good to see the Silver and Black on the winning side of a football game again. The team hosted the Detroit Lions at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for the preseason opener, in a game that featured a lot of new faces, as well as some returning ones.
While Derek Carr and Co., started the opening series, the night belonged to fellow quarterback Connor Cook and a group of Raiders' rookies. Cook had quite the night, completing 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 141 yards, and one touchdown. His performance was just one of many standouts from the night, and after the game, several players had a chance to reflect on the evening.
Here are the best quotes following the Raiders 16-10 win.
Head Coach Jon Gruden:
Watching Gruden take the sideline Friday night was nostalgic for everyone who was there to witness it.
"Yeah it was awesome. I mean I saw some recognizable faces that had got a little bit older. [I] saw some old friends that mean a lot to me. Like I said all along, it's a great responsibility. The nostalgia's worn off we have to do something with the opportunity but it was sure great to see the Raider fans and they stayed with us until the end I really appreciate it."
Quarterback Connor Cook:
The backup quarterback spot is up for grabs, and Cook isn't taking any days off trying to secure it.
"I look at it as a competition no matter what. Every single day is a competition. My main goal and my main objective is to go out there and win every day. I want to win every period and be the best version of myself I can be each and every day."
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro:
In his first NFL game, the former Florida Gator went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, netting a 45-yard and 48-yard attempt. Postgame he shared that he wasn't all too nervous, he was just happy to be playing the game he enjoys.
"Honestly not really. Like I was telling him [punter Johnny Townsend], it brought back memories of college at Florida and kicking field goals with Johnny. We try not to put pressure on ourselves. We're just trying to have fun and stay focused."
Defensive Tackle P.J. Hall:
The Raiders second-round pick wasted no time introducing himself to the NFL, as he registered his first NFL sack on his very first play of the game.
"I wouldn't say it was surprising. That was one of my goals. I actually talked to my coach before this year I played in the league, he told me his first play was a sack. So I was like 'alright, I'll try to make sure I get that done too'. And I got it done. It wasn't surprising, it was a good feeling to get that out of the way. Now I feel calm. I'm not shooting for something, I'll just be able to play my game now."
