SEATTLE, Washington – A not-so-hot take from the Raiders' preseason-opening 23-23 draw at the Seahawks Thursday night?
Tackling, albeit, wrapping and tackling will be a major point of emphasis in camp going forward.
As well as taking the proper angles when setting up for the tackle and setting the edge on defense.
Other than that?
"We started really poorly," Raiders coach Pete Carroll said, matter-of-factly. "We had a really hard time. … It was a miserable-looking first quarter."
A first quarter that, yes, featured starters playing for the Raiders. On both sides of the ball.
Yikes.
"We didn't run the ball very well in the first half," Carroll continued. "We really didn't do much of anything very well. But we stayed close."
And therein lies the glass being half full for the perpetually effervescent Carroll, even as his face said something else entirely different when Daniel Carlson's 55-yard field-goal attempt to win the game at the final gun was blocked.
Yes, it was just a preseason game. And, sure, these exhibitions are used more for evaluation than racking up stats or wins.
But Carroll liked what he saw in the fight from his back-ups and third-stringers against the Seahawks' backups and third-stringers.
Guys like undrafted rookie defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae, who blocked a point-after attempt and had a huge fourth-quarter sack of Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe.
"I'm proud of what I put on today," Ma'ae said. "There are things to clean up. Some plays I wish I could have back. I'm just proud of the finish."
Guys like second-year running back Dylan Laube, who had 40 offensive yards on six touches, including a six-yard TD catch, returned two punts for 20 yards and had a clutch shoe-string tackle on punt coverage.
"With Coach Carroll, he says he wants everyone to set the tone and bring the juice every single day, and that was my role, to bring that juice," Laube said. "Today, I brought the juice, too. It's fun."
Guys like rookie quarterback Cam Miller, a sixth-round draft pick from FCS power North Dakota State who impressed in completing 6-of-7 attempts (he threw one pass away on purpose, to set up Carlson's fateful final FG attempt) for 76 yards and a 41-yard TD pass.
"Now I feel like he can really get better," Raiders starting QB Geno Smith said of Miller, "because he's gotten game experience and he can go and watch that film."
And guys like the guy Miller hit on the oh-so-pretty pump fake for the score, receiver Shedrick Jackson, who finished with four catches for 76 yards.
"I just gave him a one-two at the top of the route, and he bit on it," Jackson said of Seahawks rookie cornerback Kam Alexander. "We were running slants most of the game, and that's what he was reacting to, and once I gave him the one-two and he bit on it, I just took off."
Carroll went so far as to call it a "marvelous" second half for the Raiders, especially with all of the "glaring errors" of the game's first 30 minutes.
But that's what the preseason is for, right?
As Smith acknowledged, the Raiders started out "really slow," though, he said, that was to be expected for a first preseason game.
Still, the hope is that the guys playing the majority of the snaps in the preseason won't be playing the same number when the games count in the standings.
Which brings us back to that odd and somewhat disconcerting ragged start.
Defensive backs were whiffing on tackles. Linebackers were quick to the ball but sometimes got beat on a cut. The defensive line was being pushed around off the ball as the Seahawks rushed for 68 yards in the first quarter.
In fact, the stiffest forearm shiver delivered came courtesy of a former Raider and former Seahawk - Marshawn Lynch, working the game as a sideline photographer. He gave George Holani the business in his back in an apparent attempt to protect his camera when Holani came at him on his 24-yard first-quarter TD run.
So does Beast Mode's camera roll resemble the closing montage credits of "The Hangover," or the closing montage credits of "Rain Man?"
Let's just say his first-half flicks would be as jarring as "The Hangover," his second-half shots as artistic as "Rain Man."
Because offensively, the Raiders' starting unit played just one series and Smith completed one of three passes while rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 pick of the draft, carried the ball three times and finished with -1 yard.
It was intriguing, then, that the combination of Jordan Meredith at center and Jackson-Powers Johnson at right guard played well into the third quarter.
Though not as irritating as the 10 penalties the Raiders were assessed, for 80 yards.
And yet…
The mistakes in tackling and the procedural penalties are all correctable. Things that, with a joint practice with the 49ers this week and exhibitions against the Niners and at the Cardinals still to come, will no doubt be addressed with aplomb.
"It just takes one play at the end if you can get it done, and we got a chance to feel that," Carroll said. "The most important thing is that we take that forward, and we know that we ain't never done and it ain't never over and we're going to keep hanging until we get a chance to win a game."
Yes, even in the preseason.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) intercepts a pass during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) after intercepting a pass during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) and defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 27-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after kicking a 27-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42), safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) and linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61), quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12), guard Caleb Rogers (76) and tackle Charles Grant (60) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ovie Oghoufo (90) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) and defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Carter Runyon (46) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) runs into the end zone after making a catch for a 6-yard touchdown during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrates with Head Coach Pete Carroll after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) goes to kick a PAT during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (47) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II (13) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Gottlieb Ayedze (72) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) celebrates after making a 41-yard touchdown catch during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Laki Tasi (79) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) and running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams (33) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Parker Clements (70) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Qadir Ismail (84) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) goes to kick a 51-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) after kicking a 51-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates after kicking a 51-yard field goal during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) with fans after the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
