The Las Vegas Raiders' preseason comes to an end, falling to the Arizona Cardinals, 20-10.
For the third straight preseason game, the presumed first-team offense and defense started the game.
The defense forced a quick three-and-out, all thanks to the defensive line. Adam Butler swatted a pass at the line of scrimmage, Maxx Crosby exploded through his gap for a tackle for loss and a quarterback pressure by Tyree Wilson forced an incompletion by Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune.
"All three games they've started really well," Pete Carroll said postgame. "They've done everything we could've asked of them. A couple of turnovers, we takeaway in the first two games with the first group and really played the running game last week. And this week, overwhelming attack on the edges."
The Raiders offense then methodically marched down the field on their opening drive, highlighted by Zamir White gaining 19 rushing yards on four carries. Geno Smith had two impressive completions, the first running out of the pocket to avoid a sack and find Michael Mayer. His second was a back shoulder throw to rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. for a 17-yard touchdown.
"I was really fired up for Dont'e," Carroll said. "The catches he makes – it was a beautiful throw, beautiful catch, great body control, taps his way in for the touchdown. That was a good play to put in his back pocket and just to make something happen."
The defense forced another quick three-and-out on the following drive, capped off by a split sack between Malcolm Koonce and Jonah Laulu. However their momentum was halted when Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch getting home for a strip sack on Aidan O'Connell. The turnover resulted in seven points for Arizona, as Tune found Simi Fehoko for a 10-yard touchdown to tie the game.
O'Connell then left the game with an injury. According to Carroll, O'Connell fractured his wrist resulting in rookie quarterback Cam Miller entering at the top of the second quarter. The two teams exchanged field goals, tying the game back up at 10 going into the second half.
Both defenses played lights out the majority of the third quarter, until the Raiders let up for an explosive 67-yard touchdown run by Bam Knight. This gave the Cardinals their first lead of the night and they wouldn't look back.
An array of miscues in all three phases caught up to the Silver and Black down the stretch. They were penalized nine times for 77 yards, allowed 210 rushing yards to the Cardinals and went 4-of-14 on third down.
The Raiders front office brass will now take a close look at the preseason film to determine the 53-man roster as cuts are on the horizon.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58), offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making a 17-yard touchdown catch during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) celebrates after making a 17-yard touchdown catch during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) and guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up to kick a 52-yard field goal during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Zach Carter (93) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ovie Oghoufo (90) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback John Humphrey (39) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) and safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jah Joyner (59) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jah Joyner (59) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Carter Runyon (46) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason away game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
